Urban Mobile Robotics
The urban environment as a development platform for robotics
Due to technical reasons related to the funding programme, the project is implemented as two parallel and simultaneous projects (A91713 + A91715) by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Forum Virium Helsinki.
Duration: 1.4.2025–31.5.2027
Funding: Hämeen ELY-keskus: Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto (EAKR)
Metropolia: EU- ja valtion rahoitus 294800 €
The Urban Mobile Robotics (UMR) project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is a joint initiative between Metropolia and Forum Virium running from 2025 to 2027. It uniquely combines urban environmental needs, robotics, measurement technology, and multi-stakeholder RDI collaboration to create an exciting and forward-looking development environment. The novelty and value of the project lie in its use of the urban environment as a testing platform for robotics-based environmental applications—an approach that remains largely unexplored. The lack of existing technological solutions to urban environmental challenges highlights a strong business potential for the participating companies, both nationally and internationally.
Objectives and Needs
The UMR project responds to a clearly identified need: the development of innovations, SME competitiveness, and sustainable solutions in the robotics sector. Its main objectives are to:
- Strengthen the business opportunities, competitiveness, and RDI capacity of robotics SMEs and startups.
- Build an RDI-driven local innovation ecosystem that supports the sector’s growth and long-term impact.
- Promote the development of new technologies aligned with urban needs and global sustainability targets.
This is achieved through the provision of development platforms, real-world test environments, expert services, and novel RDI collaboration models. A dedicated urban testing platform will serve technology suppliers, public sector actors, and end users alike, enabling rapid prototyping and solution validation in authentic contexts.
Concrete Actions and Technological Pilots
UMR will implement pilots, co-development workshops, technology mappings, and experimentation initiatives using digital tools, artificial intelligence, data analytics, expert collaboration, and participatory methods. These actions will take place in authentic urban environments, providing participants with tangible benefits, new skills, and the opportunity to develop market-ready solutions to real urban challenges. The Robo Garage collaboration platform at Metropolia will support piloting activities.
The strengthened local robotics innovation system will enhance business-oriented RDI activities, support the integration of skilled professionals into the robotics field, and contribute to the long-term competitiveness and export growth of the target group companies. Ultimately, this will create new jobs in the robotics sector and open up opportunities to apply the developed model to other robotics themes.
Project Communication and Visibility
The project website (Metropolia’s project catalogue page) will serve as a key source of public updates. A dedicated UMR website will be launched to share news, results, and event information . Project updates and insights will also be actively shared on LinkedIn, including experiences from participants and partner articles. Additional details are available on Forum Virium Helsinki’s website as a parallel project partner.
Contact
Antti Liljaniemi
Project manager/ Head of Robo Garage
antti.liljaniemi(at)metropolia.fi
