Activities and collaboration
Student projects:
Vessel Remote Guidance Protocol ("VRGP") is initiated by Robert Aarts, Software Arcitech at Novia, and developed further as student project by ÅA Project Course.
VRGP student team: "Our vision is to provide software that ensures the safe navigation of possibly autonomous ships by implementing the vessel side of the Vessel Remote Guidance Protocol (VRGP). We aim to show that the protocol works by providing a prototype implementation for the Åboat with a generic core implementation of the protocol that can be used as a starting point for real-world implementations. The goal of the VRGP protocol is for vessels to securely communicate in real-time with on-shore maritime operating centers (MOC) which can provide guidance, e.g. for docking vessels. Ultimately, this would avoid putting lives in danger when docking vessels as the physical presence on-board would become unnecessary. The protocol allows access to key sensors and even video data on vessels to provide MOCs with relevant up-to-date information."
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Digital Twin of Åboat, EDISS Winter School -project 2022. Digital twin of Åboat is created in AILiveSIM simulation environment for training of autonomous navigation based on virtual sensors. Results will be tested with real Åboat test vessel.
Collaboration:
ARPA
Applied research of remotely operated, automated and autonomous systems is a globally important area for developmental work and innovation. While Finland has significant research in this field, vital infrastructures for testing implementations of said research results are still largely missing. One of the main reasons for this is that test infrastructures are mostly too expensive for individual companies to invest in on their own.
Applied Research Platform for Autonomous Systems (ARPA) is a joint RDI initiative of Novia University of Applied Sciences and Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS). The project will create an ambitious new platform for applied research on autonomous systems, one that enables different operators' concrete RDI work on smart operating environments.
MasterSIM
The R&D project MasterSIM, coordinated by Novia UAS, aims to answer the needs arising from maritime digitalization and autonomous shipping trends especially related to vessel remote operation. This will be done by developing a Remote Operation Center (AMOC). AMOC will operate both as a research platform and educational simulator related to remote operations of a ship. It will be connected to Aboa Mare simulator and training environment and will also have the capabilities in the future to receive real-life data and connect to real vessels for research and testing purposes. AMOC will simulate as far as feasible real-life remote operations of a ship conducted on daily basis both during normal operations and emergencies. Other objectives are to construct a remote operation concept and preliminary educational plan for operatives working in a remote operation center.
MasterSIM project is funded primarily by Finnish Ministery of Education. Other partners funding the project are Novia UAS, Kongsberg Marine Finland Ltd., Finnpilot Ltd. and Finnferries Ltd. The project started in June 2018 and will continue until the end of 2020.
Allied ICT Finland (AIF)
AIF is an alliance of eleven research organizations together with five cities and companies. The target of the AIF project is to accelerate the utilization of research knowledge, discoveries and research environments in the ICT sector. The project´s targets are on creation and commercialization of wireless, knowledge and data intensive smart products and solutions. AIF improves the capability and speed of research results into the business. The project is building universities´ joint capabilities and practices to work together with companies. Strategic development of operations at local, national and international levels.
Novia University of Applied Sciences focuses in the project on digital maritime industry and maritime simulation. Novia builds strong cooperation with University of Turku, Turku University of Applied Science and Åbo Akademi University. Together these organizations are offering the best knowledge, research environments and other assets to accelerate the new business creation.
Master of Engineering, Autonomous Maritime Operations
The programme’s aim is to educate engineers and seafarers to meet the requirements for the fourth industrial revolution in maritime technology. The programme has a special focus on the digitalization of maritime operations. The programme comprises 60 ECTS and the study language is English.
The programme has a special focus concerning the digitalization of maritime operations. The studies include 6 courses of relevant subjects each of an extent of 5 credits. Following subjects are covered:
- Introduction to studies and introduction to Marine operations
- Autonomous vessels-automation
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Human-Machine Interaction
- Remote Operations
- Cyber Security and Connectivity
- Classification, Qualification and Safety Perspectives
Research Alliance for Autonomous Systems (RAAS)
RAAS is an innovation ecosystem which facilitates creation of industrial innovations in the field of autonomous systems. The focus of RAAS is 1) Land transport, 2) Maritime, 3) Mobile work machines and 4) Drone systems. It’s an access point to the best talent in both national and international networks of top researchers. RAAS targets to become the world´s most well-known innovation accelerator in the field of autonomous systems. RAAS involves 100 of researchers, 40 company representatives and 30 representatives from different
stakeholders. The research work is organised in several Research Task Forces (RTF). R&D manager Mirva Salokorpi is the coordinator for the Remote Monitoring and Operation & Reliability and Maintenance RTF. VTT is the coordinator of the RAAS ecosystem, and the main financer is Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
ÄlyVESI
Smart City Ferries was a research, development and an innovation project between cities, technology companies and universities. The aim was to survey possibilities and test and develop new solutions and services for the intelligent transport of mass traffic in urban waterways. The financing was mainly based on ERDF. Additional financiers were Finnish Transport Safety Agency and the cities of Helsinki and Espoo.