Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group

Data Analysis and Inference team conducts high-quality research in the field of computational data analysis and develops methods for diverse real-world modeling problems. Our strengths are a strong, versatile background in engineering, mathematics, statistics, and broad knowledge within application areas.

The research in DataAI is focused into interacting areas of artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, industrial statistics and e-health.

Application areas include (e.g.):

• Activity monitoring
• Wearable sensors
• Intelligent environments
• Steel manufacturing
• Cognitive load assessment
• Quality improvement
• Context recognition
• Human-robot interaction

Big data

DataAI team has a long history in data analysis research. The application areas have varied from steel manufacturing and spot welding to human activity recognition from e.g. accelerometer data, and many others. Currently DataAI is taking steps to broaden its research area to include big data related problems as we see huge potential in this area. The potential is also recognized in reports that try to forecast the future key technologies.

Industrial Statistics

In the research on industrial statistics, data analysis approaches are developed for optimization, control and planning of industrial processes. The scope of applications has varied from spot welding to cheese manufacturing, and much of the research has focused on improving product quality in steel industry.

Machine Learning and Knowledge Discovery

Machine learning as a sub-field of artificial intelligence studies methods that can automatically detect patterns in data by optimizing the performance criteria from the examples or past experiments. A learned model can be used to predict the response variables or other properties of unknown patters. In our research, we are concentrating on the development of statistical (and probabilistic) learning methods which are able to tackle the different uncertainties and non-linear dependencies typically involved in the patterns and large-scale datasets. Furthermore, we are interested in particular algorithms which are able to utilize multi-modal and structured data in different data analysis and prediction scenarios such as classification, regression, clustering, and sequential modeling, using tools such as instance-based learners, neural networks, kernel methods, Bayesian non-parametric methods, and Bayesian filtering.

Research topics

• Perception for robotics
  • Information representation
  • Integration of algorithms
  • Adaptive systems for current conditions
• Advanced performance for robots
  • Real time requirements
  • Reflex, dynamic control, fast adaptive perception
  • Smooth motion trajectories and obstacle avoidance
• Energy and cost effective robot building
  • Low cost electronics, multiprocessor embedded systems
  • Power consumption optimization and knowledge
  • Consuming and storing energy-efficiently
• Distributed control systems for robotics
  • Ad hoc communication and sensing network
  • Small embedded nodes for building robots
  • Multi robot systems (wheeled, arms, and flying robots)
• Routine learning and using it for task planning and scheduling
  • Statistics
  • How to represent information

Research project examples

• Labrobot: Developing food industry with robotics. EAKR (Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto, European Regional Development Fund, ERDF).
• HYFLIERS: Oil refinery pipe inspection with flying drones. EU Horizon 2020.
• Garbot: Utilizing robotics and AI for material recycling. EAKR (Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto, European Regional Development Fund, ERDF).
• Geobot: Utilizing robotics for geopolymer manufacturing. EAKR (Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto, European Regional Development Fund, ERDF).
• VED: Low-carbon drone solutions utilisation models and introduction action recommendations. EAKR (Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto, European Regional Development Fund, ERDF).
• Environmental mapping and localization of radiation sources with mobile robots. MATINE (Maanpuolustuksen tieteellinen neuvottelukunta).
• 5GDrone: Utilizing flying drones to measure 5G networks. EU Horizon 2020.
• IAEA robotic challenge: Measuring radioactive material storages with robots
• ELROB: International outdoor robotics competition
• Smart booms 2: Improving the safety of autonomous construction machinery with sensors
• OZ+ - Evaluating the sensors of autonomous vehicles in different environmental conditions. EAKR (Euroopan aluekehitysrahasto, European Regional Development Fund, ERDF).

Our robots

OUSPG is active as an academic research team in the University of Oulu since summer 1996.

Current activities include

With the new strategic openings in Infotech Oulu, the team strives to initiate new projects which will integrate the biological sciences with the high throughput data analysis and processing capabilities.

