DOF ROBOTICS INCREASES TURKIYE’S POWER IN THE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY ARENA

DOF Robotics aims to strengthen its leadership in the entertainment sector through strategic partnerships with global brands and increase Türkiye’s global competitive advantage in digital entertainment

Since 2006, DOF Robotics has been attracting attention with its significant achievements in the technology and entertainment sectors, increasing the competitiveness of Turkish technology in global markets with exports to more than 80 countries. In an interview with Mustafa Mertcan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of DOF Robotics, we discussed the company’s achievements in the field of informatics and technology, the steps taken in this field in Türkiye, and its future vision for Business Diplomacy magazine.

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT DOF ROBOTICS’ FIELDS OF ACTIVITY AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE?

Since 2006, as a company operating in the field of technology and exporting 90 percent of its production, we have strengthened our presence in global trade every year. As of today, we export 90 percent of the robotic systems we produce in our 4000m² area in İstanbul Yeşilköy Specialized Free Zone to more than 60 countries. We successfully sell more than 40 percent of our products in the US market, where we are based. We are increasing our strategy and effectiveness in this market every year with DOF Robotics Inc. and our Los Angeles office, which we opened in 2017. In this context, we opened our showroom and warehouse in Dallas, Texas. By seizing the vast opportunities offered by the North American market and establishing long-term collaborations, we offer innovative and impressive entertainment experiences to the region.

This achievement is not only a milestone for us, but also a very important indicator of the strength and competitiveness of Turkish technology worldwide. As DOF Robotics, we are shaping the technology of the future in the entertainment sector by working with some of the world’s most prestigious and wellknown brands as Universal Studios, Marvel, Warner Bros. Six Flags, and other major theme parks. These collaborations are not only a testament to the quality of our products, but also to our company’s innovative perspective, our use of technology, and our leadership in the sector.

Our company has a structure that can skillfully manage all processes from the design phase of devices used in the entertainment sector, through software development, to the experience offered to the end consumer. We develop a wide range of innovative products, from virtual and augmented reality (VR/ AR) experiences based on advanced technology to motion simulators, interactive games, and other entertainment projects. Our products add value to users’ experiences by combining both education and entertainment in various venues such as theme parks and entertainment areas. These projects not only expand users’ imaginations, but also reshape the boundaries of technology in human life, opening the doors to previously unimaginable experiences. For example, we are undertaking exciting projects such as giving people a space experience in a virtual environment through digital technologies. Here we not only use virtual glasses, but also completely change the environment, giving the user a comprehensive and realistic virtual experience.

These types of projects set a completely new standard in the entertainment sector, taking the user experience to a level never seen before. In addition, our collaborations with Marvel Studios, Universal Studios, and other major brands demonstrate the international success and quality of our products. At DOF Robotics, we are breaking down the boundaries between entertainment and technology, reinforcing our leadership in the sector, and strengthening our pioneering position in this field every day.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM GOALS OF DOF ROBOTICS? HOW DO YOU AIM TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEM IN TÜRKİYE?

The post-pandemic years 2021 and 2022 got off to a fast start for our industry. In this process, DOF Robotics was included in Deloitte’s “Technology Fast 50 Türkiye 2024” list and succeeded in becoming one of the fastest-growing technology companies in Türkiye. We were also awarded the title of the fastest-growing company among technology companies that export more than half of their exports abroad. This is not only an award, but also a result of our efforts to gain a permanent place in the international market. 2024 was also an extremely productive year for us. This year, we made groundbreaking investments in entertainment by creating new-generation digital parks in İstanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. These parks will pioneer digital entertainment trends not only in Türkiye but also in the world. In addition, we have made important collaborations with world-famous brands such as Rovio, the owner of Angry Birds, and Transformers. By using the licenses of these brands, we develop innovative products for the global market. Our products combine both entertainment and technology by offering experiences for the global fan base of these brands.

WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU FOLLOW TO COMPETE IN THE GLOBAL MARKET?

Competing in the global market is possible not only by being present, but also by being constantly innovative. Developing different mindsets and generating unique solutions are critical in this regard. In the entertainment sector, we aim to create lasting and unforgettable memories while enriching people’s our products and on impressing people with innovative solutions to achieve this goal. By using technology creatively, we not only offer consumers unique experiences, but also allow us to make a difference in the industry and gain competitive advantage. In addition, the importance we attach to the branding process has an important place in this journey. As we continue to develop internationally, we have become one of the few brands to directly receive Turquality within the framework of the “Turquality Support Program” of the Ministry of Trade.

We consider this as an indicator of the importance we attach to institutionalization. We aim to maximize our corporate structure, branding process, and sustainable growth potential, which we have built on a strong foundation, and become a world leader and Türkiye’s global technology company. We aim to increase the international recognition of our company through our fair participation, digital marketing strategies, and various collaborations in the global arena. In 2011, when we first participated in fairs in the US for the first time, we spent five years consolidating our position in the sector and achieving success This process showed us once again how important it is to gain a foothold in the sector with patience, dedication, and determination. Today, we are reaping the fruits of this patience and effort, and working relentlessly to further strengthen our leading position in the industry.

In addition, DOF Robotics’ international successes in 2020 with award-winning projects such as “Flying Theater” and “Hurricane 360 VR” are just a few concrete examples that reinforce our leadership in the industry. These projects demonstrate not only the power of combining innovation and technology, but also that we are opening the doors to a new era in the world of entertainment. As DOF Robotics, we continue to make a difference at the intersection of entertainment and technology while offering unforgettable experiences to more and more people every day.

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE STEPS TAKEN IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY IN TÜRKİYE?

Türkiye is a very successful country in terms of using technology; in fact, I can easily say that it is ahead of Europe. However, we still have significant shortcomings in developing technology and creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem. We need to support our companies that produce software and hardware more, and we need to give special incentives and positive discrimination to companies that are pioneers in this field. Such support will not only contribute to the growth of these companies, but will also significantly strengthen Türkiye’s competitive position in the global technology race.

In an environment where technology is rapidly evolving and constantly moving to new dimensions, it is essential for our companies to focus more on forward- looking approaches such as artificial intelligence integration. Institutionalization and branding efforts are critical to be prepared for disruptive technologies, to gain a sustainable place in the global market, and to stand out in international competition.

For example, when you integrate artificial intelligence into a machine, not only does that machine offer a technical innovation, but its value and competitiveness in the market increase much more. Such innovative approaches will create a strong foundation to support Türkiye’s sustainable success and long-term growth in technology.

WHAT IS DEİK’S ROLE IN THIS AREA?

As the pioneer of business diplomacy, DEİK is a strategic platform that enables Türkiye to assume a more effective and stronger role in global markets. DEİK opens the doors of international trade by providing entrepreneurs and companies with valuable networking opportunities, know-how, and strategic guidance in the markets of the countries they target. In particular, DEİK (Digital Technologies Business Council) creates a dynamic ecosystem that encourages cooperation in rapidly growing and transforming sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and software.

DEİK helps Turkish companies become more globally recognized and create new business opportunities for global markets, while also contributing to the establishment of international business networks. Such collaborations not only support the growth of companies, but also allow Türkiye to achieve economic growth and a stronger position in global trade networks.

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