Alex - Future Mobility Finland

Missing pieces of urban mobility – Alternatives for roads are in the making

If we think about the mobility landscape the novel ideas come through automation combined with something physical. Self-operating drones as a fine example. Ground transportation is being filled with autonomous cars and shuttles. Some companies present ground transportation in layers above the ground. One of the companies is Finnish UDT Technologies which is presenting a service ecosystem that consists of stations, air track, and transportation capsules.

Urban Track system in its multifunctional form can uniquely serve citizens and service providers. Physically connected city hubs offer fast and safe travel in urban city centers as well as in recreational areas or airports, to name a few.

UDT Technologies has agreed with the city of Lahti, Finland to build the first living lab environment for technology and service development. City officials have also thought about how the Urban Track will serve a larger area and connect thousands of citizens to important places, attractions and businesses.

UDT Technologies provides attractive scenarios for public- and shared transportation. “We offer the fastest, personal, and cheapest way to travel inside cities, it will have the lowest running costs. Systems will have short payback time and investment from the public can be very low.”, states Innovation Director Jussi Niemioja. Urban tracks are pollution-free, and it will free up space at the ground level. Double benefit – while zero-emission travel on the track is evident, but the ground-level efficiency will also increase as there will be less traffic.

Profitable part of public transport

While the investment into the service ecosystem has a payback time and subvention is not needed it is estimated that the overall impact will benefit widely the surrounding area. Accessibility improvement in the city will have a significant positive impact. “We offer 24/7 services and aim to cover important places. This enables families to own fewer cars for example. Maintenance on roads will be less. Air quality will improve. And most likely land value will increase as Urban Track have a similar nature and effect as other rail-based solutions”, says Jussi Niemioja.

Roads in general are the key to almost all activities happening in cities. No matter if it’s walking, cycling, delivery trucks or other means. UDT Technologies will pioneer an Urban Track ecosystem which would be an open platform for automated city logistics. Present available technologies including 5G, connectivity of people, applications in mobile phones, and cloud services enable very unique and new approaches to how closed systems can be built to serve citizens. Jussi Niemioja also expresses: “Our citizen-centric approach has proven to be efficient way to present our vision and several places are considering us as an attractive alternative. We connect people, deliveries and other services.”

High efficiency – Towards zero emissions and less waste

UDT Technologies is just about to publish a study in co-operation with LUT University that states energy consumption comparison to EV’s will be 1/10 or against electrified light rail 1/20. Comparison has been made based on data available publicly from Helsinki. Jussi Niemioja also highlights: “Emissions are a real challenge, is it CO2 emissions or health effecting small particles. Transportation is causing a significant part of that, and there is no sign of impactful decrease or decrease at all in the field of transportation. Correctly designed and placed Urban Track system can start the reduction in emission fees and improve air quality. We enable electrified transport and superior efficiency to be added into present system.”

Safe, lively, and accessible cities are among the top titles’ cities are promoting themselves. UDT aims to hit that spot. Less accidents, safe spaces, and more freedom at ground level. Still maintaining the freedom to travel and keep places lively and crowded. It is evident, that businesses will bloom when people have access to them, it also has lots of benefits in positive social impact. ‘Freedom to travel’ as they say.

UDT’s next steps are moving forward to implement the technology connecting the University campus in Lahti to the local Science Park. Second phase is to connect residential and commercial areas to the same system. After the concept is proven and the benefits are shown we have a wide audience to visit our site from Nordic region and further. We and they are waiting for it, together.