Biomimetic glucose sensor

In a joint effort with VTT Espoo, we are developing a novel biomimetic glucose sensor which will measure the metabolic glucose level with an internal reference. This sensor doesn't require daily invasive measurements, and thus will be a new line of biocompatible, personalized medical sensing device.

Exosomes as genetic transfer materials

Exosomes are nanovescicles generated by the cell in response to environmental stimulus, and carry genetic material which can reveal the health status of a cell. We are screening for exosomes secreted in response to a kidney injury or disease, and also as a cell derived reprogramming material for genetic engineering purposes.

Genome and the electromagnetic spectrum

Our aim is to set the ground for new openings to identify novel cell-background radiation interactions mechanisms. Specifically, we will address the subtle roles of electrical and magnetic fields interacting with the cell genome, which has been poorly understood so far. This will be accomplished with genome wide biosensor screening tests performed by automated handling robots.

Towards a holistic self-awareness in humans and AI

Self-awareness is involved in a number of cognitive functions of the human brain and correspondingly its disturbances are part of a number of disease of various statistical relevance. Self-awareness may also improve the efficiency in robotic systems by a more conscious execution of tasks (Celentano and Röning 2016a). Interaction among concurrent cognitive entities further expands the model in Celentano (2014).

For multi-robot systems, various cognitive and social inputs can be used for self/nonself discrimination, including the observation of the self, of the environment and of neighbour entities, as well as the exploitation of social interaction among agents. For example, even if the final outcome (e.g., relative positions of more robots) may look similar, it is important to discriminate what I am doing from what the others are doing. (Celentano and Röning 2016a) Sharing knowledge among agents further improves awareness (Celentano and Röning 2016a, 2016b).

In line with BISG strategy, cognitive functions in humans and in artificial entities are in this research collaboratively studied side by side to allow exploiting the results in both domains bridging neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

National cybersecurity education cooperation network. Ministry of Education and Culture. Dec 2022 – Dec 2025. Information in Finnish.

Artificial intelligence vulnerabilities test platform (Tekoälyjärjestelmien haavoittuvuuksien testausalusta). Scientific Advisory Board for Defence (MATINE). Feb 2023 – Dec 2024.

TORQS (Towards reliable quantum software development approaches and use-cases). Business Finland. Jan 2023 – Dec 2024.

Executable cybersecurity certificate (Suoritettava tietoturvasertifikaatti). Scientific Advisory Board for Defence (MATINE). 2022 - 2023.

5GDrones (5G for Drone-based Vertical Applications). EU Horizon 2020 ICT-19-2019 Research and Innovation Action. Jun 2019 - Sep 2022.

ABIDI (Context-aware and Veracious Big Data Analytics for Industrial IoT) CHIST-ERA and Academy of Finland. Sep 2019 - Aug 2022.

Sensor Within: Harnessing Human Biology for Sensing Applications. Infotech. Jan 2018 - Dec 2021.

Low-carbon drone solutions utilisation models and introduction action recommendations (VED) ERDF. Aug 2019 - Jul 2021.

Arctiq DC (Arctic Datacenters). Jan 2019 - Jun 2021.

CS-AWARE A cybersecurity situational awareness and information sharing solution for local public administrations based on advanced big data analysis. Horizon 2020. Sep 2017 - Dec 2020.

Garbot Utilizing robotics and AI for material recycling. ERDF. Jun 2017 - Feb 2020.

GeoBot Robotics for geopolymer material research and manufacturing. ERDF. Nov 2018 - Dec 2019.

Labrobot. ERDF. Sep 2016 - Oct 2019.

Situation Awareness in Information and Cyber Security (SAICS). Academy of Finland. Jul 2014 – Jun 2016.

European Robotics Research Network EURON. EU- FP6 Network of Excellence.

Minotaurus (Human-machine interaction in intelligent sensor network). EU Regional Development Fund ERDF. Jan 2009 – Dec.2012.

