A recent fair in Ankara, Türkiye, highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including engineering, defense, and healthcare. Organized by Ankara University, the two-day Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Project Fair aimed to foster collaboration between academics, industry professionals, and public institutions. Discussions covered the positive and negative impacts of AI, exploring its potential benefits and ethical considerations.
One key focus was the defense industry, where Tanyel Çakmak from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) emphasized the importance of indigenous technology due to limitations on technology transfer. She pointed to the development of the Atak helicopter and Altay battle tank as examples of innovative ideas from Turkish engineers, adding that Türkiye is now working on a sixth-generation fighter jet integrating AI.
Kaan Atalay, also from TAI, indicated that AI is a top priority for the aerospace manufacturer. The company aims to reduce reliance on manned flights by using AI to detect threats and determine ammunition needs. They’re also leveraging AI-focused maintenance and simulation methods, using digital twins, to improve profits and sustainability in after-sales services.
Discussions also addressed the role of AI in manufacturing. Tuğba Soyer from MAN Türkiye emphasized the importance of data accuracy and sustainability in achieving desired results. Abdurrahim Toktaş, an expert in AI and data engineering, provided examples of AI applications, including how Bugatti uses AI for brake system design and how Tesla reduced failure rates by 30% through AI.
Murat Karakuş, a software engineering expert, highlighted AI’s positive effects on testing codes and boosting productivity. “AI has made software development processes more efficient in less time and cost reduction for companies,” he said, while also warning about potential biases in data and a decline in creative thinking skills.
Other speakers discussed the broader implications of AI. Bahadir Aktuğ, a geoscience expert, suggested that robots could take on skilled jobs, while Caner Koç, an expert in agriculture, explained that AI could increase efficiency on farmlands by utilizing high-tech tools for planting and harvesting. Baran Erdoğan, a cyber security expert, stressed the importance of managing data quality.
The health sector was another major focus. Ayten Kayı, an expert in thoracic surgery, expressed optimism about AI’s potential to aid clinical decision-making. “One of the advantages of AI is that it does not get tired. It works day and night. It helps in reading symptoms, providing early diagnosis,” she said. However, concerns were raised about potential ethical problems.
İhsan Doğan, a brain and nerve surgery expert, expressed reservations about the reliability of AI, noting that human judgment remains essential. Haydar Ankışhan, an expert in stem cell and regenerative medicine, noted that AI can speed up daily life while potentially reducing research skills and creativity.
Other participants discussed specific AI applications in healthcare. Tuğba Haklı from Retinow Health Technologies presented software for diabetic patients, and Alparslan Koçubez, a genomics expert, discussed AI’s role in accelerating the diagnosis of rare diseases. Ibrahim Sevki Bayrakdar, a radiologist, noted AI’s effectiveness in visual assessment and trauma detection. Mehmet Ortaburun, a software developer, pointed out that AI can provide rapid diagnoses by processing numerous medical images.
Ankara University’s rector, Necdet Ünüvar, concluded the fair by thanking all participants for their contributions to the event.
