Projects
The RoboAI Research and Development Centre has dozens of projects supported by different funding partners every year.
Projects of the RoboAI Research and Development Centre
RoboAI Industry – Automation and robotics
GAMMA - Game-based Learning in Mathematics
The international Erasmus+ funded project GAMMA (GAMe-based learning in MAthematics) is creating teaching materials, teaching scenarios and related mathematical games that include topics from the mathematics curriculum for students aged 14-18. The project is coordinated by a Croatian higher education institution and involves, in addition to SAMK and Pori Lyseo Secondary School, higher education institutions from Greece and the Netherlands and secondary education institutions from Croatia and Greece.
The project aims to:
- To raise teachers' and students' awareness of different digital maths games and their connection to improving mathematical skills.
- To develop learning materials for all mathematics teachers interested in digital technology-based GBL, as they play a leading role in guiding students through the process.
More information about the project (project-gamma.eu)
For more information, contact Mirka Leino, mirka.leino@samk.fi
RoPoSA
The project aims to speed up the robotics investments of micro and SME companies in Northern Satakunta by demonstrating the benefits that can be achieved with the help of robotics. Often in micro and SME companies, the need for robotization is identified, but the investments remain unrealized.
Research goals:
- Technology walks, which aim to identify potential robotization targets in cooperation with companies.
- Visualize the versatile possibilities of robotics with concrete demonstrations.
- Promoting the culture of experimentation with e.g. robot demonstrations.
Duration: 1 March 2022 – 31 December 2023
Funded by: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Satakunta ELY
More information: Toni Seessalo, toni.2.seessalo@samk.fi
Tuottavuus keskiössä - Focus on productivity
The main objective of the project is to increase the skills of the personnel of the target companies and thereby improve the productivity of the participating companies as well as other companies in the region.
The objectives of the project are:
- To respond to the changing training and skills needs of enterprises in the current market situation through compact training courses.
- Bring new skills to enterprises through flexible training based on digital platforms.
- Enable trainees to discover and learn by experimenting, for example, with robots in the RoboAI shared-use laboratory.
- Provide positive experiences with flexible automation solutions, e.g. collaborative robotics, and thus stimulate investment in robotics
The project will be based on expert presentations around different themes, Learning by Experimentation lab experimentation days and training in productivity-enhancing technologies tailored to companies.
For more information, please contact Toni Seessalo, toni.2.seessalo@samk.fi
RoboAI Health – Welfare and health technology
Data Lake Innovation Testbed for Future Hospital
Research components/objectives:
Finland's first ecosystem where Testbed integrates
- central and university hospitals
- universities of applied sciences and science universities
- ´datalake´ suppliers
- supercomputing platform supplier and
- growth and start-up companies
Duration: 11.1.2021 - 31.5.2023
Funding source: special funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture for RDI activities in universities of applied sciences
More information: Jonna-Carita Kanninen, jonna-carita.kanninen@samk.fi
DigiNepsy - Promoting the work and functional capacity of neuropsychiatric clients through technology
Research components/objectives:
- Supporting sensory load and recovery, structuring of daily life and interaction
- Identification and acquisition of existing technology solutions and development of new tools
- Piloting of technology tools
- Development of multidisciplinary services and professional skills
- Creation of an Idealainaamo material bank
Duration: 1.3.2020 - 31.12.2023
Funding: The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Central Finland (ESF)
More information: Juha Mäkelä, juha.makela@samk.fi
Hyvinvointia Hybridisti
Key objectives of the project
- to increase the understanding of technology-mediated services and distance interactions
- to enable the diffusion of digitalisation of services and the development of service quality
- to strengthen the interaction skills of professionals in empathic presence and encounter in technology-mediated services
- expanding the technological competences of professionals and the technological skills of professionals and users
- to increase confidence in the technology-mediated development of services and provide them with a development environment
- to extend remote and local services to professionals' and users' environments, e.g. through service design
- to be proactive in building hybrid services for the future (2030), taking into account the strategies and scenarios of the work community and the business environment.
Duration: 1.9.2021 - 31.8.2023
Funding: REACT-EU ESF measures
More information: Tiina Mäkitalo, tiina.makitalo@samk.fi
IKI - From ageing to innovations
Duration: 1.3.2023–31.8.2025
Financier: ERDF European Regional Development Fund (EU and state funding applied for is 60% and Municipal funding 40%, city of Pori)
Coordination and partners: The main coordinator of the project is Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, the partners are Diak and the University of Tampere, Pori unit
The main goal of the project is to utilize the benefits of digitalization for the benefit of citizens, companies and public administration. As a result of the project, GeroTestbed, which specializes in promoting the functional ability of the elderly, will be created. GeroTestbed is part of the Satakunta Testbed activities. GeroTestbed is a development and testing environment specialized in promoting the functional ability and well-being of the elderly, where it is possible to test and develop both well-being and health technology devices and software. GeroTestbed links the region's strong robotics and automation expertise, especially to the health and safety field.
