Projects

MOCAP Systems in Gamifying Sports and Wellness Analysis

The MOCAPPE project (MOCAP Systems in Gamifying Sports and Wellness Analysis) develops forward the Sports Lab development environment of the Lapland University of Applied Sciences, the Testing & Training testing environment of Santasport Lapland Sport Institute and the XRLab of the University of Lapland in technological, functional, and physical terms with the project partners. The goal is to find out the added value, immersion, and experiences of Virtual Reality (VR) and Motion Capture (MOCAP) technologies in exercise and sports performance and analytics, as well as in exercise and well-being experiences, as well as to develop the know-how of MOCAP technologies and the uses of development environments regionally with several user groups. The goal is to make the possibilities and benefits of given technologies available to everyone and to transfer knowledge and skills between the users of the development environments.

Duration 1.10.2024 to 31.12.2026  

Partners

1. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

2. University of Lapland

3. Lapland Education Centre REDU

Funding

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Xstory - Lapland narratives with experience technologies

'Xstory - Lapland narratives with experience technologies'- project focuses on integrating experiences into services built around stories from Lapland and delivered using extended reality (XR) technology. XR uses virtual and augmented reality technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) glasses, tangible and gestural user interfaces and mobile applications. Lapland's stories and history are conceptualized and prototype service and application examples are developed through historical materials and 3D modeling. The project aims to improve the readiness of the Lapland region’s experience and service companies to utilize XR technologies.

Duration 01.07.2023 to 30.11.2025

Partners

1. University of Lapland
2. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Funding

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ProtoXR: Enhancing innovation capabilities through design intensive prototyping and XR technologies

ProtoXR project focuses on increasing the innovation capabilities of companies and the Lapland region through design and new design technologies. ProtoXR develops expertise and working skills especially with design and art technologies, utilizing the new art and design ILO infrastructure (Faculty of Arts, University of Lapland). This design infrastructure includes e.g. rapid model prototyping methods, design techniques combining physical and digital, and augmented and virtual reality (XR) technologies. The ProtoXR project offers companies, communities and citizens opportunities to get to know and try design technologies through various open events and workshops. This creates opportunities for emerging of new product ideas and concepts, and accelerates the adoption of new technologies in design and product development processes. The project designs and prototypes various tangible design and XR demos, which are used to illustrate the innovation possibilities when showcased in demo events. The project will organize pop-up workshops in Lapland region, where it will disseminate the knowledge on design technologies and XR technologies, as well as increase the visibility of Arctic design internationally.

Duration 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2025

Funding

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AI.R- Arctic AI & Robotics

Digitization, artificial intelligence, and robotics have become important part of our everyday life. There are several growth sectors in Lapland, such as vehicle testing, mining, bioeconomy, construction, and metal industry, for which the development and utilization of technology are essential from the point of view of competitiveness. The goal of the project is to support the growth of robotics and artificial intelligence in Lapland's SMEs, as well as RDI cooperation between companies and universities.  As a result of the project, new information applied in the right conditions will be obtained about how autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, which utilize robotics and artificial intelligence, work in the Lapland region and how they can be utilized.  During the project, we will create knowledge and understanding of the interaction between robots and people. The user experience, its development and research are essential part of the results generated during the project.

Duration 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2025

Partners

1. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

2. University of Lapland

Funding

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PlastLIFE SIP – Re-thinking plastics in a sustainable circular economy

The PlastLIFE project, addressing sustainable development and circular economy, focuses on reducing plastics and making their recycling more efficient. The project brings together a large group of actors to jointly develop measures to reduce negative environmental impacts of plastics, littering and unnecessary consumption of plastics; to increase recycling of plastics and the use of recycled material in end-products, find complementary materials or solutions for plastics, as well as to develop methods for analysis and risk-assessment of plastics. Research at the Faculty of Art and Design will study, for example, how design solutions could reduce the amount of plastics. New replacement materials for plastics will be tested, too. Design research will focus, for example, on packaging design and on design solutions which could help consumers to easily separate different materials from each other for recycling. In addition, the possible solutions to influence on people's consumption behavior are studied.

