Finnish technology firm Unikie has announced the launch of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Lab, marking a major investment in the company’s long-term AI development strategy. The move is aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence among its clients and enhancing the integration of AI into Unikie’s own product and software development processes.
The AI Lab will be led by Niko Haatainen, Unikie’s Chief Technology Officer, who has overseen numerous AI initiatives within the company. In a strategic boost, Peter Sarlin, CEO and founder of Silo AI and a well-regarded figure in the European AI community, will invest in Unikie and serve as an advisor to the lab.
“Using artificial intelligence in our own development has given us an understanding of what AI really changes,” said Haatainen. “This allows us to help our customers on a genuinely practical level — not just based on theory.”
Unikie’s track record in AI spans across diverse industries and applications, from autonomous driving and drone technology to smart manufacturing systems. The company’s international team of around 600 professionals has delivered AI-powered solutions for clients in automotive, telecommunications, logistics, manufacturing, and retail, including multiple Fortune 500 companies.
Among Unikie’s flagship AI-enabled products is the Unikie Marshalling Solution, designed to automate the transfer of vehicles in car factories, ports, and logistics facilities. The product demonstrates the company’s deep integration of AI into operational workflows and its focus on real-world impact.
The new AI Lab aims to serve as a catalyst for Unikie’s next phase of growth, both by supporting client organizations on their AI journeys and by advancing internal innovations. It will concentrate on three primary focus areas: device-centric AI applications (such as autonomous vehicles and computer vision), AI-based real-time quality assurance and process control, and internal AI tools to accelerate development and improve work quality.
As part of the expansion, Unikie plans to increase its AI team to 100 specialists within the next 12 months. According to Juha Ala-Laurila, CEO of Unikie, this reflects the company’s commitment to turning AI into a tangible business enabler. “Unikie’s strong investment in the concrete use of artificial intelligence will bring significant business benefits to our customers,” he said. “We are especially pleased to have Peter Sarlin supporting our growth as an advisor to the AI Lab.”
Sarlin emphasized Unikie’s unique strengths, stating, “The company has deep experience in demanding AI projects, a strong internal development team, and a product portfolio with AI at its core. These are the foundations that will shape the next generation of European AI players.”
Unikie, founded in Finland, is known for delivering software engineering and innovation solutions to major global companies including BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Cariad, Scania, Cargotec, Valmet, Sandvik, and Nokia. With its AI Lab, the company is aiming to further solidify its position as a leading AI innovator in the Nordics and a key contributor to Europe’s growing AI ecosystem.