Further information:

Jussi Niemioja
Innovation Director, Chair of the Board

UDT Technologies

Mob: +358 50 405 9185

jussi.niemioja@udt.fi

www.udt.fi

https://yle.fi/a/74-20036557

https://www.scaleuplaunchpad.eu/post/paving-the-way-for-a-new-era-in-urban-transportation

https://www.lahti.fi/uutiset/udt-technologies-oy-ja-lahden-kaupunki-yhteistyohon-liikenteen-ja-logistiikan-innovatiiviseksi-kehittamiseksi/

https://www.udt.fi/en/udtinvestors/

Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia delegation visit to Finland – Recap

On a sunny day in Helsinki, the Finnish Intelligent Transportation Association had the privilege of hosting a distinguished delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by His Excellency Eng. Saleh Aljasser, Minister of Transport for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The event took place at the historic Katajanokka Hotel chapel and featured a series of insightful presentations by leading experts in electrification, transportation, and sustainable mobility.

Welcome Address by Marko Forsblom, CEO, ITS Finland

Marko Forsblom kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting a collaborative tone and emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in advancing transportation technologies.

Greetings from Saudi Arabia by H.E. Eng. Saleh Aljasser

His Excellency Eng. Saleh Aljasser conveyed greetings from Saudi Arabia and highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to transform its transportation infrastructure, aiming for greater sustainability and efficiency.

Elias Pöyry, Co-Founder and CBDO of Virta Global
Digital EV charging platform as a prerequisite for sustainable mobility

Elias Pöyry presented Virta Global’s innovative digital EV charging platform, underscoring its crucial role in achieving sustainable mobility. His insights into how digital solutions can drive the adoption of electric vehicles were particularly enlightening.
See the presentation:

Digital EV charging platform as a prerequisite for sustainable mobility

Tommi Liuska, CSO, Kempower Oyj
The world’s most desired EV fast charging solutions for everyone, everywhere

Tommi Liuska showcased Kempower Oyj’s advanced EV fast charging solutions, which aim to make EV charging accessible to everyone, everywhere. The presentation highlighted the technological advancements and user-friendly designs that make these solutions highly desirable.

See the presentation:

The world’s most desired EV fast charging solutions for everyone, everywhere

Mikko Ampuja, Founder, Vapaus
Transforming urban mobility for good with cycling

Mikko Ampuja introduced Vapaus’s vision for transforming urban mobility through cycling. His presentation focused on the benefits of integrating cycling into urban transport systems to promote sustainability and improve quality of life.
See the presentation:
Transforming urban mobility for good with cycling

Ian Sacs, P.E. Market manager, Smart Mobility, Ramboll
Developing smart and sustainable cities

Ian Sacs discussed the development of smart and sustainable cities, providing a comprehensive overview of how intelligent mobility solutions can enhance urban living and reduce environmental impacts.
See the presentation:
Developing smart and sustainable cities

Janne Lautanala, Chief Ecosystem and Technology Officer, Fintraffic Driving sustainability with traffic data and service ecosystems

Janne Lautanala elaborated on how Fintraffic Ltd leverages traffic data and service ecosystems to drive sustainability in transportation. His talk highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches in managing and optimizing traffic flow.
See the presentation:

Driving sustainability with traffic data and service ecosystems

Johanna Kuismin, Head of operational development, Fintraffic Ltd
Digirail -Digitalizing Finnish railways

Johanna Kuismin presented the Digirail project, which focuses on the digitalization of Finnish railways. She explained how digital technologies are being used to improve efficiency, safety, and passenger experience in the rail sector.
See the presentation:
Digirail -Digitalizing Finnish railways

Christoph Krause, Development and Sales Manager, Skoda Transtech
Smart Trams for smartest cities

Christoph Krause concluded the presentations by introducing Skoda Transtech Ltd’s smart trams, designed for the smartest cities. His vision of integrating advanced technologies into tram systems was well received.
See the presentation:
Smart Trams for smartest cities

Read the whole recap from ITS Finland webpage

Charting a Greener Course: Finnish Leaders in the Global Shipping Industry’s Eco-Revolution

Meyer Turku debuts methanol-ready cruise ship; Wärtsilä sets new standards in Chinese shipbuilding; NIT wins recognition for ship interior carbon footprint calculator.

