North Ostrobothnia receives 3.2 M€ for innovations that enhance machine and automotive technology

The project develops the expertise and operating environments of RDI actors in the region to meet future needs, implements solutions that are interesting for the region and utilise new energy and automation technologies. A concrete example is the automation of machinery and tractors, as well as emission-free multi-energy solutions for machinery and vehicles. In addition to applying new solutions, the project will develop training environments for new technologies, e.g. related to electric vehicle conversions and electrically safe battery servicing and maintenance.

"The topic of the project is very inspiring, as it involves building an electric car and autonomous devices, and we have comprehensively involved the region's vocational schools, universities of applied sciences and two research groups from the university in the project," says Development Manager Kari Mäntyjärvi from the Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) group at the University of Oulu.

The project will improve the level of knowledge and competence in the Northern Ostrobothnia region related to new sustainable energy solutions for cars and machinery and the utilisation of the latest information technology and sensors in the autonomy of mobile devices. The project is one step in the implementation of the region's smart specialisation strategy with the themes of renewing, prosperous, climate-smart and competent, participatory and competitive North Ostrobothnia.

The project will acquire and build new research and education infrastructure, based on the needs of companies in the area and the RDI actors serving them. The project will create training and development platforms designed to meet the needs of the region and are independent of major manufacturers, thus enabling wider customizability, and in educational use enabling a manufacturer-neutral approach to the topic.

The project will carry out several demonstrations of new technology, such as tractor autonomy, and build prototypes of electric cars and small autonomous machines as technology development and educational platforms.

The project is implemented by vocational schools (OSAO, JEDU, BRAHE), universities of applied sciences (OAMK, Centria) and the University of Oulu that carry out education, development and research in the field of machine and automotive engineering in the Northern Ostrobothnia region. The project is led by the Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) research group of the University of Oulu and funded by the Council of Oulu region.

More info:
Development Manager Kari Mäntyjärvi
kari.mantyjarvi@oulu.fi
tel: +358 400 84 3050.