Istanbul Technical University

Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

MARINE ROBOTICS LAB

Research and engineering in maritime technology and robotics.

Since 2015 our lab has led maritime robotics with 50+ projects, 30+ peer-reviewed publications, and extensive experimental testing.

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Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering

Why Marine Robotics Lab?

Six key reasons why our research matters as maritime technologies advance towards an autonomous, intelligent and indigenous future.

Industry–University Collaboration

Applied research on real projects with strategic sector partners such as TPAO/TP-OTC. Work that goes beyond the academic — deployed, tested, and validated in the field.

Indigenous Technology Development

Türkiye's first indigenous Dynamic Positioning System was developed in this laboratory. Research that reduces dependence on imported technology and contributes to strategic independence.

Ready for an Autonomous Future

DP, navigation and control research — critical technology layers on the path to fully autonomous ship systems — the building blocks of tomorrow's maritime ecosystem.

Experimental + Numerical Integrity

CFD-based analyses and physical experiments at Ata Nutku Ship Model Laboratory are conducted together. Both numerical and experimental validation ensures reliable engineering outputs.

Multidisciplinary Research Team

A broad expertise spectrum spanning ship hydrodynamics, artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and embedded systems. An integrated research environment where disciplines converge.

Student-Centred Research

Undergraduate and graduate students apply theoretical knowledge to real engineering problems. Systems tested in the field provide an engineering experience that goes beyond the classroom.

From our work

Marine Robotics Lab - YouTube

www.youtube.com/@marineroboticslab

Open channel

Joined

July 26, 2019

Subscribers

69+

Videos

29+

Total views

5.540+

DTC Second Basin Experiments

First video in series: [DTC Second Basin Experiments 1] Freerunning Test 1

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DC Motor Tests (Old)

First video in series: [Motor Test 1] DC Motor Control Using a Potentiometer

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Research Areas

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Dynamic Positioning System (DPS)

Indigenous DPS development for drilling, support and research vessels. Successfully validated on the PSV Sancar scale model in collaboration with TP-OTC.

DPS · DP · Indigenous Technology · TP-OTC

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Autonomous Marine Vehicles

Sensing, navigation control, energy management and decision algorithm research for USV and AUV class vehicles.

USV · AUV · Autonomous Navigation · Path Control

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Ship Hydrodynamics and Model Testing

Resistance tests, CFD validation, and efficient hull form research at the Ata Nutku Ship Model Test Laboratory.

Resistance · Model Testing · CFD · Hydrodynamics

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Latest News

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Yat Marina Interview: Domestic DP Technology and Autonomous Navigation in the Maritime Sector

In an interview published by Yat Marina, the Deanship of the Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering at Istanbul Technical University highlighted the decisive role of indigenous Dynamic Positioning (DP) technologies and autonomous navigation systems in the Turkish maritime sector.

Our Dynamic Positioning System Work Featured in Anadolu Agency

The 12 April 2026 report by Anadolu Agency covered our laboratory's indigenous Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) research, conducted in collaboration with Istanbul Technical University and Turkish Petroleum (TPAO).

Resistance Tests on ONR Tumblehome: A Student-Centred Experiment at Ata Nutku Laboratory

Standard resistance tests were conducted on the ONR Tumblehome model at five different speeds at Istanbul Technical University's Ata Nutku Ship Model Test Laboratory, with İŞKUR-supported students taking an active role throughout.

Latest Blog Posts

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Autonomous Marine Vehicles: The Beginning of a New Era in Maritime

Autonomous marine vehicles are rapidly gaining ground in the global maritime industry to enhance operational safety, reduce costs, and minimise human error. Türkiye holds significant potential in this field, both academically and industrially.

What is Dynamic Positioning (DP) and Why is it a Critical Technology?

Dynamic Positioning System enables a vessel to maintain its station and heading at sea using only its own thrusters, without deploying an anchor. With a wide range of applications spanning from drilling vessels to autonomous marine vehicles, DP has become an indispensable component of modern maritime infrastructure.

Ship Resistance and Model Tank Tests: The Scientific Foundation of Efficient Ship Design

One of the most critical inputs in ship design is the resistance force the vessel will encounter moving through water. Accurate determination of this value directly influences decisions ranging from fuel consumption and main engine selection to carbon footprint and operating costs.