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Advancing Smart Manufacturing: MERIT Seminar Brings Industry and Academia Together at TalTech

As part of the MERIT project activities, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), in collaboration with LUT University and industry partners, hosted a seminar on Welding, IoT, Automation and Advanced Manufacturing on April 7, 2026.  

The event brought together over 40 participants, with strong representation from Estonian manufacturing companies, highlighting the growing interest in digital transformation and advanced industrial technologies. 

Bridging Industry and Innovation 

The seminar opened with a welcome address by Kristo Karjust, Director of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at TalTech. The agenda combined academic insights, industry experience, and practical demonstrations, creating a well-balanced platform for knowledge exchange. 

Key presentations included: 

• Welding Automation & Cobot Technologies, introducing modern robotic welding solutions and their industrial applications  

• Industry keynote on “Factory in Space”, showcasing cutting-edge developments and future-oriented manufacturing concepts  

• Digitalization and Digital Twin Technologies, where MERIT contributors presented how data-driven approaches are transforming production systems  

Hands-On Learning and Live Demonstrations 

A key highlight of the seminar was the strong focus on practical learning. Participants had the opportunity to explore: 

• Remote live demonstrations from LUT, including robotics and automation systems  

• Advanced technologies such as 3D printing and laser welding systems  

• TalTech laboratory demonstrations featuring sensor technologies and real industrial use cases  

These sessions provided valuable insights into how emerging technologies can be applied in real manufacturing environments. 

Supporting MERIT Objectives 

The seminar directly supports the goals of the MERIT project by: 

• Promoting industry-relevant digital skills  

• Strengthening collaboration between universities and SMEs  

• Demonstrating the practical value of AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies in manufacturing  

The strong participation from industry confirms the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. 

Looking Ahead 

Events like this seminar play a key role in building a more connected and digitally capable industrial ecosystem. By combining academic expertise, industry needs, and hands-on demonstrations, MERIT continues to contribute to the development of future-ready engineers and innovative manufacturing solutions.