Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that combines different engineering disciplines to develop devices, machines and technologies with enhanced functionality, efficiency and automation. With donations from UPM Plywood and other companies, LUT University is now establishing a new sustainable mechatronics professorship in Lahti, Finland.
“With increased automation and accelerating technological development, expertise in mechatronics is crucial for the future of manufacturing industries. We are proud to be part of promoting this important field,” says Mika Kekki, Executive Vice President, UPM Plywood.
Practical solutions and expertise for sustainable development
LUT University (Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology) is known for its future-oriented research and education activities within technology, business and sustainability.
The sustainable mechatronics professorship enables the development of practical solutions for improving the energy efficiency and usability of machines and devices. Mechatronics professionals develop, for example, smart and energy-efficient industrial robots, electric non-road mobile machinery and vehicles, and systems where humans and robots interact. The professorship also makes it possible to educate more professionals with expertise in both technology and sustainable development.
The focus on sustainability in the professorship is significant.
“Responsibility is important to UPM Plywood in all our operations. It is great that we can be part of enabling this professorship that combines sustainability with mechatronics,” Kekki says.
In addition to environmental responsibility, the professorship will focus on the aspect of individual and social sustainability that takes into consideration how individuals and communities interact with machines, production systems and digital tools.
The goal is also to improve the competitiveness of businesses in the Lahti region by helping companies develop the functionality of their products and production processes.
The sustainable mechatronics professorship has received funding from the City of Lahti, the PHP Säätiö foundation, Makron, Halton Marine Oy, Kemppi Oy, Andtriz Oy, Kempower Oyj, LSK Group Oy, UPM Plywood Oy, Oilon Group Oy and Dieffenbacher Panelboard Oy.
For more information, see the LUT University press release
Photo: LUT-yliopisto / Sanna Henttonen