Duration 2023-2029

Partners:

1. Finnish Environment Institute SYKE (Coordinator)

2. Ministry of the Environment

3. Aalto University

4. City of Helsinki

5. Finnish Biocycle and Biogas Association

6. Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association

7. Karelia University of applied sciences

8. Kuljetusliike Vaahterinen Oy

9. LAB University of applied sciences

10. LUT University

11. Muovipoli Oy

12. National Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)

13. Oy Orthex Finland Ab                                 

14. Plastone Oy

15. University of Jyväskylä

16. University of Lapland

17. University of Turku

More information on PlastLIFE:

https://syke.fi/
Assistant Professor Ashley Colley (project manager) - ashley.colley(at)ulapland.fi
Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Human Augmentation through Aware Extended Reality (AWARE)

Augmenting humans with extended reality (XR) systems gives them improved situational awareness, new information and abilities and also enables co-operation through remote presence. Machine learning (ML) based context understanding and human state estimation enable an artificial intelligence (AI) to intervene in stressful situations and ensure optimal performance by adapting the multimodal XR capabilities. Environmental sensing will be implemented by a combination of sensors. The cognitive state of the human will be estimated by wearable biosensors and eye-trackers in conjunction with XR devices. The results of the project will enable optimal use of XR systems for co-operation of humans and AI technologies. We will measure the cognitive responses, task performance, and user experience of humans interacting with this AI-powered XR technology that combines cognitive state modelling, detection, personalization and prediction with task modelling, context awareness and HCI adaptation.

Duration 01.09.2023 → 31.08.2027

The project has received funding from the Research Council of Finland.

More information

Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi
Assistant Professor Ashley Colley  - ashley.colley(at)ulapland.fi

Reconceptualizing Boundaries Together Towards Resilient and Just Arctic Future(s) (REBOUND)

The overarching goal of the REBOUND project is to explore how decision-making and planning processes, legal frameworks, and educational schemes can enhance resilience and justice as well as support just decisions on natural resources and land use to implement just green transition in the Finnish Arctic. The Faculty of Art and Design work package focuses on participatory aspects to engage stakeholders to co-create just and resilient futures in the Arctic and develops design concepts to promote awareness and engagement for a more just green transition. We utilize participatory design methods, service design, and art-based methods to engage local communities and citizens, industry, law experts, and green transition domain experts. The aim is to develop means and methodologies to encourage dialogue between stakeholders and to create concepts for more just, resilient and sustainable futures.

Duration 01.10.2023 → 30.09.2026

The project has received funding from the Research Council of Finland.

More information

Assistant Professor Ashley Colley  - ashley.colley(at)ulapland.fi
Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Regenerative services and local collaboration as enablers of attractiveness in rural areas (EHOMPI)

In rural areas, there is a growing need to find sustainable solutions to enhance vitality. The main goal of our project is to promote the attractiveness of rural areas through regenerative services and local collaboration. These services are based on an approach called regenerative tourism, which focuses on increasing positive benefits for the local environment and community instead of merely minimizing negative impacts. Our aim is to specify what regenerative tourism services can look like in a rural context and how they can be implemented through local cooperation. The target audience for our project includes businesses, organizations, associations, and other stakeholders providing services in rural areas who are interested in developing their offerings using the regenerative tourism approach. 

Duration 1.3.2024 - 31.8.2026

More information:

Professor Heidi Pietarinen - heidi.pietarinen(at)ulapland.fi

Project website

 Partner

Oulu University of Applied Sciences

Funding

User-centric concept design for remote services (EtKot) 

The need to develop remote service points is topical due to long distances, shortages in human resources, availability of services and changing social structures. The current solutions do not yet reach the potential that could be achieved with functioning remote services. For a smooth transition, remote services must be developed in a user-centric manner, taking into account the user's needs. The goal is to design a remote service concept that both customers and professionals can and want to use and provide a user-friendly and usable basis and guidelines for the technical development of the remote service platform. The project outcomes serve as a basis for subsequent technical development of the remote service point and further design and technological solutions.

Duration 01.04.2025 - 31.07.2027

Partner:

Lapland University of Applied Sciences

Funding:

More information:

Project Manager Emma Kirjavainen -  emma.kirjavainen(at)ulapland.fi

Sustainable Interaction Design

The main objective of the project is build the teaching foundations in higher education in interaction design that will pave the way for a green digital transformation articulated by the notion of Sustainable Interaction Design. To inspire teachers and students to work for a green transformation in professional and private life and to have this spread beyond Europe. The project will progress on internal development activities identifying the parts and design the overarching curriculum for SID. The main results of the project is research-based, pilot-tested and validated curriculum for teaching Sustainable Interaction Design made available as Online Educational Resource (OER). The work will be valuable to Higher Education interaction design programs taught in arts, science, technology and social sciences. The results are particularly aimed for use by teachers, and subsequently for students enhanced learning.

