Autonomous vehicles are currently one of the most anticipated technologies in Europe, with several pilot projects already underway across the continent.
Driver-assist cars (levels 1 and 2 of automation) are already available, while those at levels 3 and 4 are in the testing phase.
Regarding fully autonomous vehicles (level 5), they are estimated to arrive starting from 2030.
“These are popular among various companies in the field, but their arrival to the public is not yet expected due to some problems they must face,” Ömer Orkun Düztaş, CEO of Büyütech, tells Mobility Portal Europe.
In this regard, he explains: “Most people consider that the main challenges are regulations and laws, among other aspects, but we believe there is a bigger issue, which is that the technology has not yet evolved.”
These vehicles must have sensors, integrated cameras, computers, high-precision GPS, satellite receivers, and short-range radars, which fully or partially perform driving tasks.
Büyütech stands out in this field.
The Turkish company develops and manufactures advanced, high-quality camera-based solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for its global partners, including Ford Trucks.
Why hasn’t this technology evolved yet?
According to the CEO, this is because, based on economies of scale, this approach is not viable as “the sensors are four to five times more expensive than the vehicles.”
“Our goal is to innovate by creating a new perception system, capable of detecting any object in any weather condition, even in extreme ones, without experiencing interference problems,” he explains.
They also aim to create a world without traffic accidents and to democratize autonomous cars.
It is important to mention that, according to a report from the European Parliament, human error is involved in approximately 95 per cent of all traffic accidents on the continent’s roads.
What solutions does Büyütech develop?
On one hand, the company offers interior monitoring system products.
Their Driver Monitoring System (DMS) identifies and adapts driving preferences for greater comfort.
The user-oriented camera with infrared LEDs can detect the driver’s state and closely monitor it for drowsiness and attention levels.
Until level 5 autonomous becomes a reality, this solution allows for controlling user safety, preventing distracted or alcohol-affected operation.
Moreover, the company specializes in advanced assistance systems, showing its pivotal role in vehicle safety and accident prevention.
Its array of cutting-edge solutions includes automatic emergency braking, high beam assistance, lane-keeping assistance, advanced adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and pre-collision throttle management, with each representing a cornerstone of its groundbreaking ADAS technology.
Büyütech also provides the Side Mirror Camera System (SMCS), designed for application in buses and heavy machinery.
This improves visibility by eliminating blind spots, giving an extended field of view and improved night vision.
Furthermore, rear and surround-view cameras enhance the driver’s sight.
“We work on technologies that make vehicles perceive the world as humans do,” emphasizes Ömer Orkun Düztaş.
Büyütech stands out, among other aspects, for having established one of the first production centers for autonomous camera technologies in Turkey.
All products produced in their factory are calibrated, tested, and have all necessary certifications.
Currently, the company produces around 6,000 cameras every week, with a total capacity of 800,000, and aims to reach over three million by 2026.
Where does Büyütech operate?
Mainly in Turkey, serving clients such as TOGG (Türkiye’nin Otomobili Girişim Grubu), a Turkish automotive company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) production.
However, in its roadmap, it plans to expand its business to other European countries and the United States.
“We are no longer a startup; we are a growing company, so we need to expand our business globally,” says the CEO.
To achieve this goal, it is preparing for a new round of funding of at least ten million euros, which will be allocated to the development of new technologies, autonomous vehicles, and strengthening its current business model.
How is the eMobility market progressing in Turkey?
“The EV industry is expanding and supported by the Government,” he states.
According to the latest data published by the Automotive Distributors Association and Mobility (ODMD), 7.1 per cent of cars sold from January to March were electric.
The number of registered eCars in the country is 93,973, supported by 17,233 charging points, of which 5,821 are fast chargers.
In this context, the CEO emphasizes: “Both the electricity and the EV market are emerging significantly here, but there are some shortcomings in the infrastructure.”
“The government has not yet completed its investments, so it is easy to find charging stations in cities but difficult on highways,” he adds.
However, Turkey also faces an economic situation “that is not as good as in Europe.”
Therefore, most people see investment opportunities in second-hand vehicles and show some reluctance to purchase electric cars, according to Ömer Orkun Düztaş.
