Alex - Future Mobility Finland

Inclusive Mobility in Kuopio, Finland: Safer Streets for All

In Kuopio, Finland, SWARCO has launched an innovative pilot project aimed at improving road safety for visually impaired pedestrians. The project integrates smart traffic technology with the self-voicing Blindsquare navigation app (developed by Mipsoft), allowing users to request green lights via smartphone, receive voice guidance at crossings, and benefit from adaptive signal durations that ensure safe and confident crossing. The system also informs users in real time about signal status changes, enhancing mobility without needing to physically interact with street infrastructure.

Designed With and For the Visually Impaired

This solution was developed through close collaboration with the visually impaired community to address real-world challenges—like difficulty hearing audio signals in noisy city environments or identifying push buttons. Feedback from users highlighted how much safer and more independent they feel using the system. Smartwatches and voice prompts remove the need to locate physical buttons, and extended green lights provide the time and assurance needed to cross intersections comfortably, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Driving Equitable Mobility Forward

The Kuopio pilot marks an important step toward inclusive mobility by using accessible technology to remove barriers and empower vulnerable road users. SWARCO’s integration of self-voicing apps and real-time traffic data not only supports safe navigation but also reflects a broader commitment to equitable, intelligent transportation systems. This initiative offers a scalable model for inclusive infrastructure that can be replicated globally, ensuring safer, smarter streets—“The Better Way. Every Day. For Everyone.”

Photo is from the same article.

Sweco Joins Rail Baltica Alliance for Estonia’s High-Speed Rail

Sweco has been selected as a partner in the Rail Baltica alliance, responsible for designing and constructing the Tallinn Ülemiste–Pärnu section. The project is part of a new high-speed railway connecting the Baltic states to Poland and the European rail network.

In Estonia, 213 km of new European-gauge railway will be built in two phases, with completion expected by 2030. The first phase, covering Ülemiste to Pärnu, has an estimated budget of €394 million. The final alliance contract will be signed after the procurement process and appeal period.

Alongside Sweco, the alliance includes GRK Suomi, GRK Viro, NGE, TSO, and Merko. Sweco brings expertise from successful rail projects in Finland and Sweden.

“We are excited to contribute to a project that connects the Baltics to Europe. Our strong railway expertise will support planning and execution,” says Juho Siipo, Sweco’s Director of Infra and Transport.

Read the full press release from STT website (in fi)
Photo is from the same press release

Finland Leads Europe in Quantum Computing with 50-Qubit Breakthrough

Finland has strengthened its position as a leader in quantum computing with the completion of Europe’s first 50-qubit superconducting quantum computer. Developed through a joint project between VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM Quantum Computers, this milestone marks a significant leap in the field. The computer is now available for research and business use via the VTT QX quantum computing service.

The Finnish government allocated €20.7 million for this initiative, launched in 2020. The project was phased into three stages: a 5-qubit quantum computer in 2021, a 20-qubit version in 2023, and the final upgrade to 50 qubits. In 2022, it was connected to the Internet via CSC’s LUMI supercomputer, initially for Finnish researchers and later for business users. This quantum computer enables material modeling, AI, and optimization, solving problems beyond classical computing.

“Developing and building a 50-qubit quantum computer demonstrates Finland’s leadership in the field,” says Erja Turunen, Executive VP at VTT.

Finland is not just building hardware but fostering a quantum business ecosystem. The BusinessQ community, part of InstituteQ, connects over 25 companies in the quantum value chain. VTT spin-offs like Arctic Instruments and SemiQon are commercializing Finnish quantum innovations, from superconducting amplifiers to semiconducting qubits.

“Now is the time for companies to explore quantum computing applications,” Turunen adds.

Finland’s 50-qubit system, housed at VTT’s Micronova facility in Espoo, also serves as a foundation for IQM’s Radiance 54-qubit computer, expanding global quantum research and commercialization. The project solidifies Finland’s status as a pioneer in European quantum technology.

This milestone highlights Finland’s excellence in quantum chip technology and superconducting integration. With strong government backing and collaboration between research and industry, Finland is shaping the future of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced simulations.

Read the full article from VTT -webpage
Picture is from the same article

Finland’s Oulu Port Leads EUR 12.8 Million Cybersecurity and Resilience Project

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Oulu Port have launched a three-year, EUR 12.8 million international project to enhance secure situational awareness in critical cyber-physical systems. Ports, as vital transportation hubs, face complex challenges involving multiple operators and are highly vulnerable to physical and digital threats.

