Research group
Futuristic Interactive Technologies
Recognised expertise in the use of interactive technologies and metaverse technologies.
In our RDI activities, we aim to make broad use of interactive technologies in different industries. The research group works in close interaction and cooperation with industry. Innovative, interactive technology solutions are implemented in sectors such as technology, welfare, education and tourism.
We are pioneers in the development of our own metaverse technology, specifically designed for industrial training applications.
The subjects of our research
- Industrial metaverse applications
- Digital twins
- Industry 5.0
- Advanced remote-controlled interfaces
- User experience
- A new generation of collaborative learning environments
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning models
- Cognitive robotic systems
- Social metaverse
- Virtual reality
- Augmented reality
- Gaming technology
The technology industry is once again facing a major transformation. Sustainable development, human-centricity and the ability of European industry to renew are global challenges for which we seek solutions daily with our business partners by applying emerging technologies.
Mika Luimula, leader of the research group
Main publications
Joshi., M., Haavisto, T., Taatila, , V.P., Ravyse, W., and Luimula, M. Transition Towards Hybrid Learning Environments in Higher Education Institutions: How to Use Metaverse to Support Active Learning, In IGI Global book, Fostering Pedagogy Through Micro and Adaptive Learning in Higher Education: Trends, Tools, and Applications, IGI Global, pp. 212-238.
Aung, P., Ravyse, W., Luimula, M., Pizarro-Lucas, E., Sanchez, P.L., Dorado-Diaz, I.P., and Thaw, A.K. Exploring User Experience and Usability in a Metaverse Learning Environment for Students: A Usability Study of the Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and Society (AIIS), Electronics, Vol12, Article 4283, 2023, 26p.
Kaarlela, T., Pitkäaho, T., Pieskä, S., Padrão, P., Bobadilla, L., Tikanmäki, M., Haavisto, T., Blanco Bataller, V., Laivuori, N., and Luimula, M. Towards Metaverse: Utilizing Extended Reality and Digital Twins to Control Robotic Systems. Actuators, Vol12(6), Article 219, 2023, 20p.
Janhunen, M., Katajapuu, N., Paloneva, J., Pamilo, K., Oksanen, A., Kreemu, H., Karvonen, M., Luimula, M., Korpelainen, R., Jämsä, T., Kautiainen, H., Mäkelä, K., Heinonen, A., and Aartolahti, E. The Effects of a Home Based, Exergaming Intervention on Physical Function and Pain after Total Knee Replacement in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2023, 9:e001416.
Izdullah, F., P., Koivisto, M., Nieminen, V., Luimula, M., and Hämäläinen, H. Aging and sleep deprivation affect different neurocognitive stages of spatial information processing during a virtual driving task – An ERP study, Transportation Research Part F: Psychology and Behaviour, 89, Elsevier, August, 2022, pp. 399–406.
Ishii, S., Yokokubo, A., Luimula, M., and Lopez, G. ExerSense: Physical Exercise Recognition and Counting Algorithm from Wearables Robust to Positioning, Sensors, Vol. 21(1), Article 91, 2021, 16p.
Markopoulos, E., and Luimula, M. Immersive Safe Oceans Technology: Developing Virtual Onboard Training Episodes for Maritime Safety, Future Internet Journal, Vol. 12. Nr. 5, 2020, 12p.
Oliva, D., Somerkoski, B., Tarkkanen, K., Lehto A., and Luimula, M. Virtual reality as a communication tool for fire safety – Experiences from the VirPa project. In: Proceeding of the 3rd GamiFIN conference, Levi, Finland, 2019, pp. 241-252.
Case
Teleoperation solution on Nokia RXRM platform
Turku University of Applied Sciences is leveraging Nokia’s Real-time eXtended Reality Multimedia (RXRM) in building solutions for collaboration in the metaverse. Read more about our innovative remotely controlled mobile robot with live cameras and a HUD for sharing real-time sensor data.
Recognised expertise
Awards at international conferences:
- Work-In-Progress Award in IEEE VS-Games 2014, Malta
- Best Applied Games Award in Finnish Game Award 2019, Finland
- Best Paper Award of the Future Internet Journal 2019
- Excellent Paper Award in ACM IC4E 2020, Japan
- Excellent Paper Award in Springer ABC 2020, Japan
- Best Paper Award in IEEE CogInfoCom 2020, online conference
- Best Paper Award in Springer AHFE 2021, online conference
- Best Runner Up Award GamiFIN 2022 conference
Our RDI Infrastructure
FIT Turku Competence Center
FIT Turku is a centre of expertise for Futuristic Interactive Technologies. We conduct applied research on virtual, augmented and mixed reality and offer tailor-made solutions to meet the needs of our partners.
Our Experts
Research Group Leader
Senior Specialists
Lecturers
Project Specialists
Engineers and Developers
Networks and cooperation
We cooperate with companies, universities and research institutes in Finland and internationally. Our partners include
- Proverse Interactive Oy empower businesses in all industries with innovative metaverse solutions that optimize productivity streamline processes, and drive sustainable growth.
- Nokia RXRM industrial metaverse technology enabler
- as well as numerous other technology companies, public research organisations and universities in Finland and abroad.
We are members of these networks:
- EU VRAR Industrial Coalition
- Digital Defence Ecosystem
- Metaverse Initiative by Finnish Ecosystem
- Made in Europe: manufacturing partnership with the European Commission under the Framework Programme Horizon 2021-2027.
Strong project skills
Turku University of Applied Sciences’ Project Office offers support and guidance throughout the life cycle of an RDI project. Our project experts have years of experience and strong expertise in national and international funding programmes. We have more than 200 projects running every year, and our RDI activities have received more than €10 million in external funding.