Automation

Strategy

The University of Turku offers automation and electrical engineering that includes teaching and research in control engineering, electric powertrain, artificial intelligence, and information technology. The research and teaching strategic aims are closely related to the regional industrial stakeholders’ needs in the broadly understood region of Southwest and Western Finland, Turku, Rauma, and beyond. The curricula have been designed in response to the Ministry of Education and Culture’s decision that granted the University of Turku educational responsibility in automation and electrical engineering.

Research and Teaching

Scope

Research and teaching aims are aligned with core competencies in industrial systems automation, electric powertrain, control engineering, model-based control, optimal control, electrification, electrical machines/drives, and other relevant areas. The key objectives also include optimizing propulsion and energy storage systems for marine industry applications, enhancing efficiency in electric vehicles (EVs), non-road mobile machinery (NRMMs), developing AI-driven control systems, efficient manufacturing, sustainable industrial innovations, turbines and compressors for green energy and heat generation.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Embrace an interdisciplinary approach by integrating expertise from multiple domains such as AI, green energy, industry 4.0, mathematical modelling, and optimized electrical machine design. Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration to tackle complex research challenges holistically.

Focus on Innovation and Impact: Prioritize research that has the potential to drive innovation, address industry needs, and have a positive impact on society and the environment. Emphasize applied research with practical implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and end-users.

Sustainability and Ethics: Prioritize research that promotes sustainability, environmental responsibility, and ethical considerations. Ensure that research activities adhere to ethical standards, respect privacy rights, and prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities affected by the research outcomes.

Philosophical References: Exploration of the relationship between humanity and robots. This can be interpreted in the context of the Industrial Revolution: 3.0 Automation → 4.0 Digital Machines and Automata → 5.0 Personalization.