One plus one makes four; this is the idea behind the merger of the two robotics units in Porto. Both units work on research in robotics and automation; they both have products on the market and they both aim for excellence. Between 40 and 50 researchers from the Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering of Porto (INESC Porto) and the Higher Education Engineering Institute in Porto (ISEP) will be working together in a partnership formalised today. Instead of developing projects separately, they have joined forces to create a critical mass of expertise to find solutions. Their domain is robotics and artificial intelligence. More than one quarter of the researchers hold PhDs. They have already created and commercialised products such as Mares the underwater robot and its upgrade “TriMARES”. The most recent model will be ready to depart for Brazil next month where its mission will be to examine the bottom of a giant lake, collecting data relating to water quality and verifying the condition of the dam wall.  

One of the managers from this robotics unit, António Paulo Moreira, confirmed that the merger of critical mass will allow the unit “to make a great leap into being outstanding both in Portugal and abroad”. The INESC Porto representative adds that, “it will take on a truly international dimension”. He further underlines that this domain has developed rapidly and highlights areas of application such as environmental monitoring and inspection. António Paulo Moreira believes that “industrial robotics is becoming cleverer” and this means that more adaptive solutions are being developed for more specific activities that go much further than repetitive tasks. Moreover, he explains that this new partnership also aims to promote greater integration of research and industry.  

Eduardo Silva, one of the Unit managers and an ISEP representative states that “industry will need robotics more and more”. He considers that the “contracts of the future” will also explore the potential of the maritime economy. He notes energy, mining and maritime transport as areas of application as well as the environment. “We have to colonise the sea and conquer the Economic Exclusive Zone” he claims emphasising the potential of robotics and intelligent systems in these areas where human presence is not possible. The international market will also play a part.   

SURVEILLANCE ROBOT FOR PATROLS

One example of the robots developed in the INESC Porto unit is a robot that can take part in the surveillance of buildings. This robot was a project commissioned by a company and has sensors and cameras that can communicate with a central operations unit. 

DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION

The new partnership between INESC Porto and ISEP will make the development of robots and intelligent systems their main priority. Mining on the sea bed, energy sources and fishing are all areas of application with a foreseeable future.

WATER MONITORING

The underwater robots can monitor water quality in lakes with more precision than other methods.

INDUSTRY WITH TRAINED ROBOTS

Robots no longer have to be “automatic” in their functions; they can be programmed to adapt and find more solutions to problems presented to them. Therefore, more industries can benefit from this technology. 

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SEARCHES FOR SOLUTION

One of the most unprecedented requests was fulfilled: the INESC Porto robotics unit created a system for animal husbandry that detects when sows are most fertile. 

Jornal de Notícias, 16th February 2011