Our research themes range from maritime informatics and automation to human factors
We specialize in maritime digitalization, exploring and testing innovative solutions that help seafarers and industry professionals work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Our unique strength lies in combining cutting-edge expertise in automation, simulation, data processing, and AI with deep knowledge of maritime operations, safety, and human–technology interaction.
Finnish knowledge in shipping is valued around the world. Novia University of Applied Sciences is a member of the Waterborne Technology Platform, Waterborne TP, is a European research and innovation platform focused on the maritime sector.
Maritime Informatics
In the Maritime Informatics team, we focus on the automatic processing of information to enhance maritime operations. Our primary areas of interest are navigation tools, safety, security, and advanced maritime technologies.
We emphasize both technological development and data-driven solutions, including simulations tailored for the maritime domain, supporting energy efficiency, optimization, data extraction, and remote and autonomous operations. Utilizing our domain knowledge, we aim to improve maritime surveillance, situational awareness, and vessel movement predictions. Our research is conducted in close collaboration with teams specializing in artificial intelligence, automation, and human factors, each playing a vital role in the development of modern digital systems.
Additionally, we benefit from the expertise of our maritime education professionals in machinery and navigation. Our simulators are not only used for training, research and development but together with our students and staff, form an asset that drives innovation and excellence in maritime education and applied research.
Our overarching goal is to introduce innovative technologies to the maritime sector. This includes improving shore-based systems such as traffic control and logistics optimization. Through the integration of advanced technologies, modern data processing methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to make maritime traffic safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
The Maritime Informatics Team is led by Touko Herranen.
Human Factors
We focus on human factors research across diverse domains, with emphasis on the maritime sector. Our working methods range from usability studies and task analyses to controlled behavioral studies in maritime simulators. We also utilize eye-tracking to understand users' information needs, decision-making processes, and mental models.
The central theme of our research is understanding human-technology interaction and the cognitive ergonomics of individuals operating with technology. This interaction is not solely technological, as users often operate as components of complex sociotechnical systems. With these themes in mind, our goal is to help design human-centered systems and user interfaces that enhance safety, usability, and performance.
We collaborate with industry and academia and welcome new partnerships
The Human Factors Team is led by Jukka Häkkinen.
Automation and Maritime Simulations
We conduct research in automation and systems engineering to drive innovation in the domain of maritime technology, working closely with industry partners in the shipbuilding ecosystem.
Our research focuses on how simulation technologies can enhance engineering processes such as designing, testing, and commissioning of complex systems. We view Agentic AI as the next step in control and automation, shifting the focus from automating processes to automating the workflows engineers use to design, test, and deploy those systems.
To support this research, our laboratory offers a modern environment where researchers, educators, and industry partners can collaborate to drive innovation. It provides a space to test and invent new ideas, technologies, and prototype systems using real industrial equipment, process and maritime simulators, and intelligent systems.
The Automation and Maritime Simulations team is led by Mikael Manngård.
