Our alum Juha Alakarhu: Expert in camera technology with advanced degrees focuses on innovation and collective success

Exciting new camera technologies 

Juha Alakarhu's job description as VP of Imaging at technology company Axon is broad, but everything revolves around a clear focus: cameras. The main products of the company’s Tampere branch include development for body- and car-mounted cameras specifically for law enforcement purposes. 

Juha leads a team of some twenty people who envision and brainstorm ideas, develop prototypes and design products for Axon’s public safety customers. He describes the work as solving true engineering problems related to design, physics, electronics and software development.  The work closely aligns to his expectations during studies – developing embedded products that run hardware and software solutions – and in practice, it’s much more fun. 

“I've been interested in technology since I was young, and in a field like ours, genuine enthusiasm is really important. Looking back, I’ve realised that cameras were the one thing that immediately caught my interest,” Juha says. 

I've been interested in technology since I was young, and in a field like ours, genuine enthusiasm is really important. Looking back, I’ve realised that cameras were the one thing that immediately caught my interest."

Juha Alakarhu

A positive cycle of expertise and learning 

In Juha’s view, the strong expertise in camera technology in the Tampere region stems from a positive cycle of existing competence and learning new. The region boasts an active ecosystem of camera technology development, within which specialists work together to explore all things new and share knowledge. Tampere University plays an important role by training new experts. 

“The camera expertise in Tampere is unparalleled even on a global scale, there are few similar centres of excellence in the world. That is why many companies have set up their camera development units here,” Juha says. 

The camera expertise in Tampere is unparalleled even on a global scale, there are few similar centres of excellence in the world. That is why many companies have set up their camera development units here."

Juha Alakarhu

Juha describes Finnish engineering as skilful, pragmatic and future-forward. In addition to these aspects, he finds that there would also be more room for positive silliness and big personalities. 

As for his own work, Juha enjoys two things in particular: the great team and the extremely interesting subject matter. Juha’s team develops a wide range of products; some of them ship near future, but they also look into future technologies that may ship 5 years or more from now. 

“I couldn't find a dreamier job if I tried. We are working at the forefront of development and doing some really cool stuff with an amazing team.” 

Artificial intelligence arrived overnight 

Juha's work nowadays involves considerations of AI and the authenticity of visual materials. Juha appreciates Axon's unambiguous stance on ethics and privacy: they want to do things right. 

“True-to-life evidence and customer trust are very important in our line of business. Camera footage must accurately reflect the truth, so we use technologies that ensure authentic footage. In R&D phase, artificial intelligence certainly speeds up many tasks, and I use it myself every day for many purposes, but it doesn't stop me from thinking for myself,” Juha says. 

Over the course of his career, Juha has worked in a variety of roles having to do with cameras. He started out as a researcher and research assistant, later working for companies such as Nokia, Microsoft and Nokia Technologies. Since 2018, he has been with Axon. 

“This is quite an incredible time to be alive. In my own life, I have lived through the revolutions brought about by the internet, mobile technology, social media and platforms. When it comes to AI, the change happened almost overnight. It will be interesting to see whether the development continues at the same exponential rate going forward.” 

Specialised expertise and broad understanding combined 

Juha holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and a Doctor’s degree in Digital and Computer Systems. He remembers his student years as a fun period, despite his ambitious studying. 

“Learning new concepts was really amazing. The assignments were suitably challenging, and everyone had the opportunity to employ their own creative methods. Alongside the actual studies, I got to know some great people and do my fair share of partying,” Juha says with a smile. 

Learning new concepts was really amazing. The assignments were suitably challenging, and everyone had the opportunity to employ their own creative methods. Alongside the actual studies, I got to know some great people and do my fair share of partying."

Juha Alakarhu

For current students, Juha has a recommendation: develop yourself in a specific specialist area while also seeking a broad understanding of the bigger picture. 

“Also, it is always wise to put yourself in situations where fortunate coincidences might occur. They rarely come to you if you sit around waiting for it in your room.” 

Text: Tiina Leivo

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