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In an era where technology increasingly shapes our world, lowering the barriers of IoT development can foster innovation. Antti Martikkala, through his dissertation, presents a compelling case for leveraging low-cost and open-source solutions to make IoT technologies accessible to a wider audience, including SMEs, startups, and educational institutions.
Martikkala’s research is based on the concepts of low-cost and open-source technologies, including Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) and Hardware (FOSH). These tools, characterized by their flexibility, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, offer a sustainable alternative to the traditionally high costs and limited accessibility of IoT technologies.
The dissertation consists of a comprehensive analysis, supported by five scientific publications. In his work, Martikkala highlights the current challenges within the IoT domain and showcases real-world implementations that illustrate the role these tools can play in democratizing technology.
His dissertation adopts the Constructive Research Method (CRM), bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and concrete applications. This approach enhances the relevance of the research and ensures its findings are grounded in empirical evidence. The study reveals increasing trends towards the adoption of low-cost and open-source IoT systems across various sectors, suggesting potential new pathways in technology adoption.
Martikkala's research advances the academic understanding of IoT development and suggest the potential to influence the companies to adapt new technologies in various fields.
Antti Martikkala is from Nurmo and works currently at Tampere University in close collaboration with the University Consortium of Seinäjoki (UCS) which is a networked community of multidisciplinary experts from four Finnish universities.
The research project was part of a Cotutelle Program between Tampere University and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.
Forthcoming research: MOI Hub initiative
Antti Martikkala's research journey will continue with the Seinäjoki Multidisciplinary Open IoT Hub (MOI) project, which is directly connected to his dissertation's goals. The project is funded by the European Union, the City of Seinäjoki, Tampere University, and endorsed by Etelä-Pohjanmaan Liitto. The MOI Hub aims to propel digitalization in the Seinäjoki area by harnessing the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). This initiative seeks to enhance the regional technological ecosystem by establishing a dedicated hub at Frami in Seinäjoki, centered on affordable and open tools for developing and testing new IoT applications.
Public defence on Friday 12 April
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech) Antti Martikkala titled, Towards Utilization of Low-cost Technologies in Democratizing IoT Development, will be publicly examined in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University on 12 April 2024 at 12:00 in Frami B, Auditorium 2 in Seinäjoki.
The Opponents appointed by the Faculty are Associate Professor Mirko Presser from Aarhus University, Denmark and Associate Professor Wallace Moreira Bessa from University of Turku. The Custos will be Academy Research Fellow and Associate Professor Iñigo Flores Ituarte from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. The custos will be joined by co-supervisor Associate Professor Andrei Lobov from Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, and co-supervisor Professor Minna Lanz from Tampere University.