Research and development projects with industry partners engage students as participants in real-world technological advancement.
At Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (UAS), education extends far beyond the classroom. Through collaboration initiatives such as various projects, students are offered real-world engaging opportunities to associate with industry partners and develop hands-on technical expertise. In this article, I share my project work and learning experiences from the robotics and automation industries.
Project work translates academic learning into an industrial-grade solutions
Research and development project work with practical implementations not only strengthens companies’ technological capabilities. In Metropolia UAS, these project initiatives serve unique platform where students, academic experts, and company representatives work together.
Through concrete projects and agile experimentations, cutting-edge research can be brought into practical application, helping companies identify suitable technologies, access expertise, and prepare for future funding and growth.
My experience as a full-time project assistant in the Cariitti case under this project exemplifies how Metropolia empowers students to become active participants in real-world technological advancement to prototype, implement, and evaluate robotics, automation, and modern technological solutions.
TECHBOOST is a Finnish national project designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential adopt, develop, and systematically apply new technologies, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). In this project, the participating six higher education institutions are collaborating to carry out 30 technology cases across Finland. The goals of these projects vary from prototype development to optimizing production processes.
Case Cariitti presented a real-world engineering challenge
As part of Techboost, my role as the lead project assistant and thesis worker for the Cariitti case gave me responsibility for leading and delivering. This case focused on product development and the creation of a mobile cobot work cell capable of performing assembly, glue dispensing, and screwdriving tasks as seen in image 1.
The case was not only an opportunity for me to apply and expand my own technical and project management skills, but it also actively engaged nearly fifteen students from various bachelor’s degree fields.
Together with the team we gained hands-on experience in programming and industrial work cell integration, robotics and automation programming and simulation tools, machine vision development for quality assurance, and practical prototyping for real production use.
Additional collaboration through Robo Garage platform
The success of the case Cariitti was supported by Robo Garage, one of Metropolia UAS’s collaboration platforms dedicated to applied robotics and automation. This platform is open for students, companies, and individuals to collaborate and participate in a wide variety of activities and events.
The Robo Garage platform provides access to advanced laboratories, equipment, and robotic systems, enabling direct collaboration with industry professionals, involvement in research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects and valuable networking opportunities with mentors, industry specialist, and potential employers.
Within Robo Garage is an open community for students, staff, and industry partners interested in developing new solutions, experimenting with ideas, and building multidisciplinary networks called Garage Club. That organizes themed events, workshops, and collaborative projects, allowing members to work on real-world challenges, prototype new concepts, and gain practical experience across various fields.
In image 2, robotics enthusiasts, students, and hobbyists come together to participate in a robotics competition “Robosota – Robot Wars”.
Robo Garage and Garage Club together, facilitate a culture of innovation and learning, empowering participants to develop not just technical skills but also entrepreneurial and professional capabilities essential for future careers.
Universities of applied sciences aim to combine theory and practise
Participating in Techboost and leading the Cariitti project offered me more than just technical learning. It was an opportunity to develop professional communication and leadership skills, understand the practical requirements of industrial product development, and network with experts and decision-makers in the robotics field.
This project not only contributed to my thesis but significantly enhanced my readiness to enter the workforce equipped with both knowledge and experience.
This project is one of many examples of how Metropolia UAS is creating bridges between education and industry. By involving students directly in the development and implementation of advanced technologies, these projects ensure both academic and professional growth.
This project not only contributed to my thesis but significantly enhanced my readiness to enter the workforce equipped with both knowledge and experience
Metropolia’s commitment to innovation through projects and platforms offers students a unique environment to apply their skills, expand their networks, and contribute meaningfully to the future of robotics and automation.
TECHBOOST project is funded with a total budget of €1.8 million and is implemented by a network of six higher education institutions, which are Aalto University, Tampere University, Metropolia UAS, Oulu UAS, Tampere UAS, and Häme UAS.
This blog has been republished from Metrospektiivi, the official online media of Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
Author: Fayez Bassalat