The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Turku is proud to be part of the INTELLASE (Intelligent Laser Precision Manufacturing) project, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA DN) funded under Horizon Europe. INTELLASE addresses key challenges in laser-based precision manufacturing by integrating physics-based modelling, real-time multimodal sensing, and AI-driven control to enable reliable, first-time-right production. The project aims to advance intelligent laser manufacturing systems capable of improving process understanding, monitoring, and adaptive control across a range of high-value applications.
At the University of Turku, the project is carried out within the Digital Manufacturing and Surface Engineering Group. Dr. Vigneashwara Solai Raja Pandiyan | University of Turku contributes to the research activities, supporting the development of advanced methodologies for intelligent manufacturing systems. The research focuses on distributed process intelligence for monitoring laser–material interactions, along with the development of physics-informed sensing architectures designed to extract information-rich signals from laser-based processes. Through this collaboration, the University of Turku will host two doctoral candidates. The project provides a platform for high-level research and training, contributing to the development of skilled researchers in advanced manufacturing and strengthening the integration of process physics with data-driven approaches.
INTELLASE brings together a highly interdisciplinary and complementary consortium spanning academia, research organisations, and industry across Europe. The network is coordinated by KU Leuven. The academic and research backbone of the consortium includes institutions such as CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), University of Ljubljana, University of West Bohemia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, University of Kassel, and Universidad de Salamanca. These partners contribute expertise in laser–material interaction physics, photonics, advanced manufacturing, and process modelling. Specialised research and technology organisations, including AIMEN Centro Tecnológico and FZU – Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, provide capabilities in applied laser systems, process monitoring, and experimental validation. Additional innovation-focused partners such as Biomimetic contribute to advanced surface structuring and functionalisation. The industrial dimension of INTELLASE includes key technology providers and end-users such as Cailabs, GFH GmbH, Precitec – Laser Material Processing, AGC Glass Europe, ModuleWorks, IMEC, Orion Laser Tech, and Narran s.r.o., covering critical segments from laser systems and optics to sensing technologies and digital manufacturing solutions.
Overall, the consortium comprises 20 partners from 8 countries, forming a complete innovation ecosystem that spans fundamental research, technology development, and industrial deployment. This structure ensures strong knowledge transfer between academia and industry, enabling the development, validation, and rapid uptake of intelligent laser manufacturing solutions in real-world applications. Stay tuned for more updates!