Melikgazi Municipality deploys AI robot MEGA for market inspections

The Melikgazi Municipality in Kayseri, Turkey, has deployed an AI-powered humanoid robot named MEGA to assist municipal police (zabıta) during inspections of local businesses. Following a month of training, the robot is actively patrolling the Melikgazi Bazaar to monitor hygiene standards, product shelf life, and pricing accuracy.

Using its AI-supported hardware, MEGA scans shelf labels and compares them in real-time with checkout prices to ensure consistency. The robot transmits its findings instantly to relevant municipal units. During inspections, MEGA provides verbal feedback, thanking compliant business owners and informing those with deficiencies about current regulations.

Melikgazi Mayor Mustafa Palancıoğlu stated that the municipality aims to integrate technology more effectively into public services. He noted that while MEGA is currently assisting with market oversight and public information, the technology could eventually be utilized in areas such as security, disaster management, and cleaning services.