More on the project from the website (satakuntatestbed.fi/en)
Additional information: Mervi Vähätalo, mervi.vahatalo@samk.fi
KidsLikeUs – Empowering NGOs & public institutions in helping children overcome migration traumas using creativity and favors of nature
The project aims to support children affected by migration crises and other mental health challenges by inspiring volunteers, educators, public authorities, and NGOs to create welcoming and sensory-friendly environments that bring in nature, address all senses, and improve mental and physical well-being.
As part of the project, a set of digital and physical solutions for the "Superhero sensory garden" will be developed to enable the creation of arrangements in which volunteers and educators will be able to conduct integration, relaxation, and therapeutic activities more easily and comfortably. These "gardens" can help improve mental health for not only refugee children but also people of all ages and nationalities. By addressing these borderless issues and encouraging the design of welcoming environments, the project facilitates that children can develop strong mental attitudes and feel valued regardless of their current location, nationality, or background, ultimately building a better and more inclusive future for the European Union and the generations to come.
Funding source: Funded by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument) within Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021 - 2027.
Duration: 1.1.2023 - 31.12.2025
More information on the project website https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/kidslikeus/
More information, please contact Anja Poberznik, anja.poberznik@samk.fi
RoboRFID
Ensuring critical healthcare environments function with modern technology: a new fusion of mobile robots and passive RFID technology.
The RoboRFID project will develop robotic and smart wearable technologies for well-being and health, for individual, organisational and societal needs. A key aspect of the project is to ensure that the technologies work together, as it is the combination of technologies that can address challenges in times of crisis.
For more information, visit the project website.
For more information: Sari Merilampi, sari.merilampi@samk.fi
TEKOS technology enhancing inclusion - network for effectiveness
In the project coordinated by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, inclusion is promoted using smart clothing and smart furniture technology. In order to achieve this goal, a multi-professional and continuously developing network will be created with the University of Tampere, the multidisciplinary Sote Academy of the University of Turku, and the Oulu University of Applied Sciences through education and research. The network brings together researchers, teachers, students and professionals in technology, occupational and speech therapy and special pedagogy.
More information on the project website.
More information: Ollipekka Kivin, ollipekka.p.kivin@samk.fi
Networking to boost accessibility of AI-based virtual technologies in rehabilitation - Virtual Rehabilitation Network
Key objectives of the project:
- A network of multidisciplinary experts from higher education institutions with expertise in technologies and rehabilitation.
- To respond to skills needs arising from changes in working life, such as the growing number of remote services in the pandemic era
- Research, develop and innovate new AI-based virtual technologies for rehabilitation accessibility awareness and skills
- New skills for each of the actors involved in the delivery of impactful remote services, research and training content
The target groups of the project are rehabilitation professionals, teachers, students and young rehabilitees.
Duration: 1.1.2021–31.12.2022
Funding source: Ministry of Education and Culture
Further information on the project: https://projects.tuni.fi/virtuaalikuntoutusverkosto/
Contact: Taina Jyräkoski, taina.jyrakoski@samk.fi
New technologies for the assessment and monitoring of brain health
The project is piloting an easy-to-use brain health monitoring solution based on brain waveforms using technology that is discreetly integrated into clothing.
At the same time, it is developing the know-how to apply brain electrical activity measurement to a wider range of applications, such as cognitive enhancement, computer application design (e. g. games), neurofeedback therapy and rehabilitation applications.
Wearable sensor technology will be also offered in a platform format, allowing applications using the same sensor to be built for very different purposes, creating new opportunities for software and data analytics companies.
The project aims to improve business opportunities and product development capabilities for companies in the region and to promote internationalisation.
The project is expected to provide companies with new product development expertise, international networks and co-development partners. Through the outputs and activities of the project, business opportunities for enterprises will be improved.
