How VAMK Is Powering the Future with Private 5G, Robotics, and Industry Collaboration

What Is VAMK?

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK) is a leading Finnish institution located in Vaasa, a major hub for energy and industrial technology. Specializing in applied engineering, telecommunications, and automation, VAMK partners with global industry leaders like ABB, Wärtsilä, and Danfoss to bring real-world innovation into the classroom.

Through the use of private 5G networks, VAMK is equipping its students with practical, job-ready skills in robotics, industrial automation, and smart grid technology—key sectors that demand secure, low-latency connectivity.

Real-World 5G Applications: From Robosoccer to Smart Energy Grids

At the heart of VAMK’s hands-on approach is its private cellular network, powered by Firecell’s Orion Private 5G solution. This technology allows students to practice:

• Network deployment and customization
• Troubleshooting and performance tuning
• Real-time automation using 5G

“We wanted to deploy an open-source, affordable 5G network that students can learn from and customize. Firecell’s solution makes that possible,” says Dr. Chao Gao, Principal Lecturer at VAMK.

Students integrate 5G connectivity into autonomous robots, learning wireless control, AI-based decision-making, and low-latency communication through a flagship project—Robosoccer.

Additional tools like Boston Dynamics robot dogs showcase how 5G supports remote operation, autonomous navigation, and industrial robotics.

VAMK has also connected:

• Frequency converters
• Protection relays
• Automation systems

…to the private 5G network for predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and smart grid optimization. Unlike traditional systems, 5G delivers ultra-low latency, vital for energy management and dynamic load balancing.

Industry Collaboration: Building the Future Workforce

By collaborating directly with industry partners, VAMK ensures that students gain skills aligned with the evolving demands of industrial innovation.

“We actively connect students, local businesses, and academia through 5G-driven projects,” says Antti Virtanen, Senior Lecturer. “It ensures relevant learning while accelerating robotics and energy innovation.”

Key benefits of VAMK’s 5G ecosystem:

• Scalable infrastructure for emerging technologies
• Reliable, low-latency 5G for robotics and smart grid operations
• Strong industry-academia ties for faster innovation and workforce readiness

What’s Next for VAMK?

VAMK is expanding its private 5G test zone to a 50×100 meter area, allowing for larger experiments and broader collaboration with industry stakeholders. By 2025, the university aims to become Finland’s top center for industrial 5G and robotics research.

VAMK Innovation Snapshot

• Institution: Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)
• Key Contacts: Dr. Chao Gao, Antti Virtanen
• Expertise: Private 5G networks, robotics, smart grid systems, automation
• Technology Used: Firecell’s Orion Private 5G for wireless robotics and energy management
• Use Cases: Robosoccer, predictive maintenance, real-time smart grid control

Want to learn more about how private 5G is transforming education and industry? Follow VAMK’s journey as it reshapes the future of engineering talent and industrial automation in Europe.