XPRESS (fleXible PRoduction Experts for reconfigurable aSSembly technology).

ROBOSWARM (Knowledge Environment for Interacting ROBOt SWARMs). Nov 2006 – Apr 2009.

€-Confidential. ITEA. Sep 2006 - Mar 2009.

SAMURAI (Smart Archive: Management, Utilization and stoRAge of continuously measured Information). Tekes. Nov 2006 – Feb 2008.

PROTOS Genome. 2004 – 2007.

PROTOS (Security Testing of Protocol Implementations). MATINE. 2002 – 2003.

SIOUX (Intelligent system for dynamic online quality control of spot welding processes for cross-sectoral applications). EU-FP6. Oct 2002 – Oct 2004.

VALTA (VALssauksen TArkentaminen). Jan 2002 - Feb 2004.
Hi-TechSteel. Tekes. Jan 1999 – Dec 2002.

PROTOS (Security Testing of Protocol Implementations). Tekes. 1999 - 2001.

RoboCup (Experiments on Reactive Control Architecture). Jan 1996 – Dec 1998.

RockEU2. Horizon 2020.

ReBorn. EU-FP7.

euRathlon EU-FP7, Horizon 2020.

SOCRATE (Exploiting Social Structure for Cooperative Mobile Networking). WiFiUS programme, Tekes / Business Finland.

GlobalRF (Global RF Spectrum Opportunity Assessment). WiFiUS programme, Tekes / Business Finland.

INCA. Academy of Finland.

Cyber Trust. Tekes.

SIMP (System Integrated Metal Processes). Tekes.

MOPO. ERDF, Tekes.

PROB2E (Probability Predictions to Production Efficiency). Tekes.

Impress.

FRONTIER-COMPAT (inferring causal relationships in complex systems). Tekes.

Adaptive And Intelligent Systems Applications. Tekes.

CRS (3D color range scanner). Tekes.

MOVE. Academy of Finland.

Evolutionary active materials. Academy of Finland.

PROTOS-MATINE. MATINE.

FRONTIER-RIDAC.

ROSEMAN (RObots SErving huMANs).

Classification Of Melanocytic Lesion With Machine Vision.

Psoriasis Area Assessment With Machine Vision.

Standardisation

BISG is active in a number of standardisation initiatives.

ISO/IEC JTC1/SC27, whose activities include information security management systems, cryptographic and security mechanisms, security evaluation, testing and specification, security controls and services as well as identity management and privacy technologies.

ISO/TC 299, which has working groups on topics such as personal care robot safety, and modularity for service robots.

Collaborative initiatives

Remarkable international activities with BISG visibility other than research projects (see the Projects section) and standardisation include the following:

SPARC robotics PPP, a Public-Private Partnership between the European Commission, and European industry and academia to facilitate the growth and empowerment of the robotics industry and value chain, from research through to production.

euRobotics aisbl (association internationale sans but lucratif = non-profit) is a Brussels based international non-profit association for all stakeholders in European robotics. euRobotics builds upon the success of the European Robotics Technology Platform (EUROP) and the academic network of EURON, and will not only continue the cooperation but will also strengthen the bond between members of these two community driven organisations. Thus, leading towards the establishment of only one sustainable organisation for the European robotics community as a whole.

Centre for Advanced Steel Research (CASR), a national centre of expertise focusing on the chemical, mechanical and physical metallurgy of steels, including control and information engineering and modelling.

Cooperating universities and industry partners

BISG collaborates with universities in Europe and worldwide, as well as with national and multi-national industry partners.

