Unleashing theory in new underground lab

In Mjölkuddsberget, drones and robots are extensively tested by the researchers.

The Robotics and AI-team at Luleå University of Technology has been very successful in recent years – with many accomplished projects and prosperous collaborations with other universities and the local industry. The Robotics and AI-team is thriving and now they are building a new underground research facility underground.

– It is incredibly unique to have a research facility like this in Sweden. It will make the tests more accurate and thus contribute to a better research and research environment, George Nikolakopoulos, Professor of Robotics and AI.

The research which is being conducted is often permeated by autonomy. Due to the unique environment in northern Sweden and the close connections to the local industry we can test code and fully autonomous robots (aerial and ground) in real underground tunnels, with real operating conditions.

All it takes is a 30-minute walk from campus and you will arrive at the mountain where the new laboratory lies. The tunnels in the mountain have been used for testing before however it is easy to forget something which delays testing and cause inefficiency.

– We always forget something, it could be a small thing, or something we simply did not think of. Even though it is close we bring a lot of heavy equipment, like robots, working stations, etc. When our campaign is completed, we will be still able to work in the environment, continue the analysis and replan and re-test research approaches, which is an astonishing opportunity, Jakub Haluška, Research Engineer.

The coming research facility is very much needed, not only for the sake of research but also for the physical space. With great success the research group has grown a lot taking in more PhD students, more projects and more robots.

– I am very excited, as is everyone here. The infrastructure as a research lab is unique in Sweden and It will be especially important for our researchers who can try their code in the exact environment where the end results of the research will materialize, George Nikolakopoulos says and continues:

– Naturally this is also important for those who are wondering if their systems work in real life, outside the bubbles of theory and assumptions. Reality is always amazing and it can always bring unexpected surprises, thus we would like through this infrastructure to push the limits of our work and provide extreme challenges.

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