A roadmap for developing automation and robotics in the transport sector 2017–2019

Increasing intelligent automation in transport is a key for expanding the digitalization of transport systems and mobility services, thus improving their safety, efficiency and smooth operation. This Roadmap sets out the actions within the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ administrative branch that aim to promote transport automation during the current government term (2017-2019). The Roadmap supports the key projects of Prime Minister Sipilä’s Government Programme concerning the creation of a digital growth environment for transport. Transport automation has advanced and is advancing at a significant pace. Road transport and shipping are witnessing the fastest development leaps. The definition of traffic is undergoing a transformation meaning that cars, in particular, are evolving into new type of mobile devices. While there is no vehicle industry in Finland, we are nonetheless, one of the world’s leading countries in transport information technologies. Our technology companies possess considerable expertise in the automation of all modes of transport, especially concerning smart technologies for transport, data utilisation, artificial intelligence and information security issues. Equally noteworthy is the Finnish proficiency in marine automation and ship-building, which are globally recognized. The Roadmap covers three areas: 1) intelligent automation and robotics for service development, 2) utilisation of data and traffic management for intelligent automation and robotics, and 3) the development of physical and digital infrastructure for automated transport. For each of these three areas, the Roadmap describes both already on-going actions as well as required measures that are needed in the future to promote transport automation. Key actions for the entire administrative branch include exerting influence on the international regulation of different transport modes, enabling experimentations, developing an interoperable infrastructure and devices for transport automation, introducing 5G network technology, increasing the amount, quality and usage of transport data and improving the quality of satellite positioning. We will also invest in and expand our understanding of responsibility and ethics.