The project, supported by Business Finland and international funders, focuses on developing a secure situational awareness system. This system will integrate advanced technologies, such as digital twins, sensors, and innovative tracking systems, to improve security, ensure smooth operations, and minimize risks from cyber and physical attacks.

Enhancing Port Security: Oulu’s Journey Towards Resilience and Innovation

Collaborating with over 20 organizations, the initiative positions Finland’s Oulu Port as a model for resilience and digital innovation, strengthening supply chains in Northern Finland and setting a global example for port security.

Read the article here
Image: Port of Oulu, Finland’s most significant northern port. Image credit: Port of Oulu Ltd.

More information:

Soila Riutta, Development Manager, Port of Oulu
Soila.Riutta@ouka.fi, tel. +358 40 6686 487

Juhani Latvakoski, Principal Scientist, VTT
juhani.latvakoski@vtt.fi, tel. +358 40 5200 149

Kirsi Jaatinen
Communications Manager
+358 20 722 6757, kirsi.jaatinen@vtt.fi
www.vtt.fi

About Sa4CPS

Sa4CPS is a collaborative project under the ITEA framework, that facilitates international collaboration among various organizations to drive software innovation and digital transition. The consortium for the Sa4CPS project is led by VTT and comprised of a diverse and highly networked collaborative group of 20 organizations from 5 countries, including 15 companies (ADC, ADLC, Alpata, CRL, Digitalmente, Enerim, Erarge, F-Secure, Inovasyon, IMA, Modirum, Natlink, Otokar, Polar and Vintecc), 4 research organizations (Charles University, ISEP, Sirris, VTT), and Port of Oulu. The project focuses on 8 concrete use cases, and the Port of Oulu plays a critical cross-sectorial role, bringing in practical application needs and a testing ground to the initiative.

About the project: https://itea4.org/project/sa4cps.html

About VTT

VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner for companies and the society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This is how we create sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing and bring exponential hope.VTT is one of the leading research organisations in Europe, and we have nearly 80 years of experience in cutting-edge research and science-based results. Our more than 2,000 professionals work to develop systemic and technological solutions that can bring about fundamental transformation.We promise to always think beyond the obvious.

Fluent Progress and ScanwAi Partnering to offer Comprehensive Services in Infrastructure Maintenance with AI Technology

Fluent Progress, a software company from Joensuu, and ScanwAi, an AI powered infra maintenance company, have entered into a partnership. Fluent provides management systems for the maintenance of roads, streets, and sports facilities, as well as asset management. ScanwAi offers digital solutions, including video recording and AI-powered video recording, for infrastructure maintenance and monitoring.

With this new partnership, municipalities, cities, and contractors can now access all necessary tools for maintenance processes from a single provider. The demand for documenting maintenance activities through video recording has increased recently, and Fluent can now offer ScanwAi‘s video recording solutions to help clients document their activities. ScanwAi‘s AI video recording can also automate observations, such as detecting potholes and snow-covered traffic signs, which can then trigger necessary actions. ScanwAi‘s video recording system is already in use in various projects across Finland, and the use of AI video recording is expected to grow in the future.

Mikko Hassinen, Fluent’s Commercial Director, highlights that “ScanwAi is a new, agile startup with practical experience in projects and a customer-oriented approach. The collaboration has started very promisingly.”

“Partnering with Fluent Progress marks an exciting milestone for ScanwAi. Together, we are poised to transform infrastructure maintenance with our cutting-edge AI technology, providing comprehensive and innovative solutions to municipalities, cities, and contractors. This collaboration embodies our commitment to customer-centric innovation and excellence”, says Juha Rytkönen, CEO of ScanwAi.

Juha Rytkönen
Toimitusjohtaja, CEO

ScanwAi Oy offers digital solutions for infrastructure maintenance and monitoring. ScanwAi uses artificial intelligence and digitization to make infrastructure maintenance efficient and environmentally friendly. The company’s goal is to reduce maintenance costs, increase traffic safety and minimize the environmental impact of infrastructure maintenance.

ScanwAi Oy

Maria 01, Lapinlahdenkatu 16, 00180 Helsinki, Finland

phone +358 20 730 9831

mobile +358 45 677 3199

juha.rytkonen@scanwai.com

TactoTek® Wins Two 2025 CES Innovation Awards® for Pioneering IMSE® Technology

TactoTek has won two CES 2025 Innovation Awards in the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility category for its IMSE® technology platform and Intelligent Illuminated Door Panel for vehicles.

