RoboStep

Project information:

Official name of the project: RoboStep - Robotics Training Program for the Manufacturing Industry in Finland

Duration of the project: 23.6.2025 - 31.12.2026

Project coordinator: TAMK

Project partners: VAMK, TAU, Savonia, OAMK, Metropolia

Funding: SECLE

Budget: 629 000 €

Contact person in VAMK:

Mika Billing, Senior Lecturer (School of Technology)

tel. +358 207 663 312, mika.billing@vamk.fi

RDI research area: Smart Industry

Project code: va-jotpa-2025-4-5

Language: Finnish, English

Project description

The collaboration project RoboStep: Robotics Training Program for the Manufacturing Industry in Finland is implemented by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), Tampere University (TAU), Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK), and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to design and deliver a nationwide training program tailored to the competence needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. The training is intended for individuals who require expertise in industrial robotics, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.

The training provided in the project is funded by the Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment (SECLE) and is therefore free of charge for participants. The training is designed so that it can be completed while working. Training themes include, among others:

applications of industrial robots
programming
tools
additional equipment
safety
robotization projects
collaborative robotics
simulation and remote programming.

Each module consists of self-paced online studies combined with practical exercises. The practical robotics training is available at partner universities in five locations across Finland.

Goals

The aim of the project is to implement a training program in Finland with the purpose of improving the SME sector’s ability to utilize robotics in the manufacturing industry. The training program is based on a combination of university degree programs, materials from the Finnish Robotics Association, and content tailored to the results of a company survey. The program offers both theoretical instruction, such as robotics applications and programming, and practical exercises at various campuses. In addition, it enables cross-regional study and introduces participants to a broad portfolio of robotics technologies. The project is developing a set of openly available learning materials for the DigiCampus platform, with the aim of reaching at least 120 trainees from five regions. At the same time, cooperation between higher education institutions will be strengthened and continuity in robotics education will be created.

Results

The project increases the expertise of SMEs in robotics in the manufacturing industry. The nationwide training program is aimed particularly at SME employees who benefit from robotics expertise in their work. Results of the project:

The training materials produced for the project (video lectures, teaching materials, online tests) will be published on the DigiCampus platform as part of the Industrial Robotics course.
Each higher education institution will integrate the materials into its own basic education.
RoboStep will generate significant benefits for the SME sector by improving expertise in the application of robotics.
Employer partners will participate in evaluating the content and implementing the exercises.
The end result will be a national training model that supports continuous learning and the adoption of robotics in SMEs.

Savonia