Finnish and Estonian stakeholders in the maritime space have signed a memorandum of understanding for creating a green shipping corridor across the Gulf of Finland.

Covering the routes between Helsinki and Tallinn and Vuosaari Harbour and Muuga Harbour, the corridor is an attempt to both accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral and sustainable maritime operations and increase the volume of cargo and passengers between the two countries. It will establish joint roadmaps with specific milestones for cities, ports and shipping companies to achieve their emission goals with the support of partners.

The project will also look to strengthen the competitiveness and vitality of the corridor by means of joint scientific studies, knowledge sharing and participation in relevant global initiatives.

Finnish shipyard close to completing its first methanol-ready cruise ship

Meyer Turku in December announced the float-out of Mein Schiff 7, a methanol-ready cruise ship built at the shipyard in Turku, Southwest Finland, for TUI Cruises.

Shipbuilders at the shipyard began working on the vessel in June 2022. Featuring 15 decks and 1 461 cabins with room for almost 2 900 passengers and 1 000 crew and a gross tonnage of 111 500, the ship is to enter into service later this year.

Wärtsilä helps to raise the bar for shipbuilding in China

Wärtsilä in December revealed it has delivered a suite of solutions to Adora Magic City, the first ever cruise ship built in China.

The suite includes systems for automation, control, navigation and valve control, a smart motor control unit, and an engine and bridge control room console. The Finnish technology group also supplied the bow thruster system and dynamic trim system.

The cruise ship set sail on its maiden voyage from Shanghai, China, on 1 January.

NIT Wins Award for Innovative Carbon Footprint Calculator in Ship Interiors

Naval Interior Team (NIT) in November returned triumphant from the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo in London, having received the sustainability award for what is the first carbon footprint calculator designed specifically for ship interiors.

The calculator empowers ship owners and builders to pinpoint key contributors to their carbon footprint and investigate lower-emission alternatives. This not only aids in reducing emissions but also facilitates collaboration among industry stakeholders. The initiative, led by the Piikkiö, Finland-based group, aims to foster a more sustainable shipbuilding industry.

Founded in 2000, NIT is an international group of companies specialising in turnkey interior-design and construction solutions for all types of vessels. It has designed and built onboard spaces ranging from spas to restaurants and nightclubs for leading shipyards and shipowners for two decades.

Read the whole story on Good News from Finland website

Photo is from the same article

When Europe discovered Finnish mobility innovation…

The European Startup Prize for Mobility (EUSP) doesn’t seem to get enough of Finland these days. The Prize brings together EU institutions, multinational companies, national authorities, and philanthropists to jointly scout, rank, and boost Europe’s most promising clean mobility startups. In its 5th edition, the Prize recognized Finnish Vapaus among its Gold winners, a second time for Finland, this time for the innovative bike company.

European Startup Prize 5th edition Final Ceremony from Sobovitz Dan on Vimeo.

The winning startups were awarded generously: the Prize included major visibility and media coverage, access to an acceleration programme, mentoring, investment and partnership opportunities, and *drum roll* an European Tour to showcase the winning solution.

Shortly after the Award Ceremony in the European Parliament in Brussels, the winning startups travelled to Lisbon, Lucerne, and Helsinki. As the EUSP was one of Slush 2023 partners, the delegation came to present the individual contributions of the winning startups, as well as that of the entire Prize’s ecosystem. They also came to discover what Finland has to offer when it comes to clean mobility innovation (spoiler alert: a lot).

EUSP event video from Sobovitz Dan on Vimeo.