Duration: 1.9.2021 - 31.8.2023
Funding source: REACT-EU ERDF measures
Further information: Anja Poberznik, anja.poberznik@samk.fi
RoboAI Green – Circular economy of technology metals
AIST - A novel AI-based Spectroscopic Technique and a future-ready research laboratory for recycling of battery materials
AIST project is a Satakunta University of Applied Sciences owned project with two visiting researchers from University of Oulu (battery materials) and Tampere University (spectroscopy). The goal of the project is to develop an AI-based spectroscopic method that could identify and sort the composition of the recyclable battery materials online as part of the pre-processing phase of the recycling process, thus directing the batteries more efficiently and safely to the right recycling process in the industry.
The project will make research of the present and future battery materials and investigate the most promising spectroscopic methods for identifying the materials. This knowledge will provide a basis for teaching the AI system to identify the elemental composition of the battery materials, and to design and build a spectroscopic system. The system will be tested in a laboratory and the goal is to test it in an industrial setting, too. The eventual goal is to develop an AI based spectroscopic system that is ready-to-imply in the industry for recognizing the battery materials online in the pre-processing phase of the recycling process.
Funding: Ministry of Education and Culture
Duration: 1.1.2023 – 31.12.2024
Further information from the project's page (in Finnish)
Further information: Johanna Valio, johanna.valio@samk.fi
RoboAI Green
The Centre of Excellence in the Circular Economy of Technological Metals is a joint project of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences and Prizztech Oy, where the RoboAI competence base is extended to the circular economy of technological metals.
The basic research question of the cluster is how to efficiently and intelligently collect, identify and separate devices and components containing valuable technology metals so that recycling of metals from them is profitable and safe.
We will identify the best available technologies, test them in the laboratory and in practical pilot projects, and promote their uptake by industry.
Funded by REACT-EU ERDF measures
Duration: 1.9.2021 - 31.8.2023
More information on the project on its website.
For more information, contact Pekka Suominen, pekka.suominen@samk.fi
SUMEA - Molten metal analysis methods to promote the circular economy
SUMEA is a project of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, which goal is to enable better recyclability of technology metals. Manufacturing high-quality technology metals requires good process management, which requires both long experience and a precise knowledge of the raw material. Increasing the proportion of recycled raw material in the manufacturing process brings challenges to the control of the process, as the batches of recycled raw material are often small, and their quality varies significantly. There may be unwanted impurities among the recycled material. By analyzing the melt before the melt feed is mixed with a large amount of molten metal, unwanted impurities could be detected in time. Analyzing the melt at a sufficiently early stage would enable a controlled increase in the amount of recycled raw material in the process. The project investigates the use of spectroscopy in the analysis of molten metal. The analysis of molten metal using spectroscopy will be piloted in the project.
Funding: Satakunta Regional Council (ERDF and the city of Pori)
Duration: 1.1.2023-31.12.2024
Further information from the project's page (in Finnish)
Further information: leena.nolvi@samk.fi
UTULaser – Vehicle battery identification and automation of the recycling process
In the near future, the electrification of the automotive industry will produce huge quantities of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries will be manufactured with several different chemistries that cannot be recycled by the same methods. The analysis of batteries and the identification of battery chemistries will play an important role in the recycling process.
The project will pilot how laser spectroscopy combined with artificial intelligence can identify different battery chemistries quickly and accurately. The speed, safety and accuracy of recycling will be improved, resulting in lower unit costs.
Funded by: The Ulla Tuominen Foundation
Duration 1.1.2022–31.12.2023
For more information: Pekka Suominen, pekka.suominen@samk.fi
RoboAI Intelligent Systems
eKETJU
The eKETJU project seeks solutions to the risks, weaknesses and threats identified in the Satakunta food chain (production-processing-distribution/retail trade) during the COVID-19 epidemic, which may endanger the business opportunities, affect employment and thus the security of supply of food production and food distribution in the region. The project is coordinated by the Pyhäjärvi Institute. More information about the project (pyhajarvi-instituutti.fi)
The project is funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund).
Duration: 1 May 2021–31 August 2023
More information: Nathaniel Narra, nathaniel.narra@tuni.fi
European Joint Program on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD)
EURAD is a joint project of pan-European operators, which develops know-how related to the final disposal of radioactive waste. The role of the DAO group in the project is to develop and validate methods to find out the sensitivity of the models in relation to the output parameters.
Visit the project's website (ejp.eurad.eu).
