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About

Mirka Kans is a leading researcher at the intersection of industrial automation, robotics, and production economics, with a particular focus on the wood product industry. Her work provides critical insights into the adoption and economic justification of robotic automation in traditional manufacturing sectors. Kans’ most influential contribution is her method for assessing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of industrial robots (31 citations), a framework that helps companies make data-driven investment decisions in the era of Industry 4.0. She has also conducted seminal studies on automation practices in Swedish wood product industries (23 citations), revealing both the current state and future opportunities for robotics in this historically under-automated sector. Her qualitative research with suppliers and system integrators (21 citations) further identifies key barriers and pathways for automation adoption. Kans has also explored emerging business models, such as performance-based and leasing models for industrial robots (15 citations), anticipating a shift away from traditional product-centered sales. Through her applied, industry-focused research, Mirka Kans is shaping the future of smart manufacturing in resource-based industries.