News – Future Mobility Finland

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.

Vaisala to modernize Safety and Weather Resilience at 14 Indonesian Airports

Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, has secured a landmark contract valued at approximately EUR 25 million to modernize the weather systems at 14 airports across Indonesia. This major project, commissioned by the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), aims to significantly improve flight safety and weather resilience in a country where air travel is critical due to its unique geography of over 17,000 islands.

Air travel plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s mobility, with over 52 million domestic and 7 million international passengers recorded in 2022 alone. As the world’s second-fastest-growing aviation market, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration, Indonesia faces significant challenges in maintaining the safety and efficiency of its rapidly expanding air traffic network.

Vaisala’s contract represents the largest aviation weather project in the company’s history and will be recorded as an official order upon confirmation of the financing agreement. The project includes the deployment of Vaisala’s cutting-edge AviMet Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at eight airports and advanced wind shear alert systems at four airports, utilizing X-band weather radars and wind lidars. Additionally, the project will incorporate the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s SILAM model to enhance the monitoring and prediction of volcanic ash clouds, a crucial safety measure in a country with approximately 80 active volcanoes.

The three-year project, set to begin in 2025, will be funded through Finland’s Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF), a program managed by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs that supports sustainable development initiatives in developing countries. Final approval for the funding is pending completion of the PIF loan agreement.

This modernization effort is not only a testament to Vaisala’s technological leadership but also a significant contribution to Indonesia’s infrastructure development, ensuring safer skies for millions of travelers in the years to come.

Read the Press release from Vaisala website (August 28, 2024)
Photo is from the same article from Vaisala website

More information for the media

Katri Koponen, Communications Manager, Vaisala
Tel. +358 50 586 0262
katri.koponen@vaisala.com

About Vaisala

Vaisala is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence for climate action. We equip our customers with devices and data to improve resource efficiency, drive energy transition, and care for the safety and well-being of people and societies worldwide. With almost 90 years of innovation and expertise, we employ a team of over 2,300 experts committed to taking every measure for the planet. Vaisala series A shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.

www.vaisala.com

TPG payment unit installed at Premier Park

The payment unit enables easy payment with a standard payment card and does not require pre-registration or membership to any charging service. TouchPayGo payment unit handles 7 charging points in the area where charging is now paid with a standard payment card. “This is easier for us when the payments for charging come directly from the payment card. Otherwise, we would have to invoice separately every time,” says Premier Park CEO Henrik Sundberg.

Premier Park & ParkChargePay: Driving the Future with Sustainable Mobility and Advanced EV Charging Solutions

Premier Park is a full-service event and driving training centre providing driving and traffic safety trainings, motorcycle-related trainings, companies’ own customer events and events of car and motorcycle importers. Mainly electric cars and hybrids are used at Premier Park’s training sessions.

The mission of ParkChargePay is to redefine the EV journey. The TPG payment unit is perfect for charging point operators but also for companies and organizations serving their customers with EV charging services.

For more information, please contact:

Henrik Hultin, PCP Senior Product Manager
henrik.hultin@semel.fi
+358 40 730 0348

Jan Malmgren, PCP Business Development
jan.malmgren@semel.fi
+358 400 623 244

www.parkchargepay.eu

www.premierpark.fi

Vapaus Raises EUR 10 Million Series A Funding to Accelerate Global Expansion of Employee Bike Benefits

Vapaus, the Finnish pioneer in employee bike benefits, has successfully secured EUR 10 million in a Series A funding round. This equity injection will fuel the company’s international expansion, advance its software development and platform automation, and drive the growth of its innovative PreCycled concept aimed at the second-hand bicycle market.

Vapaus has grown sixfold in two years, has become one of the fastest-growing companies in Finland and won gold in the European Startup Prize for Mobility 2023.

The investors behind the funding are Shift4Good as the lead investor, Tesi (officially Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) together with European Investment Bank’s co-investment facility EGF and SuperHero Capital.

“Sustainable mobility is at the heart of Vapaus. Cycling is an important part of future mobility and with electrification the role of bicycle is growing and diversifying globally. Our offering combines mobility, digital solutions and welfare development in an interesting way. We are happy to have a combination of international and Finnish investors on board to support our growth”, says Tero Era, CEO of Vapaus.

Read the full news on the Vapaus website

The image in the article is taken from the Vapaus webpage.