More information: Tarmo Lipping, tarmo.lipping@tuni.fi
From crisis to growth opportunities and renewal (KAMU)
The aim of the KAMU project is to accelerate the recovery of companies in the Satakunta region from exceptional circumstances and promote the strengthening of their renewed business operations by means of applying knowledge of research, development and innovations (RDI). Development and networking events related to topical themes will be organized with the companies and business service providers/operators. Issues experienced by companies wishing to develop and their development needs and solutions will be examined throughout the project. On the basis of the surveys, meetings and interviews, a business model and development tool (the KAMU application) supporting business renewal and/or improved product development will be created. They will help companies and organizations to make a systematic evaluation to develop their business, utilizing research and product development knowledge previously gained in other organizations
The project is funded by the ERDF (REACT-EU).
Duration: 1.9.2021–31.8.2023
More information: Jari Leppäniemi, jari.leppaniemi@tuni.fi
Implementation of a fair data economy in agriculture
The goal of the project is to research and create prototypes of tools with which to promote the digitalization of farms and more broadly agriculture in accordance with a fair data economy. The goals are divided into four sub-goals that enable and promote the realization of each other:
1) Create a concept of a procedure that allows the digitization of the farm and its processes to be done in a planned, safe and profitable way.
2) Prepare a fair data economy rulebook model created for the agricultural sector, which is also applied to the use cases discussed in the project.
3) Gather together in the public 'AgriDatahub service' different data sources and their descriptions as well as examples of their utilization down to the code level.
4) Develop a prototype of a service where the farmer can share his own data in a closed manner with the desired closed group and request evaluation, interpretation and/or advice regarding the data.
The project is financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and LUKE is involved in the project.
Duration: 1 October 2021–31 December 2023
More information: Petri Linna, petri.linna@tuni.fi
Less is More - Toward an energy minimum for properties (KIEMI)
The key results of the project are a series of proof-of-concept prototypes and systems that enable the creation of transparent, modular solutions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings suitable for different types of use. The prototypes piloted during the project will help to clarify the fitness for use of existing sensor solutions as well as those developed in the project, in real operating environments, with the aim of determining the energy minimum of a property. The results of the project will help achieve cost savings by reducing energy use in the heating of apartments and buildings, improve residents’ living comfort and working conditions, and reduce the carbon footprint caused by using the property.
The project is funded by the ERDF.
Duration: 1.1.2019–31.12.2022
More information: Jari Soini, jari.soini@tuni.fi
New technology solutions for brain health assessment and monitoring
The aim of the project is to improve the business opportunities and product development capabilities of companies in Satakunta and to promote internationalisation. A key sub-objective is to establish a research and development platform for new brain health and brain function technologies, based on the research groups of data analytics and wearable technology of the Tampere University and the research groups of the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences in the fields of wellbeing technology and artificial intelligence. monitoring systems and methods. The project is multidisciplinary and involves researchers from the fields of data analytics, wellbeing technology, wearable technology, neurology and game science. Project participants have extensive international networks in their respective fields of research.
The project is funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) (REACT-EU).
Duration: 1 September 2021 – 31 August 2023
More information: Reijo Koivula, reijo.koivula@tuni.fi
SmartMove
The goal of the project is to create a smart traffic light functionality (web application) to be included on the homepages of Satakunta's tourism, event, and other leisure service companies and organizations and linked to existing communication channels, which communicates the degree of congestion of service objects indicated by IoT devices.
The project is financed from the grant for supporting the sustainable growth and vitality of regions (AKKE).
Duration: 1 June 2021–31 December 2022
More information: Jere Grönman, jere.gronman@tuni.fi
Strengthening the expertise in data driven software engineering through industry-university collaboration in Satakunta and South Ostrobothnia (DATOS)
The DATOS project is implemented in parallel at the University Consortiums of Pori and Seinäjoki. The project seeks a solution to how companies and other organizations in South Ostrobothnia and Satakunta can be activated for digital change and the introduction of related technology. Activations are done with digitalization-promoting pilots, the more precise content of which is specified in technology forums. In addition, the project seeks a solution for increasing the accessibility of the educational offer and raising the level of education, as well as raising high-level competence in the field of information technology.
The project is funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) (REACT-EU).
Duration: 1 September 2021–31 August 2023
More information: Minna Haapakoski, minna.haapakoski@tuni.fi
Completed projects
In the project, roundtable workshops are held on different application areas of artificial intelligence. Current information about the workshops and the project in general (robocoast.eu)
The project is funded by the ESF (European Social Fund).
Duration: 1 July 2021 – 30 June 2022
More information: Jari Turunen, jari.turunen@tuni.fi
Innovative solutions to support BSR in providing more senior - friendly public spaces due to increased capacity of BSR companies and public institutions.