IMSE integrates electronics, mechanics, and aesthetics into thin, seamless surfaces, enabling innovative designs and eco-friendly manufacturing. The technology has been approved by major OEMs and supports advanced applications like uniform RGB lighting and integration with vehicle sensors.

TactoTek leads in IMSE technology with over 280 patents and a global network of licensees bringing IMSE solutions to automotive, smart home, industrial, and defense markets.

About TactoTek

TactoTek, Oy (Oulu, Finland), is the world leader in developing and licensing in-mold structural electronics (IMSE®) technologies. Automotive, aviation, connected home, industrial control and medical brands use TactoTek innovations to create next-generation user experiences that are compelling, differentiated, and more sustainable. Designers use TactoTek IP to integrate circuits and components directly into plastic parts, transforming conventional structures into smart interactive surfaces. TactoTek licenses its intellectual property, including over 280 patents and critical know-how developed over a decade of intensive R&D and quality testing, to global manufacturers who use reliable, standardized manufacturing processes to produce curved-shape and conformal electronics. Learn more at www.tactotek.com.

‍About CES®

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

‍About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

‍Read the original article from TactoTek website here
The photos on the page are from the same article.

Media Contact

Dave Rice
SVP Business Development, TactoTek
dave.rice@tactotek.com

ChargeZone launches Kempower EV fast-charging hub in Gujarat, expands across India

ChargeZone, India’s leading EV charging network, has unveiled its first Kempower-powered charging hub in Gujarat at Shreenath Food Hub, strategically located along a major highway. Operated by ChargeZone and installed by WGB Charging Sol Pvt. Ltd., this hub marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s e-mobility infrastructure. As part of a larger initiative to establish 15 more fast-charging sites nationwide, the project reinforces ChargeZone’s dedication to delivering accessible and reliable EV charging solutions across the country.

Kempower partnered with ChargeZone and WBG to deliver this advanced charging hub equipped with a 400kW Kempower Power Unit charging system featuring two double output and one single output Kempower Satellite with CCS2 connectors. The site supports both passenger cars and electric trucks, making it one of the first of its kind in India designed to serve a diverse range of EV users.

The Shreenath Food Hub charging site is strategically located alongside the highway, between the two big cities Ahmedabad and Mumbai, providing EV drivers with convenient access to charging facilities during their journeys. The Kempower DC charging system ensures dynamic power distribution across the five connectors, maximizing charging efficiency and minimizing wait times. Coupled with Kempower ChargEye, a cloud-based charging management system, ChargeZone can dynamically distribute the charging power and thus maximize the number of vehicles that can be charged simultaneously.

This Press release is from STT site

Kempower media:
Paula Savonen, VP, Communications, Kempower
paula.savonen@kempower.com

About Kempower

We design and manufacture reliable and user-friendly DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles. Our vision is to create the world’s most desired EV charging solutions for everyone, everywhere. Our product development and production are based in Finland and in the U.S. with the majority of our materials and components sourced locally. We focus on all areas of e-mobility, from electric cars, trucks, and buses to machines and marine. Our modular and scalable charging system and world-class software are designed by EV drivers for EV drivers, enabling the best user experience for our customers around the world. Kempower is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange in Finland.  www.kempower.com

KONE’s Veturi Program: Building a Sustainable Urban Future

A Four-Year Journey of Innovation with 200 Partners

In 2020, KONE launched the “Flow of Urban Life” Veturi ecosystem program, addressing urbanization and sustainability challenges. Supported by EUR 20 million from Business Finland, the program brought together 200 companies, resulting in over a hundred patent applications.

“The Veturi program helped us find high-tech partners to co-create solutions for the physical and digital world. Business Finland and other leading companies, such as Nokia, Wärtsilä and Meyer Turku, have been important players. We have also collaborated with top universities and researchers who are experts in studying smart and sustainable cities,” says Tomio Pihkala, Chief Technology Officer at KONE.

Key Achievements and Innovations

Increased R&D Investments: KONE’s Veturi program has generated new knowledge and innovations in several key technology areas, promoting the development of Finnish expertise and companies in the field of smart and sustainable cities. KONE’s R&D investments in Finland grew by 7% annually, especially in AI, digital twins, and data analytics.
KONE SiteFlow: This construction management application was tested in industry projects, winning the Council of Tall Buildings Innovation Award in 2024.
Digital Twin Concept: Enhances urban commuting by simulating people flow in transport hubs.

