Humanoid Robot Lab
HRL
Project information
Funded by
Multiple sources
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Contact information
Other persons
- Professor
Project description
Humanoid Robot Lab leader: Project Manager Antti Tikanmäki
Our work is defined by a bottom-up approach, moving from feasible real-world applications to deep research topics. We focus on four key pillars:
- Embodied AI. We are equipping humanoid robots with AI-powered "brains" that enable them to move, communicate, perform tasks, and learn within real-world environments. This research moves AI beyond digital constraints, giving it a physical presence capable of complex multimodal perception, manipulation and navigation.
- Application-Driven Research Strategy. Unlike traditional research that begins in the lab, we prioritize field tests in authentic settings. This allows us to identify the most promising real-life applications first, ensuring our research focuses on feasible use cases and the specific skills required to execute them.
- Expansion into New Domains. We are pioneering the introduction of humanoid robots into sectors where social acceptance is critical, such as healthcare and the service industry. We leverage the latest interaction and communication research and investigate how to realize robot operation so that it feels natural and enhances the user trust.
- Safety, Verification, and Simulation. Before real-world deployment, we employ rigorous testing methodologies. Utilizing digital twins and virtual environments allows for the rapid, secure testing of new features. This ensures the reliability and safety of autonomous systems without risking physical hardware or human safety during the early development phases.
Our primary goal is to solve tasks that have a high impact on society through the deployment of humanoid robot labor. We are committed to:
- Integrating SOTA Technology: Continuously updating our platforms with the latest advancements in sensors, actuators, and AI models.
- Verification: Establishing standards for the safety of Autonomous Physical Embodied AI.
- Knowledge Network: Building a robust network of skills and education surrounding related technologies.
- Drone logistics service point - using humanoid robots in First mile and Last mile deliveries Droonilogistiikan palvelupiste
- SAAC - researching how humanoid robots could be used in electric aviation field operations SAAC – The development and investment project for electric aviation in Northern Ostrobothnia
- Autonomic - using robots for environment sampling Autonomous robots for inspection and monitoring of the environment
Research with Reach: From Verification to Societal Impact The Humanoid Robot Lab aligns its research agenda with national and European strategic priorities in Digital Transition, Healthcare Resilience, and Trustworthy AI. Our unique "bottom-up" methodology — starting with feasible real-world applications before abstracting to theoretical research — ensures high Return on Innovation. We actively seek funding partnerships to advance:
- Societal Solutions: Addressing labor shortages in the service and healthcare sectors through human-centric robotic labor.
- Safety & Standardization: Developing rigorous verification protocols for Autonomous Physical Embodied AI, ensuring safe deployment in unstructured human environments.
- Cross-Sector Applicability: Validating humanoid utility across diverse industries, from logistics to elderly care, supported by our advanced "Robot Physics and Psychic" testing infrastructure.
Define the Future of Embodied AI Are you ready to move your code off the screen and into the real world? At the Humanoid Robot Lab, we offer a multidisciplinary playground where computer science meets cognitive psychology and mechanical engineering.
- Hands-on Access: Work directly with multiple brands of state-of-the-art humanoid platforms—not just simulations.
- Unique Testbeds: Conduct experiments in our virtual testbeds and built testing environments, exploring how robots move and how they interact with humans.
- Real-World Skills: Gain expertise in the full robotic stack—from high-level reasoning and "Embodied AI" brains to low-level control and safety verification.
- Thesis & Project Opportunities: We supervise topics ranging from human-robot trust dynamics to real-time navigation in crowded spaces.
De-risk Your Robotics Strategy Adopting humanoid robotics is a high-potential, high-uncertainty investment. The Humanoid Robot Lab acts as your strategic R&D partner, helping you navigate the hype to find value. We bridge the gap between academic innovation and industrial requirements through:
- Feasibility Analysis: We conduct application surveys within your specific operational environment to determine if and where a humanoid robot adds value before you invest in hardware.
- Rapid Prototyping & Digital Twins: We test your use cases in our virtual and physical testbeds, identifying risks and optimizing workflows early in the process.
- Safety Verification: ensuring that autonomous behaviors meet strict safety standards for human-robot collaboration.
- Pilot Programs: Partner with us to deploy pilot studies in sectors like retail, healthcare, and service, backed by our technical expertise and data collection capabilities.
