Taru Hakanen

Dr Taru Hakanen works as a Portfolio Lead in the Physical AI Research Area at VTT. The Research Area covers research on robotics, drones, automated vehicles, sensors, software, and AI solutions, with applications spanning e.g. manufacturing, mobile machinery, and defense and security. Taru has a strong track record in Business Finland-funded R&D in collaboration with Finnish industry, with projects related to autonomous and mixed fleet systems operating in factories, warehouses, and public spaces. Her current interests include developing more intelligent autonomous systems that can move beyond geometric perception towards understanding spatial context, semantics, and dynamic events, enabling them to reason about situations and act proactively. As Portfolio Lead, Taru aims to strengthen VTT’s focus on high-potential innovation, IP, and spin-off opportunities, while advancing ambitious research in the Physical AI domain.