Ongoing Innovation

“Research collaboration provided us with a vision of the future, an idea of where the world is going – a vision to create smart construction and sustainable urban environments for the future, for example. Now we have a better understanding of customer needs and emerging technologies. We received a lot of support from external partners that helped us develop the technologies used in our future products,” says Janne Öfversten, digital innovation lead at KONE.

As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE moves two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow®. KONE’s purpose is to shape the future of cities.

Year of foundation: 1910

Sales: ~€11 billion (in 2023)

Personnel: over 60,000, of which 2,582 are based in Finland

The mission of KONE’s Veturi program, The Flow of Urban Life (2021–2024), was to develop smooth and sustainable services and solutions for the next 1 billion people moving into cities by 2030, helping to ease some of the major challenges caused by urbanization and climate change.

KONE’s Veturi program also seeks to create new business for the ecosystem partners and KONE worth a total of EUR 1 billion in the coming years.

Varjo Headsets Power First FAA-Approved VR Flight Simulator, Revolutionizing Pilot Training

Developed by Loft Dynamics, the simulator allows U.S. pilots to officially receive credit toward pilot ratings from training in virtual reality.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially approved a virtual reality-based flight training solution for the first time, marking a significant milestone in aviation training. Developed by Loft Dynamics, a global leader in VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs), the system incorporates Varjo’s ultra-high-resolution VR headsets to create an immersive, lifelike training environment.

This FAA-approved Loft Dynamics VR simulator enables U.S. helicopter pilots to receive credit toward their pilot ratings while training in a realistic virtual environment. Equipped with Varjo’s advanced headsets, which offer an industry-leading wide field of view, pilots can experience highly accurate flight visuals, movements, and scenarios. The qualification allows the simulator to be used for a wide range of training, from engine failures and emergency procedures to more complex tasks like sling load and pinnacle operations, pushing the boundaries of traditional flight training methods.

All pilots are required to train regularly in an aircraft or flight simulator and this step will play a crucial role in addressing the growing pilot shortage. Previously, Varjo’s headsets were approved for pilot training by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in partnership with Loft Dynamics.

This news is from Varjo press release
Photo credit: Morgan Napier

About Varjo

Varjo is the world-leading provider of enterprise virtual and mixed reality solutions, delivering the highest levels of immersion, performance, and security for the most demanding industrial customers globally. Used by over 25% of the Fortune 100 to transform how they operate, we are known for virtual and mixed reality that look and feel as real as the real world, allowing training astronauts and fighter jet pilots, designing cars, and conducting pioneering medical research across virtual environments.

Varjo’s hardware and software solutions integrate with the world’s largest ecosystem of professional 3D software, image generators, and advanced simulator hardware. With Varjo’s offering, including the latest XR-4 Series and the government-compliant XR-4 Secure Edition, professionals can recreate the exact feeling and conditions of real life in 3D, allowing them to work faster, better and more cost effectively. When we’re done, computers will look and feel nothing like they do today.

Green Mobility Pilot in Helsinki

PayiQ is taking part in an innovative green mobility project designed to encourage more sustainable travel choices. By influencing passengers’ route and transport decisions, the initiative promotes eco-friendly options. The pilot project is currently underway in Helsinki.

PayiQ is a technical provider in EU-funded ACUMEN project that aspires to affect passengers’ route and transport choices in order to promote sustainability. The project utilizes AI-powered seamless mobility management to achieve more efficient door-to-door trips. It also supports the safety and flexibility of traffic as part of the green transition.

The project is a collaborative effort involving Forum Virium, Aalto University, and several other companies. PayiQ has developed the PayiQ Tickets mobile app, which provides passengers with real-time route options and collects data on their transportation choices. The project is already underway, and Forum Virium and PayiQ are currently recruiting a focus group to test the solution. The pilot is being conducted in Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari district.

Read the full press release on the PayiQ webpage

About PayiQ

PayiQ supports companies and cities in their aim to become carbon neutral. PayiQ’s cloud-based mobile fare collection platform enables easy and seamless payments for public transport for both corporate and end users. At the same time, it measures the CO2 footprint of various mobility choices and offers a gamification tool which helps nudge users towards carbon neutral mobility and living. PayiQ’s platform gathers valuable data on movement and public transport usage. This real-time data can be utilized to improve customer experience and meet evolving reporting needs of companies and cities.