Centria student develops AI solutions in a working life project

Working as an RDI Assistant in the Robotics and artificial intelligence research group, Centria University of Applied Sciences student Katherine Sebastin Payyappilly combines her studies with practical research and development work in the field of artificial intelligence. Her work is currently connected to the ADINO project, where AI-based solutions are being developed to enhance workplace safety and ergonomics.

– My work involves AI development tasks together with other members of the team. Now, my main responsibility is recognizing human joints and body posture using camera-based systems.

Payyappilly’s work supports the project’s efforts in ergonomics and safety monitoring. The objective is to identify human movements and analyze which working postures or motions may cause physical strain or create safety risks in industrial environments.

– The system must be able to identify different individuals while they are moving. This helps us understand different movement patterns and detect work-related motions that may be physically harmful or potentially dangerous.

Learning in a Practical RDI Environment

Payyappilly is in her fourth year of studying Information Technology (Bachelor of Engineering, BEng) at Centria’s Talonpojankatu Campus and is approaching graduation. Only her thesis and a few remaining courses are left to complete.

– This is my final year of studies. I am also planning to write my thesis related to this project and am currently looking for a suitable AI-related topic.

The internship provides an opportunity to deepen technical expertise while gaining a broader understanding of research and development work within an expert team.

– I want to learn how the different parts of a project connect with each other and improve my technical skills. I’m interested not only in how things work, but also why they work, what limitations they have, and how they can be improved.

Payyappilly is also interested in understanding the day-to-day reality of research and development work.

– I want to see how a real team communicates, solves problems, and manages changes. My goal is to learn as much as possible about what happens behind the scenes.

Working in the RoboAI team allows her to combine her studies, practical development work, and interest in one of today’s fastest-evolving technologies.

– My goal is to contribute my skills to the project while learning as much as possible along the way.

Artificial Intelligence Is Already Part of Everyday Life

According to Payyappilly, artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting technologies today because of its rapid development.

– AI can process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and automate tasks. That is why it is increasingly being used across different industries.

While discussions about AI often include concerns about changing job roles, she sees significant opportunities in its development.

– From a technical perspective, AI is extremely interesting. It helps people perform tasks that would otherwise require a great deal of time. In my own work, it is fascinating to see how data collected through cameras can be used to identify potentially risky movements.

Payyappilly believes that artificial intelligence has become an everyday part of people’s lives.

– Only a few years ago, AI was unfamiliar to many people. Today, tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and many other applications are widely available. AI has become part of everyday life for almost everyone, which makes it such a fascinating phenomenon.

From Kuwait to Finland and Centria

Although Payyappilly ‘s roots are in India, she grew up in Kuwait, where her parents continue to live and work. Her interest in Finland began at an early age.

– I first visited Finland in 2018 during a summer holiday. We also visited other Nordic countries, but Finland stood out to me, particularly because of its education system.

Later, her family encouraged her to pursue higher education abroad.

– When I began looking for universities, Finland felt like a natural choice. I remembered my positive first impression of the country and wanted to come here to study.

One of the biggest differences between Finland and her previous home countries has been the peaceful environment.

– I was used to noisy and crowded places. In Finland, the quiet atmosphere was something completely new to me. It is easy to go for a walk and enjoy the surroundings without crowds.

She also feels that Finnish culture and its appreciation of personal space are easy to understand.

– It was not strange for me that people value their own space and privacy. I completely understand why Finns appreciate it.

A More Balanced Everyday Life

According to Payyappilly, studying and working in Finland offer a much healthier balance than what she had experienced before.

– Studies are more flexible here, and there is time for other aspects of life as well. Back home, studying was far more stressful, and it often felt like there was hardly any free time.

She especially appreciates the independence and trust given to students and trainees.

– As a student and trainee, I have the time and space to do my work properly. There are expectations, of course, but I am trusted to complete my responsibilities without constant pressure.

In her free time, Payyappilly enjoys spending time outdoors.

– I enjoy going for walks, especially when the weather is nice. I appreciate the changing seasons, and right now it is wonderful to see the colors of autumn in the trees. I also enjoy watching movies and TV series, listening to music, and reading books.

More information

Katherin Sebastin Payyappilly / RDI Assistant

katherin.sebastinpayyappilly@centria.fi

tel. +358 50 406 1512