What are the hot topics of mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is advancing at an unprecedented pace, driven by emerging technologies and innovative approaches. The most topical areas include electrification, digitalization, sustainability, new materials, artificial intelligence, and mechatronics – in other words, the design and manufacture of intelligent systems. These topics are critical not only for the growth of companies and academic excellence but also for the prosperity of society.
What are you currently working on?
Our current projects focus on enhancing the energy efficiency and extending the lifespan of heavy machinery through lightweight materials, digitalization, and intelligent control. Many of our projects are interdisciplinary, involving multiple stakeholders and aiming to directly support Finnish companies. I also frequently revisit my favourite differential equations.
How did you end up in an academic career?
I’ve always been driven by the need for constant motion and intellectual stimulation. I have also had the privilege of meeting many inspiring professionals along the way. This combination has led me to academia.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I take pleasure in how challenging and rewarding my work is. It allows me to travel to exciting places and make friends with people who share my passion for discovery. I largely get to decide my own schedule, but I sometimes struggle to maintain harmony between work and other aspects of life.
What has been your greatest professional accomplishment so far?
I was recently appointed as an associate professor of mechatronics, which involves the establishment of a new mechanical engineering laboratory on the Lahti campus. The laboratory will be the first of its kind in Lahti. It is a significant milestone in my career, validating the efforts and dedication I put into my work. As an associate professor, I can also mentor the next generation of academics.
If anything were possible, what would you like to study? What further ambitions do you have for your career?
I would delve deeper into mathematics: its principles and emerging theoretical frameworks. From there, I would explore philosophy, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. My ambition is to integrate evolutionary biology and mechatronics. In practice, this would mean biorobots that operate in an agile and efficient manner like animals. For example, a log harvester could be replaced by a group of robot beavers. They could do the same work more ecologically and cost-efficiently.
Who or what has recently inspired you?
Inspiration comes easily to me – sometimes too easily. Recently, I’ve been fascinated by soft robots due to the numerous challenges and potential sustainability benefits they present. In soft robotics, heavy metal structures are replaced with lighter-weight alternatives such as polymers. In a recent automation project, I was inspired by how the human brain functions. Additionally, my colleagues continually motivate me to strive for excellence.
How do you balance your work and personal life? How do you unwind after work?
Balancing work and personal life is challenging. At home, my thoughts often drift to work, but I make a conscious effort to refocus on other things. A phrase that has helped me lately is: “Work is great, rewarding, and important, but it will never love you back.” I unwind by spending quality time with my family and engaging in simple activities like doing the dishes, running, or gaming.
Tell us something about yourself that others may not know.
I have a passion for jigsaw puzzles and puzzles in general. Also, I once sailed across the Baltic Sea (Gdansk–Visby–Stockholm–Gdansk) on a small boat with just a six-member crew.
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