# Savonia’s first Interreg Aurora project AUTONOMIC is in full speed!

> Savonia joins AUTONOMIC project to develop autonomous robots for Arctic environmental monitoring and data analysis.

## Project Overview
Savonia University of Applied Sciences has joined its first Interreg Aurora project, AUTONOMIC, which launched in February 2025. The project brings together a cross-border consortium led by Luleå University of Technology (LTU), with partners including LUKE, University of Oulu, Mitta AB, and Savonia (Environmental Engineering, Water Safety Research Area). The Finnish partners in this project are co-funded by Lapland Regional Council.

## Objectives and Technology
AUTONOMIC focuses on developing autonomous robotic systems for environmental inspection and real-time monitoring in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, especially focusing on the Tornio River catchment area. These mobile robots are designed to operate in harsh, remote terrains, collecting sensor data and physical samples of soil, water, ice, and snow. The goal is to identify pollution levels and track nutrient and carbon flows, especially during snowmelt.

The project is in close contact with Associated Organizations, such as Agnico Eagle and Lapland ELY-center, who have been involved in the planning of sampling sites and compounds of interest.

## Data and Digital Innovation
The collected data will be used to create spatiotemporal maps, hydrological models, and digital twins, enabling predictive insights into ecological changes. Project partner LUKE is providing two sampling points with historical data from more than 10 years, making it possible to identify trends in environmental physical and chemical changes. 

These tools support strategic planning for sustainable development and biodiversity preservation in northern communities. Designing and piloting the robotic manipulator arm to conduct environmental sampling autonomously is a novel technology, which can be adapted by numerous companies that currently perform manual sampling for environmental permit surveillance. Manual sampling in rural Lapland areas is time-consuming and provides limited information, bound to sampling frequency and quality.

## Savonia’s Role
Savonia’s role in the project includes:
* Contributing to environmental sampling and analysis.
* Designing the robotic manipulator arm and its functions.
* Supporting the development of digital tools for data visualization and decision-making.

"AUTONOMIC represents a leap forward in how we monitor fragile ecosystems. It’s exciting to be part of a project that combines robotics, AI, and sustainability," says Rosa Sartjärvi, RDI Specialist at Savonia.

## Timeline and Impact
The actual sampling campaigns with robots start in Finnish and Swedish Lapland during Spring 2026. During 2025, the team has been inspecting potential sampling sites in Kittilä, Enontekiö, Muonio, and Kaunisvaara, and gathering manual samples for baseline analysis. 

The project runs until the end of 2027 and contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:
* Climate action
* Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
* Life below water
* Life on land
* Partnerships for the Goals

The project also strengthens collaboration between Finnish and Swedish institutions in the Lapland region.

## Further Information
For more information, visit the [AUTONOMIC project page](https://www.interregaurora.eu/approved-projects/autonomic/).

**Writers:**
Rosa Sartjärvi, RDI Specialist, Water Safety Research Area, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, rosa.sartjarvi@savonia.fi