University Students Prepare for the Future with Applications at the Simulation Center
January 25, 2025
Balıkesir University Technology Transfer Office Inc. and MRS established the Simulation Center approximately three months ago through a university-industry collaboration to support students' education.
Students from the departments of computer, mechanical, industrial, and mechatronics engineering, as well as the School of Civil Aviation, have the opportunity to experience devices such as F-4 and F-16 simulators, motion platforms for air, land, and sea vehicles, a space science vehicle, an 8-axis hybrid aircraft simulator, and an automobile racing simulator at the center.
By gaining hands-on experience with these simulators, students acquire valuable skills for their future careers, allowing them to graduate with enhanced competencies.
Balıkesir University Rector, Prof. Dr. Yücel Oğurlu, described the Simulation Center as an exciting and promising initiative for the university.
Rector's Assessment
Emphasizing the importance of university-industry collaboration, Oğurlu stated: "These devices exist only in Türkiye and the United States. While simulation devices are available in many places, those with 8-axis motion capability are unique. We usually pay millions of dollars to acquire such technology from abroad. However, seeing this implemented locally through a Turkish university and a Turkish company is truly valuable. The Simulation Center is exciting not only for our country's economy but also for demonstrating the potential and capabilities of our engineers and companies in the defense and gaming industries."
These Systems Are Crucial for Pilot Training
Prof. Dr. Oğurlu highlighted the significance of the project for engineering students, stating: "The fact that these devices operate on 8 axes is an exceptional feature. Most other simulators offer limited motion and screen-based training. However, the devices developed here have already caught up with U.S. technology. Moreover, our team is working on a project featuring 9 degrees of freedom and unlimited motion capability. If realized, this would be a groundbreaking achievement worldwide."
We Can Use the Most Advanced Virtual Reality Applications
Dr. Aytekin Ulutaş, an academic at Balıkesir University Edremit School of Civil Aviation and Technology Leader at MRS, explained that they have advanced the simulation systems designed for training in air, land, and sea vehicle operations. He noted that their company is the second in the world to achieve 8 degrees of freedom on circular axes and unlimited motion capability. Ulutaş continued: "Additionally, we have successfully integrated Extended Reality (XR) technology into our simulation devices. With this system, we can use the world's most advanced virtual reality applications in simulators. Our company and university are working in perfect harmony, combining the university's knowledge, expertise, and skilled workforce with the company's agility and efficiency to create a new collaborative model." Ulutaş emphasized that this project fully realizes the concept of university-industry cooperation.
Our Students Are Preparing for the Future Here
Highlighting the significant contribution of the Simulation Center to students, Ulutaş stated: "While still studying, our students witness firsthand how completely local and national technologies are developed in Türkiye. We make them feel that they, too, can achieve this. We instill this awareness in them. Students are accepted into the system even at the internship stage. After graduation, we employ them. Currently, 80% of our staff are graduates of Balıkesir University. It is not easy for universities to invest in technology, but thanks to this center, our students gain direct access to the latest technologies in Türkiye and around the world. Here, they truly prepare for the future, and we provide an environment that fosters the development of highly qualified Turkish engineers."
Canberk Bilal, a graduate of Balıkesir University who now works at MRS and is responsible for product sales at the Simulation Center, also emphasized the center's importance in broadening students' horizons.