Duration 01.09.2024 → 31.08.2027

Funding:

More information:

Postdoctoral researcher Amna Qureshi - amna.qureshi(at)ulapland.fi

MAGICS

The University of Lapland participates in the MAGICS infrastructure at the intersection of design, art, and technology. MAGICS focuses on advancing research infrastructure in areas such as virtual reality, virtual media production, and digital prototyping for product and service design. The funding allows MAGICS infrastructure to invest in advanced extended reality technologies, mobile labs, and multimodal measurement systems. New research and innovations are supported in the areas of behavioral and experience studies, human-technology interaction, utilization of AI in design, arts and humanities, digital embodiments, sustainable environments (architecture and design), digitally augmented learning, immersive virtual realities, and metaverse technologies.

 In addition to science and innovation, MAGICS provides new and unique spaces for creating, researching, and teaching art. The new mobile sensors, display and multisensory technologies, and remote presence equipment have great potential to enhance artistic practices. MAGICS is committed to amplify its existing strong collaboration with artists and cultural organizations. MAGICS actively collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to shape a future where digitalization and virtualization are developed socially sustainably to increase human well-being. MAGICS is set to spearhead pioneering projects that redefine the relationship between technology and society, positioning Finland as a global leader in transformative research and artistic innovation.

Duration 07/2020-11/2029

Partners:

Aalto University

Turku University of Applied Sciences

University of Jyväskylä

University of Tampere

Funding:

More information:

MAGICS website

Node Leader Jonna Häkkilä - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Node Manager Ashley Colley - ashley.colley(at)ulapland.fi

Contact:

magics(at)ulapland.fi

Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media

In the evolving digital media landscape, there is a growing need for storytelling and new media expertise, particularly for narratives from Indigenous communities. External sourcing often overlooks local infrastructure and talent development. In the Arctic, Indigenous people face significant challenges in accessing education and training in the audiovisual and film sectors. The Interreg Aurora funded project, Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media, aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored educational programmes in digital storytelling, with a special focus on cinema for Indigenous communities. By identifying specific needs and developing resources, the project aim to empower individuals to document their stories and advance professionally. This initiative seeks to preserve Indigenous cultures while generating employment opportunities through educational and industry partnerships.
The projects efforts aim to enhance media skills, promote Sámi culture, and foster cross-border connections in Sápmi, contributing to the broader dissemination and production of Indigenous cultural and artistic endeavours.

Duration

01.09.2024 - 31.08.2027

 Partners

Sámi Allaskuvla
Umeå universitet

More information:

Project manager Amna Qureshi - amna.qureshi(at)ulapland.fi

Project website

Funding

Previous Projects

Innovation in Lapland through Design and Art (ILO)

ILO contains two projects: ILO development project and ILO infrastructure project. ILO contributes to the broader Lapland strategy to build smart specialization competences, reinforcing the existing excellence in Arctic design and art. At the heart of the ILO projects is the method through which design and art, as part of Lapland’s capacity for innovation, can be supported by the Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland. In particular, the ILO projects develop expertise and working capacity by building the foundations for new businesses and product ideas. The project will procure and technically build a design and art infrastructure complementing the Arcta infrastructure and operating model of the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland, expanding it with 1) new technology, 2) virtual technology, 3) cinema, and 4) regional mobility. Workshops and pilots of the development project will translate the results into business cooperation across the region and a strengthened networking of Arctic design and art.

Duration 01.04.2021 to 30.09.2023 

Funding

More information on ILO-projects:

https://innovationlapland.com/ 
Professor Jonna Häkkilä - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Lapland Robotics

The Lapland Robotics project aims to introduce robotics, artificial intelligence and digital twins to Lapland’s environment and to significantly increase the region’s capacity for innovation in the development of low-carbon and energy efficient processes, products and services. As the output, the project will provide information on unmanned robot prototypes, tested in the field conditions with companies and users. Additionally, the project will produce digital twins, i.e. precise virtual environments where the robot functionalities can be simulated and tested before deployment in field conditions. The project’s total budget is EUR 583,000, of which the Regional Council of Lapland has provided EUR 466,401 in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and state funding. The project is coordinated by Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

Duration 01.03.2020 to 30.06.2023

Partners

1. Lapland University of Applied Sciences

2. University of Lapland

Funding

More information on Lapland Robotics

http://laplandrobotics.com/ 
Professor Jonna Häkkilä - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Muittut

“Muittut, muitalusat – The Story of the Sámi by the Sámi”. The project is a collaboration of three Sámi museums – the Sámi Museum Siida from Inari, Finland (the leader and administrator), the Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum Ájtte from Jokkmokk, and the South Sámi Museum and Cultural Centre Sáemien Sijte from Snåsa, Norway – as well as the University of Lapland and the Luleå University of Technology. The project period is 1.1.2020 – 30.9.2020, and the budget is approximately 2 million euros.   

