Research that changes
Luleå University of Technology has research results that with great impact create new knowledge, exciting innovations and concrete societal benefits. The University collaborates creatively and successfully with many actors in society and business, in Sweden and other countries.
Luleå University of Technology integrates expertise in technology, art and people, providing interesting meetings that promote problem solving in complex issues. It is important to provide the conditions and tools for the construction of attractive and sustainable communities, now and in the future. We also have a long tradition of collaborating with large and small companies and the public sector in applied research, which results in good relations and rapid implementation in reality.
In several areas, the University is a national and international leader and is continuously strengthening its position. Below we present examples of progress in research.
Varying oxygen levels on Mars
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology have discovered that the levels of oxygen on Mars vary over time. For almost six years, an instrument on NASA's mobile research vehicle has taken samples and analysed the composition of the air at the Gale crater on Mars.
Oxygen levels in the Martian atmosphere rise by up to 30 percent in the spring and summer, and drop in the autumn. The most likely source of the excess is something in the Martian soil, but the findings raise questions that will hopefully be answered by further measurements and observations.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
Autonomous drones in a real environment
There are many research groups around the world that have successfully managed to fly autonomous drones indoors in labs. But few except the robotics group at Luleå University of Technology have the ability and knowledge to fly outdoors.
They have closed the gap between theory and the real world and are world-class in robotics and drone technology. As part of NASA's Subterranean Challenge team, one of the world's most advanced and prestigious robotics and AI competitions, they came second in the first round of the competition.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 8, 9, 11, 13
Regulations make schooling difficult for newly arrived pupils
Young people who have moved to Sweden find it difficult to enter the national upper secondary school programs due to insufficient time to meet the entry requirements.
Since they cannot apply after the age of 19, this means that many do not have time to acquire adequate knowledge for eight to twelve passing grades, which are the entry requirements for Swedish upper secondary school. Research also shows that pupils in smaller municipalities benefit compared to those in larger municipalities because the links between the language introduction program and the national programs are closer.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
Sound art in interaction with nature
Few musicians have created music in direct interaction with their surroundings, but researchers in the Invisible Sounds project did so when they visited the port of Piteå in search of sounds that cannot be perceived by the naked ear.
Using sensors, hydrophones and an aeolian guitar, the wind, the guitar and the surrounding sound environment created a unit that jointly navigated the conditions of the place at that moment. The intention of the recordings was primarily to produce installations for galleries and concert halls.
Links to Global Sustainable Development Goals: 3, 11, 12
Smoother sound levels may require legislation
Differences in perceived sound levels on radio and television, where commercials are often louder, have been a problem for a long time. The explanation is a constantly accelerating war on sound levels where advertising and record companies want to sound stronger than competing sound impressions.
A study at Luleå University of Technology shows that if the recommendations of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) are regulated by legislation in Sweden, the problems with different sound levels would be minimized or disappear.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 3, 11, 12
New filter material removes complex contaminants
Researchers in Waste science and technology, together with the Swedish company Geogen produktion AB and the Lithuanian company Rekin, have developed technology and equipment for the production of a new filter material for the removal of complex contaminants from solutions.
Examples include organic substances and heavy metals, which are removed with a sorbent based on peat granules and a ferrous compound. The result was a cost-effective and well-functioning filtration material for the post-treatment of contaminated process and groundwater.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15
Forest residues become mining gold
Together with Sveaskog and the mining company Boliden, the University has investigated the possibility of using environmentally friendly forest residues to separate valuable minerals from waste rock in their enrichment processes.
The advantages of biodegradable and locally produced forest raw materials are great compared to the chemicals from China that are used today. Efforts to extract minerals have been successful and could lead to a more environmentally friendly mining industry.
Links to Global Sustainable Development Goals: 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15
Digitalised business models reduce energy and resource consumption
A study conducted by researchers in entrepreneurship and innovation shows that by adopting a life cycle perspective, companies can achieve sustainable benefits in optimising use and operation, service delivery, maintenance and recycling.
One of the companies in the study is now using digitally enabled and performance-based business models, resulting in an incentive to increase the efficiency, reuse and refurbishment of products. This in turn contributes to reduced waste and energy consumption.
Links to Global Sustainable Development Goals: 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12
More efficient transportation as trucks carry more cargo
Hot forming uses less material than conventional steel, and hot-formed steel also makes for lighter trucks.
Researchers in solid mechanics have developed simulation tools for the global automotive industry that are now used on an industrial scale to develop components and forming tools for press hardening. New results can be quickly translated into industrial use because it is possible to use existing platforms and further develop calculation programs that are already in use.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.
CT scanning develops the sawmill industry
A CT technology that wood science and engineering researchers have been studying for years has now been introduced to the sawmill industry.
From a virtually sawn plank, researchers receive information on the internal structure of the wood, which is linked to information on the external surface. The combination of virtual and surface-based information about the plank allows the system to make decisions about quality and the type of customer the plank is suitable for.
Links to Global Sustainable Development Goals: 7, 8, 9, 11, 12
Sensor can generate electricity from movement
Tribology researchers have developed a self-sufficient sensor that can generate electricity from different types of movements and vibrations. The method can be used for electricity generation using so-called triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG).
The TENG sensor will be based on liquid metal with high electrical potential and become a self-sufficient battery. It can also be used in the wireless data transmission system of Industry 4.0, the constantly connected smart factory of the future.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12
Research on short-term care led to changes
Research results from researchers in occupational therapy have been translated and designed into training for all short-term care staff in Luleå municipality. The research focused on couples who use municipal short-term care.
Among other things, new working methods have been introduced, such as new content in home visits. The accumulated knowledge creates opportunities to move the boundaries of municipal care and rehabilitation. The research has attracted considerable attention in the research community and from clients.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 3, 4, 10, 12
Developing a model to simulate fall accidents
Under the BAHRT project, researchers in physiotherapy and automatic control have developed a mathematical model of human balance control.
The model can be very useful for simulating the consequences of various disabilities, fall accidents and for developing robotic humanoids. The model accurately predicts future muscle activity based on a person's position and certain physiological conditions. The research is of great importance for the development of knowledge about how we control our movements.
Links to global sustainable development goals: 3, 5, 10
Women have second heart attacks faster than men
According to a doctoral thesis in nursing, women have more risk factors for heart attack and have their second heart attack at a much shorter interval than men.
Women also have more ambiguous symptoms and may need more aggressive secondary prevention after having a heart attack compared to men. It is also important that secondary prevention care is individualised.
Links to the Sustainable Development Goals: 3, 5, 10
Contact
Pär Johansson
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