DowAksa achieves a first in industrial automation

DowAksa takes new step in digitalisation by deploying Turkey's first outdoor autonomous robot in its advanced-technology carbon-fibre composite manufacturing facility. DowAksa, a leading carbon-fibre producer, has taken another significant step in industrial automation. By deploying Turkey's first outdoor autonomous robot in its factory, DowAksa is gaining considerable advantages in terms of time savings, safety and more efficient labour utilisation. Turkey's first outdoor autonomous robot was created to address specific and critical needs at DowAksa's facility. Previously, workers transported carbon-fibre composite material samples from the production floor to the laboratory by bicycle; with the robot, the transport operation has become autonomous, allowing workers to focus on more productive tasks.

Can operate continuously for 24 hours

Buket Yurtsever, Supply Chain Director at DowAksa, shared information about the robot. Describing how the robot's natural navigation capabilities enable it to operate without requiring additional equipment to be installed on the factory floor, Yurtsever stated: "It stops when encountering obstacles or plans a new route. Moreover, thanks to these capabilities, the robot can work continuously outdoors for 24 hours in various weather conditions. This ensures that samples reach the laboratory on time and safely. This technological solution offers significant advantages not only in terms of time and safety, but also in terms of operational efficiency and more efficient labour utilisation." The outdoor autonomous robot stands out as 100 per cent domestically manufactured. Birfen Elektrik Elektronik, as the contractor for DowAksa's facility, designed and produced this robot entirely with its own R&D team. Yurtsever noted that the robot was specially designed according to DowAksa's requirements and developed to adapt to the challenging conditions of the factory environment. Yurtsever stated: "Features such as uphill climbing capacity and a product-specific transport hopper are part of this custom design. Birfen Elektrik Elektronik's 40 years of expertise in this sector has enabled it to build a particularly robust infrastructure regarding carbon dust resistance of industrial products. Furthermore, having control over the software allows them to implement optimisations on site quickly and effectively. Currently, one robot produced for use at DowAksa's facility is actively in operation."

Can safely transport carbon-fibre composite material samples up to 40 kg

At DowAksa's advanced-technology carbon-fibre composite manufacturing facility in Yalova, the robot operates in a designated 400-metre area using only its natural navigation system without following any additional markers. At the same time, the robot can safely transport carbon-fibre composite material samples of up to 40 kg. Real-time location and estimated arrival time are monitored via a tracking interface on the robot. Samples produced are loaded onto the robot and sent to the laboratory. Upon reaching its destination, the robot sends an alert to laboratory personnel. Staff members retrieve the samples from the robot and complete the transport operation. Noting that they plan to increase the number of robots in line with future demand and requirements, DowAksa Supply Chain Director Yurtsever concluded: "We are targeting mass production of the robot and its introduction to the sector. The robot's cost, including maintenance expenses, provides significant long-term operational savings. By extending the use of such robots to other projects, we plan to further increase the factory's overall efficiency and production capacity."