Turkey’s indigenous bomb disposal robot Ertuğrul takes operations by storm

Turkish defense giant Aselsan’s Ertuğrul Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Robot, which was domestically produced and developed, is rapidly becoming the rising star of Turkey’s nationwide operations.

Used for deactivating improvised explosives under demanding conditions, Ertuğrul has so far disposed of 120 suspicious packages across Istanbul.

The mobile robot, which is 85 kilograms, can operate for up to four hours under weather conditions ranging from -29 °C to 69 °C and pass through up to 30 centimeters of water.

It also has enhanced mobility on various terrains such as rock piles, steep slopes and stairs under tough environmental conditions like snow and mud, and its flipper mechanism also increases the reach out capacity of its robot arm.

The aim and gripper cameras enables Aselsan’s robot operator to examine suspicious objects with high resolution in real time from the remote operator control unit and it records the operation for future examination.

Founded in 1975 in the capital Ankara, Aselsan, which produces military radios and defense electronic systems for the Turkish Armed Forces, is seen as Turkey's premier defense systems producer.