BISG's research activity has spun off more than ten several enterprises, also acknowledged internationally, including:

• IndoorAtlas, the world's first company to utilize magnetic anomalies inside buildings and smartphones to pinpoint positions indoors. The company was founded in 2012.
• Probot, a high-tech robot company with the vision to transfer results of research world to the end-users and real world applications. The company was founded in 2006.
• Aquamarine Robots, which offers robotic vessels based aquatic information system to collect, store and visualize relevant information from freshwater and mining environments. The company was founded in 2013.
• Codenomicon produces state-of-the-art black-box, negative testing solutions for improving the quality of software implementation. Founded in 2002, Codenomicon found in 2015 the Heartbleed Bug from OpenSSL (the bug affected about two thirds of all the WWW-servers on the Internet, also SSL-VPNs, network appliances and wide variety of client-side software).
• Clarified Networks is a company specialized in providing the collaborative networks analysis tools and services to make modern networks secure and robust.
• Nelilab operates in applications of mathematics to improve products or the efficiency of production processes.
• Atomia is a company aiming to decrease the costs of mass manufactured electronics design, reduce the cycle time of electronic design and make the design easier for people who don't have years of experience in specialized electronics field.
• Indalgo is an industrial process optimization algorithm development and software provider.
• Hearth Signal.
• Nose Laboratory.

If you are looking for a BISG thesis supervisor, you can find our research topics from the list of Eligible supervisors (scroll down the page to reach at its bottom the list) for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). You may contrast the supervisors list with the BISG Group Members list to select your BISG supervisor.

Please, visit the Computer Science and Engineering Degree Programme page about practicalities related to the preparation of your thesis.

Our group offers the following courses:

• Embedded System Project (Siva Ariram, Marko Kauppinen)
• Operating Systems (Ville Pitkänen)
• Software Engineering (Pekka Pietikäinen)
• Software Project (Christian Wieser)
• Introduction to Cyber Security Testing (Teemu Tokola)
• Privacy and Social Engineering (Kimmo Halunen)
• Security Engineering (Kimmo Halunen)
• Cyber Security II: Cloud and Network Security (Kimmo Halunen)
• Cyber Security III: Software and Hardware Security (Kimmo Halunen)
• Cryptographic Systems and Their Weaknesses (Kimmo Halunen)
• Cyber Security Project (Kimmo Halunen)
• Empirical Research in Cyber Security (Christian Wieser)
• Towards Data Mining (Satu Tamminen)
• Artificial Intelligence (Jaakko Suutala)
• Data Mining Project (Pekka Siirtola)
• AI Ethics, Privacy and Legislation (Lauri Tuovinen)
• Multi-Modal Data Fusion (Jaakko Suutala)

Course details and teachers' contact details can be found from the study guide page. See also the BISG Group Members page.

BISG research premises are located mainly on the third floor of Tietotalo building of the Linnanmaa campus, but the Robotics lab is on the first floor (street level), room TS139. For both, the entrance at street level is through door E.

See more detailed instructions and maps.

The street address of Tietotalo is:

Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu 3, Oulu.

If you have a proposal or inquiry, contact our group leader Satu Tamminen, satu.tamminen (at) oulu.fi

To contact other group members, see the research group members section.

Our postal address is

Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group
P.O. Box 4500
FI-90014 University of Oulu
Finland

Contact details are on the member's personal page behind the link on their name.

Group Leader

Docent Satu Tamminen

Professors and Docents

Professor Kimmo Halunen

Associate Professor Jaakko Suutala

Professor Shuai (Steven) Li

Professor Hannu Huttunen

Professor Ian Oliver

Professor Juha Röning (emeritus)

Professor Seppo Vainio

Docent Pekka Siirtola

Docent Satu Tamminen

Dr. Lauri Tuovinen

University Lecturers and University Teachers

Teemu Tokola

Specialists

Dr. Ulrico Celentano

Antti Tikanmäki

Researchers

Dr. Enock Agyekum

Dr. Siva Ariram

Dr. Gunjan Chandra

Dr. Bike Chen

Dr. Matti Huotari

Dr. Juha Partala

Dr. Petar Petrov

Dr. Henna Tiensuu

Piyumi Weebadu Arachchige, Project Researcher

Marko Laakso

Miia Maarala, Project Coordinator

Pentti Pärnänen

Doctoral Candidates