AIRE helps companies test the possibilities of artificial intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center AIRE, in cooperation between industrial companies and researchers, launches new demo projects three to four times a year, where artificial intelligence and robotics solutions are used to solve company challenges. In January, the demo project applications of Vikan Estonia OÜ, Nõo Lihatööstus OÜ, Skarcon Machining OÜ and GScan OÜ were approved. A total of seven applications were submitted last December, three of which are still going through the evaluation process.

The project of Vikan Estonia OÜ is called “Validation of an artificial intelligence-based material loss reduction solution using the detection of interruptions in a fast-moving fabric weaving line” and it is implemented in cooperation with TalTech. However, the “Validation of the quality control system of production lines in Nõo Lihatöösös” submitted by Nõo Lihatöösös OÜ will be realized together with the University of Tartu.

In the case of Skarcon Machining OÜ “Testing of a collaborative robot for the detection of incorrect location of workpieces based on machine vision and quality control”, the partner is again TalTech, and in the case of GScan OÜ “Validation of the decoding concept of the multiplexing solution of myontomograph”, the partner is the University of Tartu.

At the beginning of the year, the demo projects presented in the fall were also launched by the Tempest AS project “Testing a robot in a production unit for flexible insertion of large-sized products into a machine”, which is implemented with IMECC Oü, and another Tempest AS project “Testing artificial intelligence for automating business processes using voice commands”, this time in cooperation with the University of Tartu.

Small and medium-sized Estonian industrial companies can submit project ideas to the AIRE demo project idea round, which aims to increase the digital capabilities of Estonian industrial companies and overcome business challenges through artificial intelligence and robotics solutions. “AIRE values the broad-based creation of innovation and therefore initiates demo projects in as many different fields as possible, developing innovative solutions that do not duplicate existing technologies offered by private companies,” said Katre Eljas, head of AIRE’s demo projects service.

The AIRE center is supported by an advisory board consisting of experienced entrepreneurs, whose goal is to bring Estonian researchers and industry closer together in order to support the innovation of industrial companies. The advisory board does not award so-called points, but it does reflect broader trends in the economy to companies and provides meaningful advice so that projects are more sustainable and influential. The advisory board includes Riigikogu member Andres Sutt, Krimelte OÜ manager Jaan Puusaag, Ericsson Eesti AS manager Sirli Männiksaar, Radius Machining OÜ board member Veljo Konnimois, Flowit Estonia OÜ partner Juhan-Madis Pukk, Eesti Energia AS manager Andrus Durejko and ABB BalticsAS manager Jukka Patrikainen . “It is really a great pleasure to note that people with such experience and position are working in the AIRE advisory body,” said Kirke Maar, head of AIRE.

Partikainen highly appreciates AIRE’s activities so far. According to him, universities together with top specialists are a great support for the development of Estonian companies. “As a member of the AIRE advisory board, I can see many good proposals and the courage of Estonian companies to bring their solutions to the picture. I am happy to be an advisor in the creation of innovation,” said Jukka Partikainen.

The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Center AIRE supports Estonian industrial companies in adopting smart digital solutions in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics. To date, 27 demo projects have been approved, of which the first seven have already been completed.

The idea competition for new projects is open all year round. Applications for the next round (with CVs and other attachments) are expected by March 20 at the latest to demonstration-projects@aire-edih.eu.