Automation is no longer a competitive edge, it’s a necessity. But in the real world, deploying robotics is anything but simple. Physical complexity, demanding safety requirements and the need for human-machine collaboration all raise the bar. From force-based industrial robots to boom-controlled mobile machinery, today’s robotics must go beyond repetition: they must adapt, sense and interact. That’s where intelligent robotics comes in.
Key facts
Smarter automation from day one: With expertise in robotics, control systems and factory automation, we help you launch intelligent automation quickly and with less risk – so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Tailored robotics solutions that actually work in your environment: From complex boom structures to human-robot collaboration, our solutions are developed with your specific challenges in mind. We design for real-world conditions – vibration, force feedback, safety standards and operator usability, ensuring results that are robust, safe and scalable.
Rapid prototyping with real hardware: With our versatile piloting facility and robot programming tools like VTT Robosoft, we help you validate ideas quickly. Test on real industrial or mobile robots, evaluate performance in simulated environments and move toward deployment with confidence.
Industries are under growing pressure to automate, but robotics isn't plug-and-play. Many companies face the same bottlenecks of inflexible legacy systems, physically complex environments and difficulties in automating high mix, low volume manufacturing. Robotic systems often fail to adapt to real-world variability, especially in tasks that involve force, vibration or human-machine collaboration. Mobile machines, in particular, present challenges where automation must handle heavy-duty boom structures and task execution, not just driving. At the same time, expectations are high. Robotics must be safe, intuitive, remotely operable and aligned with how humans actually work.
This is where VTT can make a difference. We specialise in robotics for demanding, safety-critical and human-centric environments from factory automation to intelligent control of mobile work machines. With deep expertise and hands-on piloting capabilities, we help you move from concept to real-world deployment safely, intelligently and fast. Our solutions accelerate automation in complex, variable environments and improve speed and flexibility in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing. We also enable remote operations for tasks that are dirty, dull or dangerous.
Intelligent robotics for real-world autonomy and automation
We help customers move beyond static automation to robotics that sense, move and adapt in real-world environments. Our work spans from industrial production lines to remote operation of mobile machines, combining safety, flexibility and intelligence.
From programming complex robotic set-ups to integrating mobile platforms into demanding environments, we support your journey toward scalable, efficient and human-aware robotics. Our expertise covers everything from control algorithms and digital twins to advanced human-machine collaboration.
In real-world robotics, success depends on adaptability and safety. That’s why our solutions combine motion planning, sensory feedback, simulation tools and collaborative control to deliver systems that work reliably where it matters most: in your environment, with your people, for your tasks.
Partner with VTT for intelligent robotics
We co-develop robotics solutions that are safe, precise and built for complex operational environments. From pilot to production, we support you at every step engineering the future of human-machine collaboration and autonomous operations.
Industrial robotics and automation
We support manufacturers in improving productivity and flexibility by combining factory-level automation planning with advanced robotics control. From collaborative robots to sensor-rich systems, we support automation even in high-mix, low-volume production settings.
Example use cases include:
- Force-based robotics for grinding, polishing or complex assembly
- Collaborative robots for human-robot automation
- Sensor-based robotic inspection and quality assurance.
Heavy-duty boom solutions for mobile machinery
We bring automation to mobile machines operating in tough environments, be it underground, outdoors or in hazardous areas. Using advanced motion planning and simulation tools, we increase precision, efficiency and safety.
Example use cases include:
- Autonomous motion control of boom structures
- Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and digital twins for validation
- Safety-enhanced operation in remote or dangerous conditions.
Mobile robotics & remote operations
We enable autonomous mobile platforms that can operate safely and intelligently in both indoor and outdoor environments. With extended reality (XR), rich situational awareness and digital twins, our solutions support remote inspections, anomaly detection and telepresence.
Example use cases include:
- Factory or building condition monitoring via mobile robots
- Change detection and maintenance alerting
- Remote operation of robots in hazardous or hard-to-reach locations.
Why VTT?
Our strength lies in combining robotics expertise with real-world application knowledge from industrial safety to autonomous platforms and cognitive ergonomics. We don’t just automate, we make automation intelligent, safe and ready for your business-critical environments.
Our IP, software tools and piloting infrastructure are available to accelerate your development and reduce your deployment risks.
The future of autonomous operations
Autonomous operations are no longer a distant vision. Intelligent systems that learn, adapt and work alongside people are transforming how we manage work, safety and decision-making in complex environments. Alongside technology achieving real impact requires trust, explainability and a human-centred approach from the very start.
Areas in which we can support you
Here are some areas we can support you in:
- Intelligent robotics programming and integration
- Mobile robot platforms and teleoperation
- Safety-aware robot and cobot systems
- High-mix automation planning and tools
- Digital twin and simulation-based validation.
Some of the questions we can help you with
How can I integrate collaborative robots safely into my production?
What’s the best way to automate heavy-duty mobile machinery?
Can I use mobile robots for remote monitoring and maintenance?
How do I pilot and scale robotics systems with minimal downtime?
How to work with us
We are happy to collaborate with you throughout the entire journey, from the initial idea to implementation, or anywhere in between. We customise the project to suit your specific needs. Following an initial assessment, we can offer you a range of options, including the following:
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Customised partnership
Every research case is unique, and we’re happy to tailor our services to your needs. We’ll take you from idea to prototype without hassle.
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Cooperative project
We frequently participate in research and development projects with multiple business partners and funding agencies. In cooperative projects the risk is split between multiple organisations, and everyone benefits from the results.
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Our networks and ecosystems at your disposal
We are happy to put you in touch with the ideal sparring and development partner.
Contact us here!
FAQ - frequently asked questions about intelligent robotics
What is intelligent robotics?
Intelligent robotics combines automation, AI and modular robot skills to perform tasks in complex industrial environments while ensuring safety and adaptability.
How can intelligent robotics benefit companies?
It enhances productivity, supports workers in demanding tasks and enables flexible, scalable automation for different industries.
What is human–robot collaboration?
Human–robot collaboration means robots and people working together on complex tasks, where robots assist without replacing human expertise.
Which industries can use intelligent robotics?
Applications include manufacturing, process industry, defence and mobile machinery, where safety, adaptability and efficiency are essential.
How does VTT support robotics innovation?
VTT offers applied research, modular technologies and piloting environments to test, validate and scale robotics solutions for real-world use cases.
This FAQ is written by AI and checked by a human.