The main objective of the Digitomkku project is to create and deploy a Big Data experimentation and learning platform for tomato, cucumber and pepper production, based on test beds and managed by a network of experts. The project will focus on sensor networks in greenhouses, data transfer, data management, data analysis and the use of data for decision making. The structure produced and the experience gained in its use will form the basis for commercial, network-based business activities of greenhouse and control technology companies. The project is coordinated by LUKE.
More information on the project (luke.fi).
Schedule: 1 September 2019–30 June 2022
More information: Petri Linna, petri.linna@tuni.fi
A joint project between SAMK and the University of Tampere (TAU), whose objectives were based on the so-called bridge agreement, which directed resources towards strengthening positive structural change in Southwest Finland. The aim of the project was to establish a RoboAI research and product development centre.
More information: Pekka Suominen and Petteri Pulkkinen, firstname.lastname@samk.fi
Satakunta DigiHealth
The Satakunta DigiHealth project will create an ecosystem of knowledge, development and innovation in digital services and wellbeing technology. The ecosystem will consist of an extensive network of actors and a toolbox offering a wide range of options for designing, testing, developing and service designing new digital and technological innovations.
Duration: 1.1.2019-31.8.2022
For more information, visit the project website (satakuntadigihealth.fi)
More information: Sari Merilampi, sari.merilampi@samk.fi
Satakunta Testbed
Research components/objectives:
- Satakunta Testbed will form a multidisciplinary testbed environment involving specialised healthcare, the county's cities and municipalities, higher and secondary education institutions, private companies and organisations.
- Modelling welfare and health technology processes suitable for use throughout Satakunta.
- Create a service directory of well-being technologies.
- Create international networks of testbed activities in Satakunta.
Funded by Satakunta Federation (React -EAKR)
Duration: 1.9.2021 - 31.8.2023.
More information on the project website (satakuntatestbed.fi)
More information, please contact Mervi Vähätalo, mervi.vahatalo@samk.fi
Smart Metal – Mechanical separation methods and digitization in the circular economy of precious metals
The global electrification of society and the reduction of carbon emissions have significantly increased the demand for technology metals. The project therefore aims to implement part of the measures outlined in the Satakunta Sustainable Growth Programme under the heading "Technological Metals, Electrification & Metals Recycling". In particular, the project will focus on the specific need identified in the programme: "Automation and piloting of separation, dismantling and recycling technologies for precious metals".
To accelerate the growth of the circular economy sector, deeper cooperation is needed to exploit digitalisation. The circular economy is extremely important for the entire technology metal cluster in terms of the sufficiency, sustainability and acceptability of critical raw materials.
The project aims to:
- promoting the recycling of technology metals
- developing digital production methods
- piloting new technologies
The recycling business is being developed in a more sustainable and ethical direction and conditions are being created for new business. As part of the project, a joint competence cluster based on the strengths of industry in the region, Prizztech and SAMK will be sought, with special consideration given to the consolidation and centralisation of laboratory activities.
Duration: 1.4.2021 - 31.12.2022
Funding provider: Satakunta Regional Council (ERDF)
Further information: Timo Santa-Nokki, timo.santa-nokki@samk.fi
The Efficient Machine Shop (TEKO) project focuses on improving the efficiency of SMEs in the engineering industry and promoting the take-off of investments in new production methods. It will also raise awareness of the new technologies available to businesses and explore the opportunities created by digitalisation.
The project aimed to:
- Improve the energy efficiency of SMEs in the engineering sector.
- Promote the take-up of investment in new low-carbon production methods
- Raise awareness among enterprises of the new technologies available
- Identify opportunities arising from digitalisation.
Funded by Satakunta Federation (ERDF)
Duration: 1.3.2020 - 31.6.2022
More information on the project website.
More information: Mirka Leino, mirka.leino@samk.fi
Research components/objectives:
- Satakunta has a nationally significant innovation platform for the hospital of the future, the smartest in Finland, and an operating model for the participatory development of health technology.
- The innovation platform has become a permanent form of cooperation, which is maintained by SAMK and Satas Hospital in collaboration with each other, and which helps to achieve cost-effective solutions.
- The hospital's operations have been renewed and the effectiveness of care has been improved from the perspective of citizens' well-being.
- Knowledge transfer between the actors of the innovation platform (joint research community) improves the insight of health professionals, academic experts and companies on the procurement and deployment of new technologies
Funded by Satakunta Federation (ERDF)
Duration 1.1.2019 - 30.12.2022.
More information about the project on the RoboAI website (roboai.fi)
For further information, please contact Mervi Vähätalo, Anu Holm, etunimi.sukunimi@samk.fi
