Research in Robolab

Robolab at the University of Tartu Narva College carries out robotics research and development for real-world environments. Our work brings together autonomous systems, intelligent robotic platforms, computer vision, sensor-based perception, robot control and human–robot interaction.

We develop and test robotics applications that can support industry, inspection, monitoring, security and human assistance. The aim is to understand how robotic technologies can improve safety, efficiency and decision-making in practical working environments.

Research focus areas

Autonomous robotics and navigation

Robolab studies robotic systems that can move, sense their surroundings and perform tasks with different levels of autonomy.

This research area includes autonomous navigation, route planning, movement control, mobile robot testing and the integration of sensors, software and data into functional robotic systems.

Robotic perception and computer vision

Robotic systems need reliable information about their surroundings. Robolab works with computer vision, sensor-based perception, data processing and machine learning-based interpretation.

This research direction supports applications where robots need to detect objects, understand environments, collect data or support monitoring and inspection tasks.

Robot control systems and software

Robot control connects movement, perception, decision-making and task execution. Robolab works with robot programming, control systems, software integration, ROS development, testing and performance optimisation.

This area supports the development of robotic systems that combine hardware, software, sensors and data into working applications.

Intelligent robotic platforms

Robolab uses robotic platforms to test ideas, develop prototypes and explore how different types of robots can support real-world tasks.

This includes work with mobile robots, robot manipulators and autonomous robotic systems for research, testing, demonstrations and applied development.

Human–robot interaction

Human–robot interaction focuses on how people and robotic systems can work in the same environment or interact with each other.

In Robolab, this direction is connected with human assistance, user interaction, robotic behaviour and the development of robotics applications for human-centred environments.

Application areas

Robolab’s research and development work is especially relevant for robotics applications where robots can help collect information, operate in complex environments or support tasks that benefit from automation.

Possible application areas include:

• robotic inspection of factory floors, construction sites and workplaces;
• monitoring and data collection in real working environments;
• robotics applications for safety and security;
• human-assistance scenarios;
• testing of robotic platforms, sensors and control systems;
• prototype development for industrial and service environments.

These applications can help organisations explore how robotics may improve work processes, support safer environments and enable better data-based decisions.

Research, education and collaboration

Robolab connects robotics research with practical experimentation, robotic platform testing and prototype development. The laboratory also supports teaching and student research through the master’s programme in Robotics and Applied Data Science, student projects, internships and thesis topics.

We are open to research and development cooperation with companies, public sector organisations, startups and research groups interested in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, computer vision, sensor-based systems and applied data science.

Collaboration may include applied research, technology testing, prototype development, robotic platform experiments, data collection or joint development projects.

Interested in research and development cooperation?

Contact Robolab if your company, research group or organisation is interested in robotics research, applied development, testing or prototyping.

We can help you explore a robotics idea, test a possible solution or plan a collaborative research and development project.

Contact Robolab →