Bridging Continents: UNITE Flagship Researchers Forge New Partnerships in Japan

Three scientists from the UNITE Flagship recently travelled to Japan on a journey focussed on innovation and collaboration. Senior Research Fellow Timo Nummenmaa, Postdoctoral Researcher Fellow Samuli Laato, and Researcher and Ph.D. candidate Philip Chambers visited Hakodate, Kyoto and Tokyo from October 26 to November 3 to advance their GamiLiDAR research.

This is a pioneering project exploring the use of augmented reality (AR) in consumer devices for crowdsourced point cloud data collection in forests. GamiLiDAR is a collaboration between the University of Tampere and the University of Eastern Finland, was awarded Proof of Concept funding by the Research Council of Finland in early 2024.

Advancing GamiLiDAR: A Collaboration in Hakodate

The trip began in Hakodate, Hokkaido, where the researchers collaborated with Associate Professor Hironori Yoshida and his team at Future University Hakodate. The primary focus of their visit was a workshop that showcased the gamified augmented reality interactions developed in GamiLiDAR. Faculty members, students, and researchers participated by engaging with the AR scenarios on iPhones and iPads. These apps utilise AR to collect environmental data, a novel approach that combines citizen science and crowdsourcing with innovative technology.

Participants interacted with the apps and provided feedback through surveys and interviews. Their movements and experiences were observed to assess the impact of the different AR scenarios. This research will contribute to at least three forthcoming academic papers, marking a significant step forward for GamiLiDAR.

Exploring Forest Ecology in Kyoto

The researchers then travelled to Kyoto, where they met with Associate Professor Shinichi Tatsumi at Kyoto University’s Laboratory of Forest Ecology. During a seminar, they presented insights from their individual and collective work alongside notable speakers, including Maria Larsson from the University of Tokyo and Keiji Yamaguchi, CEO of Mapry Co., creators of the ForestScanner mobile application.

Discussions centred on the applications of AR and LiDAR technology in ecological studies as well as its use in wood technology and design, paving the way for future joint projects. Notably, Shinichi Tatsumi has longstanding connections to Finnish research, having been a visiting researcher at the University of Eastern Finland in 2016. They also met with Atsushi Tanaka of VTT, who happened to be visiting Kyoto University and attended the seminar.

Cultural Highlights and Unforgettable Moments

The trip provided not only academic rigour but also opportunities for cultural immersion. The team experienced Japan’s renowned culinary scene, a highlight of which was savouring Hakodate’s famed fresh seafood. They also climbed Mount Hakodate at sunset to witness a breathtaking view of the city. The hosts in Hakodate also took the researchers to a traditional Japanese onsen, where they bathed in geothermal hot baths which epitomise the country’s harmony with nature.

In Tokyo, they experienced the latest version of TeamLabs Borderless, which upon its initial opening, was the world’s first digital art museum, where technology and art are merged seamlessly to create mesmerising interactive installations.

Looking Ahead

The trip was not only a chance to collect valuable research data but also an opportunity to strengthen international relationships. With plans to return to Japan in 2025, the researchers aim to deepen collaborations and to develop further AR applications for forest data collection using the advanced LiDAR sensors found in consumer devices like Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro and newer models.

Reflecting on the trip, GamiLiDAR Principal Investigator Timo Nummenmaa shared, “This visit was extremely valuable for us in building long-lasting collaborations and in meeting people whose work has been inspirational to the foundations of GamiLiDAR. It has also helped us expand our perspective and understanding, both culturally and geographically.”.

Building a Global Vision

The UNITE Flagship’s work with GamiLiDAR underscores its commitment to bridging disciplines, technologies, and borders. By establishing partnerships in Japan, the Flagship demonstrates how international collaboration can accelerate innovation. This ensures that digital advancements across the forest value chain can benefit both Finland and the global community.

Trip to Japan – click the arrows to move to the next/previous image