Research group
Futuristic Interactive Technologies
We want to be involved in solving the world’s most difficult challenges by utilising our own expertise and bold vision. Our goal is to create innovations that not only meet today’s needs, but build a sustainable and secure future.
We build solution ideas that are based on versatile dual-use technologies. For example, we will combine the research group’s own metaverse, AI and XR technologies, as well as the partner groups’ autonomous systems, cyber security and health technology – and take them towards commercialisation.
We leverage the best of gaming technologies in broader applications such as education, security, and industry. Our goal is to create solutions that make a difference and impact to real challenges. We are not a game laboratory, and we do not focus on developing games.
Key application areas and technologies
1
Augmented reality (AR/VR/MR) solutions for education, security, and industry
- Safety training in hybrid and hazardous environments
- Next-generation collaborative learning environments
- Advanced remotely controlled user interfaces, user experience
2
Metaverse Platforms for Multi-Region Operations, Training, and Simulations
- Real-time situational awareness and decision-making support in remote command centers, simulations for critical infrastructures
3
Social metaverse, virtual reality, augmented reality
Contact
Research Group Leader
“We work closely with national and international companies, networks and research organisations to develop solutions that have a global impact. In this way, we create value for society, business and our partners, and strengthen Finland’s position at the forefront of technological development.”
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
A teleoperation solution on the 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.
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News
Metaverse helps paramedics and rescuers to have a safe career
Turku University of Applied Sciences and the Rescue Department of Southwest Finland have launched a development project that utilises the…
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 empowers businesses in all industries with innovative metaverse solutions that optimize productivity streamline processes, and drive sustainable growth.
- Nokia RXRM, an 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.