AI-assisted vehicle inspections to begin in 2027

Turkey announced plans to implement AI-assisted vehicle inspections starting August 15, 2027, following a demonstration of the system at a pilot center in Istanbul's Arnavutköy district on August 21. The initiative involves advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted imaging, contactless tire checks, underbody scans, and robotic headlight tests. These innovations aim to modernize the nation's vehicle inspection process, which currently handles over 34.7 million registered vehicles. The project, managed by TURKA, a private company contracted to operate Turkey's vehicle inspection services for two decades, was showcased through real-world applications at the pilot site. This facility will function as a hub for testing, training, and research until the nationwide rollout. The system is designed to integrate multiple technological advancements, ensuring comprehensive evaluations of vehicles. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted the integration of AI-assisted image processing, high-resolution cameras, laser measurement technologies, advanced sensors, and robotic systems into the new inspection protocol. He described these inspections as akin to providing vehicles with an "MRI and CT scan," emphasizing their thoroughness and precision. TURKA Chairman Halis Ezer noted that the company conducted extensive research over 18 months, evaluating global vehicle inspection technologies and operational models. Rather than adopting a singular foreign approach, Ezer stated that TURKA tailored solutions to meet Turkey's specific requirements by combining elements from various international systems. The pilot center serves multiple purposes, including comparing equipment, testing software updates, assessing operating procedures, and gathering feedback from vehicle owners. It will also train employees who will manage inspection centers nationwide. Among the technologies being tested is a system capable of reading tire sidewall information while a vehicle is in motion, checking tire compatibility, and measuring tread depth without physical contact. AI-assisted imaging will identify potential issues such as cracks, cuts, and bulges. High-resolution cameras will inspect underbodies and bodywork, measure vehicle dimensions, and robotic systems will perform headlight measurements and other lighting checks. These AI systems will alert technicians to possible defects and offer supporting data, aiming to minimize discrepancies in individual assessments. Vehicle owners will have the ability to monitor each step of the inspection process and access digital results. Additionally, plans include live viewing of inspections from waiting areas, with new technologies and procedures aimed at reducing wait times for users. TURKA intends to establish 249 fixed and 103 mobile inspection centers equipped with approximately 900 inspection lanes. This network will cater to a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and agricultural machinery like tractors. The company plans to utilize both locally developed technologies and expertise from its partners in the United States, Spain, and Argentina. In addition to vehicle inspections, TURKA is collaborating with public authorities to prepare its 249 fixed centers to assist in the initial response to forest fires. These facilities may also be repurposed as field hospitals during disasters and emergencies, enhancing their utility beyond routine inspections.