Development of Data-Driven Application Technologies for Manufacturing in Ida-Viru County

Development of Data-Driven Application Technologies for Manufacturing in Ida-Viru County

Over the next four years, a research group led by Associate Professor of Robotics Karl Kruusamäe at the University of Tartu will develop data-driven methods to support manufacturing in Ida-Viru County, based on the needs of the industrial sector. The team will also lead the creation of robotics-related teaching and research opportunities at the University of Tartu Narva College.

Today, manufacturing models focused on the intelligent automation of production processes—such as Industry 4.0—are widely used globally. In addition, the newer Industry 5.0 model is increasingly applied, emphasizing collaboration between humans and machines, combining human creativity with machine precision. Both models rely on high-quality, intelligently collected data and its practical use in industrial environments. Therefore, it is essential to establish the conditions and technical solutions needed for data collection, processing, and validation in production-based digital applications, such as flexible manufacturing and human-robot collaboration.

A data-driven approach is a strong foundation for developing autonomous robotics. It enables functionalities like machine vision, environmental interpretation, context recognition, action planning, adaptation to dynamic situations, and human interfacing.

“For companies in Ida-Viru County and across Estonia, a data-driven approach opens up smart automation opportunities for tasks that have previously been too costly or complex to automate,” said Kruusamäe.

The goal of the University of Tartu’s project is to develop data-driven methods based on the needs of the industrial sector and to design both hardware and software frameworks to support their implementation.

Karl Kruusamäe’s research group will lay the foundation for robotics-related teaching and research activities in Ida-Viru County. As part of the project, an international research group in robotics and artificial intelligence will be established at Narva College, along with a high-tech laboratory that can be used by both researchers and students. Thanks to this research team and the new lab, stronger technological collaboration will be possible between the college and businesses, including practical projects and professional training programmes.

The research team also supports the development of engineering skills in Ida-Viru County. In September 2025, a new master’s programme in technology will launch at Narva College, focusing on robotics and artificial intelligence. In addition to conducting research, the research team’s scientists will also teach and supervise doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s students.

The team includes:

• Associate Professor of Robotics Karl Kruusamäe
• Lecturer in Robotic Technology Veiko Vunder
• Junior Researchers in Computer Engineering Igor Rybalskii and Renno Raudmäe

The research project "Data Collection and Analysis for Manufacturing Companies and Other Institutions: Development of a Research Focus" is part of the Ida-Viru Just Transition Fund’s research consortium.

As of early 2024, all consortium projects have been launched, with 11 led by researchers from the University of Tartu.