The universal production logistics robotic vehicle Boxbot and its digital twin developed at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering of Tallinn University of Technology were chosen as one of the top three development works.

The first prototype of the logistics robot was completed for Kulinaaria OÜ in 2019. In 2020, the development of the prototype was continued and the digital twin function was added.

The smart application that was developed allows the possibility to control the digital twins of mobile and industrial robots and cobots via, for example, augmented reality applications, tablets, smart glasses, or mobile phones. It can also be used to quickly display production information, and the robots/robotic platforms can be tested and reconfigured via the digital twin technology without interrupting the production process.

The research group included Kristo Karjust, Raivo Sell, Tauno Otto, Martin Eerme, Martin Pärn, Vladimir Kuts, Heiko Pikner, Tarmo Velsker, Maarjus Kirs, Janno Nõu, Ehsan Malayjerdi, Tõnis Raamets, Aigar Hermaste, and Kashif Mahmood.

The solar pavement demo project was also selected as one of the best development works of the past year. There seems to be no other solution like this in the world and it will help make the lives of pedestrians, including the visually impaired and cyclists, safer.

The e-pavement is a state-of-the-art solution developed by TalTech in cooperation with e-Pavement, a branch of the University of Technology. Thanks to this solution, energy required to create a smart road can be produced directly on the pavement. In addition, the pavement is interfaced with LED elements and electronic components. This makes the pavement an active participant in traffic flow. For example, at intersections, pedestrian traffic lights are duplicated on the pavement and there are tactile elements for the visually impaired.

In addition to Tallinn, the surrounding rural municipalities have also been interested in the new pavement. A total of more than ten companies participated in the project, and various units of the university cooperated effectively. The collaboration, which helps to put the solutions developed in laboratory conditions into practical use, creates a smarter environment and increases road safety. The project was commissioned by the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department and it was financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The research group included Allan Lahi, Arvo Mere, Viktoria Gudkova, Mihkel Viirsalu, Veljo Sinivee, Ain Kendra, and Robert Belagryan.

The prototype of the lung function and heart rate sensor was elected the best development work of the year of Tallinn University of Technology.

The University of Technology recognised its best of the best in the ceremony dedicated to the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.