On the margins of Slush, Vapaus and other winners even recorded in a cosy Helsinki studio the ‘What were they thinking?’ podcast, featuring the stories of the winning startups from all across Europe. Episode 1 : Mikko 🇫🇮 • Podcast • What were they thinking? (podcastics.com)

What’s next? EUSP is now building its ecosystem for the upcoming 6th edition launching in November in Monaco under the patronage of Prince Albert II. It means, companies and possible sponsors who wish to take part in this fast-paced innovation ecosystem, should hurry and ask to join. Startups who wish to apply should wait only a few more months as registration will open on November 13th 2024. The final ceremony and winners will be announced early 2025. “For Vapaus, the journey has been remarkable. I’ve always known we were onto something special, but facing such strong competition, I have to admit, I had my doubts,” says Mikko Ampuja, the founder of Vapaus. Despite these doubts, Vapaus emerged victorious, securing a gold award alongside three other winners (RailWai, Stellar, and C2A Security) after three rounds of evaluations. “Winning this competition has opened several doors for us in the European market. It serves as a seal of quality and approval. Our brand may not yet be a household name, but mentioning our EUSP gold win instantly grabs the attention of customers, investors, and the media,” continues Mikko.

Testimonial: Vapaus – Top 10 winner 2023 from Sobovitz Dan on Vimeo.

Dan Sobovitz, Managing Director of the European Startup Prize for Mobility, explains: “The EUSP was created to identify, rank, and boost Europe’s most promising clean mobility startups from all over Europe. Last year, we evaluated a record of over 700 startup applications using a rigorous methodology developed by the Boston Consulting Group and Via ID. Applicants were assessed by a cohort of independent evaluators on their written applications and the Top 50 were then interviewed by a professional jury.

More importantly, the Prize winners and partners are already embarking into synergies which will boost such innovation which is so needed. That’s what the Prize is all about”. The winners indeed enjoy the full acceleration programme but even for those who don’t necessarily win, applying to the Prize puts them on the radar of all the partners for potential collaboration!

Stay updated by following the EUSP on LinkedIn, Facebook, or X. Vapaus from Finland has clinched the Gold at EUSP 2023. Next year, it could be you!

Electrifying the Grid: How VIRTA Transforms Electric Cars into Virtual Power Plants

Virta, a frontrunner in electric vehicle charging platforms, collaborates with Business Finland, benefitting from innovation funding and loans for its R&D efforts. Now entering a phase of swift international growth, Virta’s latest endeavor aims to integrate EV batteries into the power grid, addressing the surging need for energy flexibility.

Virta’s Grid Innovation: Revolutionizing Energy Balance with EV Charging Networks

Virta is redefining the electricity market’s approach to maintaining balance between production and demand, especially in the face of challenges introduced by the proliferation of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Traditionally, imbalances were addressed by ramping up or down the output of hydroelectric and thermal power plants, a solution that, while effective, is increasingly seen as cumbersome and less sustainable. Virta’s innovative solution harnesses the power of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, connecting them into a unified demand response reserve. This network is capable of reacting in real-time to disturbances in the grid, ensuring stability and continuity without the need for additional, heavy-duty power plants. By leveraging this technology, Virta supports a more responsive and resilient energy system, tailored to the complexities of modern electricity markets.

Pioneering Sustainable Mobility: Virta’s Bidirectional Charging and Global Vision

Beyond merely offering a sophisticated charging platform, Virta is pioneering the integration of bidirectional charging technology to further bridge the gap between sustainable mobility and energy systems. This approach allows the battery capacity of EVs to be aggregated and utilized as a flexible energy resource, capable of feeding power back into the grid during times of need. Such innovation not only circumvents the slow and capital-intensive process of bringing new power plants online but also aligns with Virta’s mission since its inception in 2013: to expedite the transition to sustainable mobility and energy systems. With ambitions to lead the service platform market in Europe and Southeast Asia, Virta is not just addressing today’s energy challenges but is laying the groundwork for a future where electric transport and energy sustainability are deeply interconnected, driving both profitability and ecological preservation.