Contacts

Vapaus
Tero Era, CEO, +358 50 541 6337, tero.era@vapaus.io

About Vapaus

Vapaus Bikes Finland Oy is at the forefront of sustainable mobility services and has been a pioneer in the Employee Benefit Bikes sector since late 2020. Vapaus boasts a mature and scalable business model, evident in its remarkable growth trajectory from €4.5 million in net revenues in 2021 to an impressive €30+ million in 2023. Vapaus has been ranked among Finland’s fastest growing companies and won gold in the European Startup Prize for Mobility 2023.

Vapaus has successfully automated the entire process of employee benefit bikes through its technology platform covering payroll, invoicing, logistics, insurance, and financing. Vapaus is focusing on international expansion, to first penetrate the Swedish market, further enhance platform automation, and catalyse a transformative shift in the financing model, enhancing the overall employer experience. www.vapaus.io

Electrans and Relesoft Announce Joint Development of EULYNX Object Controller

Electrans (Electrosistemas BACH S.A.,) a global player in the railway signalling industry, and Relesoft (Relesoft Oy), a railway software and system provider, are excited to announce their strategic partnership to develop a cutting-edge EULYNX object controller. This new, lightweight, and miniaturized system is a practical step towards modular railway signalling. The initial application is focused on light signals – one of Electrans’ core product lines.

The EULYNX object controller is designed and developed to meet the highest safety standards, Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL 4) and EULYNX compatibility. Certifications underscore the system’s reliability, robustness and ensure to meet the rigorous demands of modular railway infrastructure based on open interfaces.

“Partnering with Relesoft enables us to leverage their software expertise and combine it with our extensive experience in railway signaling systems,” said Jordi Latorre, Technical Director of Electrans. “The development of the EULYNX compatible object controller aligns with our commitment to innovate and walk in the front line of the industry.”

The new system is expected to be market-ready by the end of 2024, following comprehensive testing and certification processes. “Relesoft is excited to collaborate with Electrans on this project,” said Markus Melander, Director of Relesoft. “Our combined expertise will deliver a state-of-the-art solution that meets the highest safety standards and addresses the evolving need to have more EULYNX compatible solutions on the market.”

The introduction of the EULYNX object controller for light signals is just the beginning. Both companies anticipate expanding its application to other signalling components, further solidifying their position in being ready to face growing demand of open interoperability requirements from the global railway market.

Read the full press release here

For more information, please contact:
Markus Melander, Relesoft Oy
Tel. +358-405729367, markus.melander@relesoft.io

Jordi Latorre, Electrosistemas BACH S.A.
Tel. +346-49411716, jlatorre@electrans.es

About Relesoft:
Relesoft is a railway software and system provider, specializing in developing safety related systems. With a focus on safety and reliability, Relesoft delivers cutting-edge software solutions that meet the highest standards of performance, safety and security. https://relesoft.io/object_controller

About Electrans:
Electrans is a global leader in railway and tram signalling, specializing in level-crossing protection, turn-key signalling systems, and LED technology solutions. Since its foundation, Electrans has developed innovative, client-focused products. Our commitment to safety, quality, and adaptability drives us to deliver state-of-the-art solutions worldwide. https://www.electrans.es/

About EULYNX:
EULYNX is a European initiative in the area of railway signalling, with the aim of reducing the cost and installation time of signalling equipment. https://eulynx.eu/

Optimizing Rush Hour Management in Stations with Digital Twin Technology

KONE has developed a groundbreaking digital twin innovation in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance people flow in crowded city hubs. This pioneering solution leverages data to improve urban mobility, enabling smoother and more efficient commuter experiences.

Navigating crowded metro stations during rush hour can be stressful, as congested pathways challenge both patience and schedules. To address this, KONE, in collaboration with AWS, developed a digital twin concept that uses real-time data to simulate and optimize people flow in urban hubs, with a successful pilot at Helsinki’s main railway station.

As cities continue to grow, the demand for sustainable mobility increases, requiring stations to adapt and better serve diverse groups of people. This innovative approach by KONE aims to make commuting smoother, less crowded, and more comfortable, ultimately supporting the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.

A real-life 3D model of people flow

The digital twin proof-of-concept (PoC) combines real-time and historical data from people flow sensors with elevator, escalator, and train status information. The model provides valuable insights into location-specific people flow dynamics, helping improve user experience and plan for future capacity needs.

The smooth and eye-catching user interface (UI) is backed up with AWS cloud technology and platform. The result is a whole package that enables customers to test different people flow scenarios. The goal is for every aspect of people flow to be optimized to improve both user experience and overall transport capacity.

Read the whole story on KONE website

Photo is from the same article

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