News

From Robotic Integration to Autumn Field Sampling

AUTONOMIC partners met at OuluZone to integrate and test robotic sampling tools under real environmental conditions. The team then conducted an autumn sampling campaign at Pallasjärvi Lake, managed by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), and Kaunisjärvi Lake, supported by associated partner Kaunis Iron. The collected environmental data will contribute to developing digital twins of the pilot areas and improving environmental monitoring in Nordic conditions.

AUTONOMIC at World Water Week 2026.

In August 2026, AUTONOMIC was presented at World Water Week in Stockholm. At the project’s booth in the Main Hall, visitors had the opportunity to learn more about AUTONOMIC and discuss how robotics can support environmental monitoring in Nordic and other challenging environments.

AUTONOMIC is strengthening communication and stakeholder engagement across the Nordic region.

During its early implementation, AUTONOMIC was promoted through conferences, workshops, webinars, institutional websites, and international events. Engagement with Finnish stakeholders also provided feedback on automation, reliability, and applicability in Nordic conditions, helping ensure that the project’s solutions remain visible and aligned with practical environmental monitoring needs.

Finnish Stakeholders Contribute to AUTONOMIC’s Development.

In May 2026, AUTONOMIC partners met with Finnish research, industry, and end-user representatives to present project progress and gather feedback. Discussions addressed robotic sampling, data integration, and digital twins, emphasising the need to combine robots, drones, satellite observations, modelling, and in-situ measurements. Key challenges included scalability, autonomy, model calibration, and reliable data collection during critical environmental events.

Integrating Robotic Environmental Sampling Tools at OuluZone

In April 2026, AUTONOMIC partners met at OuluZone to integrate environmental sampling tools with robotic platforms and further develop existing robotic solutions. Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Mitta AB provided expertise in field procedures, standards, and protocols to ensure the systems meet practical monitoring requirements. The partners also joined an AUTOsense webinar and demonstration on autonomous technologies for rural and remote environments.

AUTONOMIC Piloting in Lapland in March 2026.

Savonia’s Water Safety Team tested Arctic sampling technologies in Lapland, collecting water, ice, and snow samples for analysis. The results will support robotic sampling and the development of digital twins of the pilot areas.

AUTONOMIC was presented at Hanketori in Kuopio.

In March 2026, AUTONOMIC was presented at Hanketori in Kuopio, showcasing how cross-border cooperation and robotics can support environmental monitoring in Nordic regions.

AUTONOMIC at the Winter Satellite Workshop 2026.

Savonia University of Applied Sciences represented AUTONOMIC at the workshop in Espoo, highlighting how autonomous robotics can complement Earth Observation by collecting reliable, high-resolution environmental data in remote Nordic areas. The event also offered opportunities to explore potential collaborations.

AUTONOMIC Consortium Meeting in Kuopio.

The AUTONOMIC consortium met at Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the Kuopio Water Cluster to discuss the project’s development and future activities. Partners explored approaches for creating autonomous robotic systems and analytical procedures for remote environmental sampling in Arctic regions. The meeting strengthened cooperation among the project partners and supported the continued development of reliable monitoring solutions adapted to challenging Nordic conditions.

AUTONOMIC Consortium Meeting and Field Visit in Northern Finland.

In September 2025, AUTONOMIC partners met at the University of Oulu to review progress and plan upcoming activities. They then visited Luke’s sites in Kilpisjärvi to assess conditions and identify suitable locations for future robotic sampling campaigns in Arctic environments

Assessing Potential Sampling Sites in Kittilä

In June 2025, teams from Luleå University of Technology and Savonia University of Applied Sciences visited the Kittilä area in northern Finland. The partners assessed and tested potential locations for the project’s future environmental sampling activities, considering site accessibility, field conditions, and suitability for robotic operations. The visit supported the selection and planning of sampling sites for upcoming AUTONOMIC field campaigns.

AUTONOMIC Field Visit to Agnico Eagle Finland

In June 2025, teams from Luleå University of Technology and Savonia University of Applied Sciences visited AUTONOMIC associated partner Agnico Eagle Finland. They discussed environmental monitoring and sampling in mining areas, strengthening cooperation and supporting the planning of future project activities.

AUTONOMIC Kick-off Meeting at the University of Oulu

The kick-off meeting for AUTONOMIC took place at the University of Oulu in March 2025.

From left: Anton Koval, Sakari Sarkkola, George Nikolakopoulos, Rosa Sartjärvi, Juha Röning, Antti Tikanmäki, Aleksi Vikki, Aki Happonen.
Online: Alexandra Frost, Ellen Öman, Ilektra Tsimpidi.