Founded in Helsinki in 2013
One of the world’s leading digital EV charging platforms that enables charging point owners, such as large charging networks and retail chains, to manage their charger networks and turn the provision of EV charging services into a business
Employs more than 230 people (January 2024)
Holds the largest number of software patents related to the integration of EV charging and the energy system in the industry globally.
Estimated turnover in 2023 close to EUR 80 million
Average annual growth in turnover (CAGR) 119% between 2014 and 2022
More than 1,000 B2B customers with more than 100,000 charging points in 36 countries (January 2024)
The service allows you to charge your electric car at over 500,000 charging points in more than 60 countries (January/2024)
Key markets and personnel: Finland (headquarters), Nordic countries, DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), France, UK and Ireland, South-East Asia (Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia), Romania (2nd technology unit)

Read the original article about Virta oy on the Business Finland website here

Image is from the same article

Kempower Unveils Innovative Electric Robot Bus for Enhanced Efficiency, Automation, and Sustainability in Operations

The electric robot bus is used to transport goods between Kempower’s two factories in Lahti.
Benefits of the electric robot bus introduction include enhanced production efficiency, emission reductions, reduced storage reliance, optimized processes, highlighting Finland’s electric tech expertise.
The bus was delivered by the Finnish robot vehicle operator Remoted.

Kempower has recently integrated an advanced electric robot bus at their Lahti headquarters and production facility. This autonomous bus is strategically employed for the internal transportation of goods between Kempower’s two manufacturing sites in Lahti. Traditionally, the movement of power modules between these factories has been managed by truck transports. However, this innovative robot bus, supplied by Finnish robotic vehicle specialist Remoted, is set to take over these logistic operations, marking a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining Kempower’s internal transport processes.

Discover the Full Story of Kempower’s Electric Robot Bus on Their Official Website

Image is from the same article

Kempower in brief

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, 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 in the Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland. www.kempower.com

Remoted in brief

Remoted is an expert in electric and self-driving vehicles, providing sustainable urban and campus mobility, as well as autonomous logistics solutions. Through our robot vehicle services, we can enhance factory production efficiency and improve safe movement within the factory premises. www.remoted.fi

Pioneering the Industrial Metaverse: Valmet Automotive and Telia’s Revolutionary Project

Valmet Automotive, in collaboration with Telia, has embarked on an innovative pilot project at their Uusikaupunki car plant, leveraging cutting-edge robot technology to create a virtual replica of their Innovation Center. This initiative is part of the broader MURO innovation project, which aims to explore the capabilities of 5G-enabled service robots in industrial settings. By using a lidar scan to map out the plant’s environment, they’ve constructed an immersive metaverse where specialists can interact in real-time, irrespective of their physical location, through VR glasses or a PC screen.

The project marks a significant leap towards location-independent operations within the industrial sector, allowing for more flexible and remote management of engineering, maintenance, repairs, and training. Antti Havola, Strategy Director at Valmet Automotive, envisions this technology radically transforming industry workflows and fostering a new realm of remote collaboration and testing.

Valmet Automotive is set to spearhead this technological evolution, anticipating a 2-3 year timeline from the metaverse’s testing phase to its full-scale implementation. The goal is to incorporate customer projects into the metaverse, positioning Valmet Automotive as a leader in this tech-forward approach to manufacturing and automation.

Additional information:

Mikael Mäki, Manager, Corporate Communications, Valmet Automotive
+358 50 317 4308
mikael.maki@valmet-automotive.com

read the original news from valmet-automotive.com site

Picture is from Telia.fi -site in relation to the news (5G robot dog Frans developed in collaboration with VTT & Telia)

Deloitte Recognizes Awake.AI with the Prestigious Logistics Impact Award – A Case Study in Innovation

Sustainable and Smart Operations in Port and Maritime Logistics

Awake.AI: Leading the Charge for Greener Ports

Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 in Finland recognizes rapidly growing technology companies, emphasizing sustainability in business. Among the celebrated is Awake.AI, granted the Impact Award for pioneering sustainable solutions in maritime logistics. CEO Karno Tenovuo and Head of Design Jari Ijäs share the journey of Awake.AI, from its roots in developing autonomous ships at Rolls Royce to creating a smart harbor ecosystem with Business Finland’s support. Their software aims to replace outdated, manual processes with AI-driven efficiency, reducing ship idle times and aiming for a significant cut in global shipping emissions by 2030.

Demand for AI-Driven Maritime Efficiency

Currently, the maritime industry’s appetite is strong for solutions that provide real-time operational data to enhance efficiency. Awake.AI’s technology serves as a bridge between ports and logistics operators, allowing shipping companies to optimize turnover and profit by minimizing manual work and fuel consumption. This not only leads to financial gains but also contributes to the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain.

Innovation Through Collaboration and Recognition

Reflecting on their journey, the team at Awake.AI values learning from past experiences, including navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and economic fluctuations. Looking ahead, they anticipate launching “Digital port call” in early 2024, viewing current operators and software suppliers as collaborators rather than competitors.

The Deloitte Impact Award underscores the importance of their mission and reinforces their commitment to responsible business practices, with a focus on making a tangible impact on environmental sustainability.

Read the whole article form Awake.ai website

Seaspan Enhances Fleet with Wärtsilä’s Cutting-Edge Autonomous Docking Technology

The Finnish tech conglomerate Wärtsilä’s subsidiary, Wärtsilä ANCS, has successfully implemented their pioneering SmartDock autonomous docking system for Seaspan, a prominent Canadian marine transport and shipbuilding enterprise.

The delivery is said to mark a significant step towards autonomous docking and undocking operations, making maritime activities safer and more efficient.

The SmartDock system developed by Wärtsilä ANCS enables Seaspan to perform autonomous docking manoeuvres even in challenging conditions, where currents reach up to two knots. With its advanced technology, SmartDock guarantees safe and predictable docking and undocking manoeuvres, reducing the need for intensive interaction from the vessel’s captain.

Wärtsilä ANCS’s scope of work, which was signed in 2021, includes providing the autonomous SmartDock system, including track development for autodocking at Tilbury, Duke Point, and Swartz Bay ports in Canada.

Read the whole article from offshore-energy.biz website
Picture is from the same article.

Vapaus Strikes Gold at the 2023 European Startup Prize for Mobility

Vapaus Triumphs with Benefit Bike Service: Secures Gold in 5th European Startup Prize for Mobility Among 700+ Applicants.

Vapaus’ commitment to developing and deploying innovative solutions for the mobility sector, was recognized and inspired the jury. The European Startup Prize for Mobility is a recognition to the most pioneering startups in the mobility sector across Europe.

Vapaus Achieves Remarkable Growth

Vapaus, the innovative e-mobility and digital solutions provider, has witnessed a staggering 300% increase in turnover in 2022, soaring to €18.8 million. This remarkable growth trajectory continued in 2023, with the same turnover level achieved by July, edging the company towards its breakeven point. In Finland, Vapaus’s impact is profound, serving over 1300 business customers and equipping their staff with more than 16,000 benefit bikes. This growth not only underscores Vapaus’s commitment to promoting cycling-friendly environments and transforming urban commuting but also marks the beginning of its expansion into Sweden.

In support of Vapaus’s mission, a study by the Finnish Cyclists’ Federation, released on April 14, 2023, highlights the positive influence of bike benefits on employee commuting habits in Finland. Furthermore, the European Cyclists’ Federation has estimated annual benefits of cycling in the EU, including the UK, to be up to €150 billion, considering its positive impacts on the environment, public health, and mobility systems.”

About Vapaus:

Vapaus Bikes Finland Oy, a benefit bike service company founded in 2018 with over 30 professionals, combines eMobility, digital solutions, and welfare development in its service model. Ranked 19th among Finland’s 100 fastest-growing companies, Vapaus saw a 300% turnover was €18.8 million in 2022 and turnover in Jan-Aug 2023 is €21.4 million approaching breakeven in 2023. Vapaus aims to sustain its growth both in Finland and abroad.