Duration 01.01.2020 to 30.9.2022

Partners and Funders

More information on Muittut

www.muittut.com

Professor Jonna Häkkilä - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

TechFashion

The TechFashion project focuses on the design of future wearable computing, and falls at the cross-section of design, fashion and information technology. The TechFashion project investigates the phenomena of wearable computing from the design and fashion point of view, with a strong emphasis on users and social aspects, offering a unique research angle to the topic. TechFashion addresses garments, accessories and smart jewelry as form factors, and investigates how different digital and virtual layers can become part of fashionable and aesthetic wearables design. The project PI is Jonna Häkkilä.

Duration 01.09.2017 → 01.09.2022

The project has received funding from the Academy of Finland

More information on TechFashion

http://techfashion.design/ 
Caglar Genc  - caglar.genc(at)ulapland.fi
Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

Digital Access to Sámi Heritage Archives 

The project Digital Access to Sámi Heritage Archives seeks to improve the accessibility of the Sámi cultural heritage. The project develops a technical solution, with a usable and intuitive user interface design, to find the information and materials about the Sámi cultural heritage from different archives and collections easily and simultaneously. Accessing Sámi archives is important for the cultural revitalization, and of interest to both Sámi society itself, Sámi private sector, and non-Sámi users interested in the culture. The project is coordinated by University of Lapland, PI Jonna Häkkilä.

Duration 01.07.2018 → 31.12.2021

Funders

Partners

1. University of Lapland 

2. University of Oulu

3. Umeå University 

4. Sámi Archives, Finland

5. Sámi Archives, Norway 

More information on Digi Sami Archives

https://digisamiarchives.org/
Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

DecoChrom

The DecoChrom project elevates printed graphics products to the age of interactivity. The DecoChrom consortium develops printed electrochromics (EC) as the mass producible, print industry compatible, ultra low-power interactive graphics solution for ambient intelligence. DecoChrom will scale-up the production of advanced composite materials into innovative ink EC colours, manufacturing process on different materials, wide dissemination and creation of EC toolkits to introduce electrochromics to designers, makers and the printing industry, and finally the co-creation of several creative industry lead end-user prototypes and pilots for architecture, interior design, lifestyle and sports. The project brings together a strong interdisciplinary consortium of 15 partners, industry and research balanced, with state-of-the-art backgrounds in design, chemistry, printing, coatings and laminates, electronics system integration, and complete electrochromics solutions. The project is coordinated by University of Lapland, PI Jonna Häkkilä.  

Duration 1.1.2018-31.12.2021

Partners:

1. University of Lapland (Coordinator)

2. YD Ynvisible S.A.

3. Sonae Indústria de Revestimentos SA (SIR)

4. Tikkurila Polska S.A.  

5. Cardiff University (withdrawn)                                     

6. NOVA ID FCT                    

7. Centrum Organicke Chemie Sro 

8. Dynamic Environments Group

9. Technology Research Center  VTT Ltd 

10. University of Strasbourg                           

11. ThingK  

12. WeProductise 

13.Fraunhofer ISC                                       

14. Aalborg University

15. Vertech

16. University of Vienna

More information on DecoChrom:

University Researcher Ashley Colley  (project manager) - ashley.colley(at)ulapland.fi
Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 760973.

Smart Social Distancing

Smart Social Distancing is a Korona Co-creation project funded by Business Finland. The Smart Social Distancing project focuses on how can we create unobtrusive technology-based solutions for early detection and prevention on pandemic health symptons, and creating awareness and guidance for smart social distancing. The project combines sensor-based health-monitoring techniques with unobtrusive and aesthetic design, and creates solutions, where the pandemic health monitoring and indicators of social distancing are embedded to the everyday environments and wearables. The project is coordinated by University of Lapland, PI Jonna Häkkilä.

Duration 01.10.2020 → 30.06.2021

Funders

Partners

1. University of Lapland 

2. University of Oulu

More information on Smart Social Distancing

Professor Jonna Häkkilä (PI) - jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi