Griffin Competes in the 16th MEB Robotics Competition with Küheylan

Griffin Competes in the 16th MEB Robotics Competition with Küheylan

Griffin, under the leadership of Berkay Mazman, is excited to announce its participation in the 16th International MEB Robotics Competition with Küheylan, our autonomous vehicle. The competition, organized by the Ministry of National Education (MEB) of Türkiye, will take place in Erzurum from October 16 to October 19, 2024.

Berkay Mazman
Berkay MazmanAuthor of this post
5 min read

Welcome to an exciting chapter in Griffin as we proudly join the 16th International MEB Robotics Competition in the autonomous vehicle category. Our vehicle, named Küheylan, is a testament to our dedication, innovation, and engineering expertise. Led by team members Berkay Mazman and Enes Yılmaz, Küheylan is designed to tackle complex autonomous tasks, from lane detection to intelligent obstacle navigation. In this post, we'll take you through our journey, the significance of the competition, and the incredible technology behind autonomous vehicles.

About the International MEB Robotics Competition

The International MEB Robotics Competition is an annual event that brings together robotics enthusiasts, engineers, and programmers from around the globe. Each year, teams compete in various categories, including autonomous vehicles, line-following robots, and drone challenges. With a mission to inspire future generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the competition serves as a platform for innovation and global collaboration.

Participating in this event requires advanced engineering skills and an understanding of AI-driven automation. Teams work tirelessly to develop robots capable of handling real-world challenges through AI, machine learning, and sophisticated control systems.

Learn more about the competition here: MEB Robotics Competition Official Site

What Are Autonomous Vehicles?

Autonomous vehicles (AVs), also known as self-driving cars, use sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate without human intervention. They're programmed to make real-time decisions, identify obstacles, follow lanes, and adapt to environmental changes. In competitions like MEB, AVs are tested rigorously to measure their efficiency, safety, and adaptability.

Key Components of Autonomous Vehicles

  1. Sensors and Cameras: Autonomous vehicles rely on cameras, LiDAR, and radar sensors to gather data on their surroundings.
  2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI algorithms process data from sensors, enabling the vehicle to make critical decisions.
  3. Control Systems: These systems translate AI-driven decisions into physical actions, allowing the vehicle to steer, accelerate, and brake effectively.

In the MEB Robotics Competition, the autonomous vehicle category is particularly challenging, requiring vehicles to adapt to dynamic environments, handle crossings, and accurately follow lanes and rules.

Introducing Küheylan from Griffin

Küheylan represents the culmination of hard work, innovation, and teamwork. Designed with a modular architecture, Küheylan combines real-time image processing, precision control, and high-performance hardware. Here's a closer look at what makes Küheylan stand out:

  • Advanced Image Processing: Using YOLOv11 and NCNN optimization, Küheylan detects lanes, obstacles, and other vehicles in real-time.
  • High Precision Steering: A servo motor controls Küheylan's steering, allowing for sharp turns and accurate lane changes.
  • Real-Time Decision-Making: With its AI capabilities, Küheylan can make split-second decisions in response to obstacles and changes in its surroundings.

Our preparation has focused on addressing the most challenging aspects, such as accurate lane detection, efficient cornering without speed sensors, and safe overtaking maneuvers. Our ultimate goal is to achieve a balance between speed and stability that showcases our commitment to excellence in robotics.

Meet Team Griffin: Berkay Mazman and Enes Yılmaz

Our team is led by two dedicated and skilled engineers:

Berkay Mazman

Berkay, the lead software developer of Griffin, specializes in computer vision and machine learning. His expertise with Python and AI has been instrumental in implementing Küheylan's real-time image processing capabilities. Berkay is also the developer behind several innovative projects, including his personal website, berkaymazman.com, where he shares insights on robotics and technology.

Enes Yılmaz

Enes, the team's hardware expert, brings his skills in electrical engineering and control systems to Küheylan. With a focus on precision and efficiency, Enes has helped design Küheylan's servo and DC motor control systems, ensuring smooth and responsive vehicle navigation. His background in robotics competitions has been invaluable in preparing for the MEB challenges.

Together, Berkay and Enes have worked tirelessly, guiding Team Griffin toward a successful entry in this year's competition.

Challenges We Face and Lessons Learned

Our journey to the 16th International MEB Robotics Competition has been filled with both challenges and achievements. Key areas of focus include:

  • Image Processing in Dynamic Environments: Ensuring that Küheylan's vision system can adapt to changing lighting conditions and complex environments.
  • Precise Lane Following: Accurately detecting and staying within lane boundaries, a requirement in the autonomous vehicle category.
  • Obstacle Avoidance and Safe Overtaking: Programming Küheylan to handle obstacles and overtake other vehicles smoothly and safely.

Our preparation process has been a rich learning experience, as we tackled these challenges through research, testing, and continuous improvement.

Why This Competition Matters

Participating in the MEB Robotics Competition is more than just a chance to compete—it's an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of autonomous technology. Autonomous vehicles have a promising future, with applications ranging from public transportation to personal vehicles and logistics. Competitions like these allow teams like Griffin to push the boundaries of what AVs can achieve, paving the way for safer, smarter, and more efficient technologies.

Join Us on This Journey!

As Team Griffin, we're excited to showcase Küheylan's capabilities and our dedication to the field of robotics. Follow our journey and stay updated on our progress throughout the competition on our social media channels. We're grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and compete alongside talented teams from around the world. Thank you for supporting Griffin Robotics!

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