EMOTia - Energy-Efficient Mechanical Testing Under Controlled Environments for the Needs of Future Industry

The aim of the Energy-Efficient Mechanical Testing Under Controlled Environments for the needs of Future Industry (“EMOTia”) project, implemented by the University of Oulu and Nivala Industrial Park LTD, is to strengthen the metal industry and machine shops' ability to produce low-carbon and sustainable products.

The project supports the expansion of fatigue research to environmental testing that considers factors such as temperature, corrosion, and the effects of hydrogen on material durability. As part of the project, a laboratory capable of active environmental fatigue testing will operate in Nivala at the ELME Studio – the first facility of its kind in Finland.

The project aims to strengthen the innovation hub built around fatigue research at the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, supporting the region’s industrial renewal from the perspective of green energy and new manufacturing methods. Companies will have the opportunity to make use of the new knowledge and testing services for product design and optimization right from the earliest design stages.

The EMOTia -project implements the smart specialization strategy of Northern Ostrobothnia and of Eastern and Northern Finland, reinforcing industrial resilience in line with sustainable-development principles. The project will be implemented 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2026 and is co-funded by the European Union under the 'Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 program. The funding has been granted by the Council of Oulu region. Other financiers of the project are the city of Nivala and the Kerttu Saalasti Foundation. The total budget for the group project covering the development and investment sections is €237,838.