Lapland drone student hopes to build self-driving ski trail groomer

Restaurant worker Tero Martin is preparing for a career change through Finland’s only engineering programme focused on drone technology and autonomous robots, Yle reports. He hopes to help develop a self-driving machine for grooming ski trails.

The programme began this autumn at Lapland University of Applied Sciences in Rovaniemi, where a new drone laboratory has opened. It has 43 students from varied backgrounds, including industry professionals, recent school leavers and career changers.

Students are building their first drones from individual components, working on everything from assembly and programming to operation. The laboratory is designed for safe development and test flights, with a net installed to protect aircraft if they crash indoors.

A key focus in Lapland is developing technology that can withstand harsh weather. The university can test equipment in a cold room at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, and students can also conduct field tests in conditions ranging from sunshine and rain to frost and freezing rain.

Cold weather is a major challenge because it reduces battery performance and shortens operating time. Martin and fellow student Pasi Tiuraniemi see potential uses for drones and autonomous vehicles in areas including medicine delivery, healthcare, business and national defence.

Martin says there is still much to invent. Tiuraniemi notes that the field offers opportunities to specialise in software, electronics design, charging systems and mechanics. The technology can also have both civilian and defence applications.