Robotics and artificial intelligence (RoboAI)
We are Centria’s top research group, aiming not only to research and develop but also to integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into the everyday lives of businesses and society.
Background of the top research group
In today’s world, the significance of robotics and automation is emphasized due to global competition, labor shortages, and efficiency requirements. Robotics is no longer limited to large industrial robots but also includes collaborative and mobile robots that work alongside humans in various fields. Artificial intelligence enables intelligent and adaptive systems that enhance the utilization of robotics and automation.
Our top research group, Centria Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RoboAI), was founded in the beginning of 2025, focusing on high-level research in these fields. Our expertise in applying machine learning enables the development of intelligent, comprehensible, and more user-friendly robotics. We have over 30 years of experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, the development of automation systems and their testing applications, industrial internet, control and systems engineering, mobile systems, and their applications in national and international B2B development and research projects.
About our team
Key activities of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Top Research Group:
- Participation in significant research and development projects
- Various robotics solutions
- AI applications
- Writing high-quality publications
- Working towards Centria’s doctoral school
- Internationalization and networking
- Updating laboratories
- Integrating technologies into the everyday lives of businesses and society
- Evaluating the latest technologies
- Integrating R&D activities with education
Our research group currently consists of seventeen experts, one-third of whom have international backgrounds. Internationalization and networking are key areas for our group, which actively collaborates with international entities. We are continuously increasing our visibility in national networks such as the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Finnish Artificial Intelligence Society, and we continue our active participation in the European Robotics Forum and the Robotics Society of Finland.
It is extremely important to continuously evaluate the latest technologies, which we carry out within international networks. We coordinate and participate in impactful research and development projects whose internationally recognized results benefit the region. Our research group not only follows the development of the field but is also involved in defining it. With this active role, we also focus on the quality and visibility of research publications. We produce high-quality publications in JUFO-rated journals and conferences, which increases the impact of our research. Our group aims to participate more actively in funding applications from Business Finland and the Academy of Finland, as well as continuing activities related to EU funding.
A key part of our work is defining the doctoral school of Centria, which supports the development of experts and doctoral-level researchers. Our collaboration with all Centria’s R&D teams is seamless, and we participate in projects where Centria’s experts from different teams work together. AI research across all teams has generally strengthened at Centria. We focus on AI applications that address challenges related especially to methods and processes in manufacturing industry: the main themes have been machine learning and computer vision, with the most recent focus on supporting business operations, such as enhancing business processes through the use of AI.
We also strive to strengthen the integration of R&D activities and education by bringing research results directly into teaching. Many of our experts are involved in both teaching and R&D activities, which forms the basis for seamless collaboration between teaching and R&D. Examples of this decades-long collaboration include the shared use of laboratories, the continuous completion of theses in projects, and keeping laboratories up to date.
Experts operate in Kokkola and Ylivieska, the latter of which houses the largest laboratory: Robo3D Lab. Robo3D Lab is the most versatile robotics laboratory in Northern Finland, also featuring development environments for 3D design, printing, and modeling, simulations, and XR. Kokkola has a diverse range of collaborative robots (cobot) and mobile robots for demonstrations in companies.
Robotics and AI combine efficiency, innovation, and the ability to solve global challenges. Our group’s purpose is not only to research and develop but also to enable the practical application of these technologies in businesses and society. Centria Robotics and AI is ready to tackle challenges that lead us towards new innovations and better solutions.
Development environment
Robo3D Lab
The Robo3D Lab at the Centria Vierimaa campus in Ylivieska is the most versatile robotics laboratory in Northern Finland. It has equipment for the most important industrial and collaborative robots (cobots) manufacturers and several robotic simulation and programming software.