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Presentation

Robotics in Industry and Intelligent Systems

At the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, we develop innovative solutions to leverage robotics in the industrial, agricultural, and forestry contexts, driving the digital transformation of the industry.


We take a practical approach - from design to deployment - to test the navigation and localisation of mobile robots, explore advances in 2D/3D industrial vision and advanced detection, while also focusing on industrial and collaborative robotics, as well as human-robot interfaces.


Our TRIBE LAB is fertile ground for innovative ideas about the agriculture of the future; we develop prototypes and promote excellence in agricultural robotics and IoT technology: with prototypes, advanced sensors (LiDAR, AI cameras), and rapid prototyping tools, we accelerate the development of solutions for the agroforestry sector. We are also present at the iiLab, where we combine applied research, technological demonstration, and controlled environment testing, promoting the integration of emerging technologies into industry. From intelligent robotic cells and cyber-physical systems to data analysis and AI, it is an innovation space where companies can experiment with and validate solutions for the factory of the future.


With a multidisciplinary team, and following European agendas, our research work combines fundamental science and application, impacting the design of solutions for Industry 4.0, fostering competitiveness and the digital transformation of the sector.

news
Robotics

What does the future hold for operating rooms? INESC TEC helped find the answer

The Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) de Santo António brought together professionals from various fields to discuss emerging challenges in operating rooms.

30th October 2025

Robotics

INESC TEC participated in the European Researchers’ Night in Porto and Braga

The European Researchers’ Night (ERN) takes place on September 26, but the activities are not limited to that day alone. A series of pre-events is held across the country, organised and coordinated by various institutions. Once again, INESC TEC was actively involved. In Porto, the Institute collaborated with i3S to host a pre-event, while in Braga, we joined the National Centre for Advanced Computing (CNCA) to participate in the celebrations of September 26, showcasing the Deucalion supercomputer.

30th September 2025

Robotics

On “Family Day”, HORSE, a Renault Group factory, welcomes INESC TEC and robotics solutions

INESC TEC’s robotics and intelligent systems solutions travelled to Aveiro for HORSE’s “Family Day”; at this Renault Group factory, different generations had the opportunity to try out a teleoperation system using virtual reality.

11th July 2025

Robotics

The transformation of viticulture begins in the Douro with Portuguese robots and technology

A (r)evolution is underway in the agricultural, viticulture, and forestry sectors, driven by technology developed by INESC TEC. On June 26, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) hosted Synergy Day by INESC TEC 2025 – Robotics and IoT for Smart Precision Viticulture, an event that showcased how robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are helping make the European precision viticulture sector more multidisciplinary, innovative, and efficient. 

30th June 2025

Robotics

INESC TEC won innovation and best master's thesis awards in Robotics at international conference

The Institute received two awards during the 25th edition of the IEEE International Conference on Autonomous Robot Systems and Competitions (ICARSC2025), consolidating the prominent position in the international robotics ecosystem. During the ICARSC2025 - considered one of the leading international scientific conferences in the field of autonomous robotics and competitions - the Portuguese Robotics Society (SRC) honoured the Institute with the Innovation and Technology Transfer Award in Robotics, plus the award for Best Master's Thesis.

17th April 2025

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Featured Projects

RAPID_Start

Análise e Validação Técnica de AMR HikRobot - Compatibilidade e Conformidade VDA5050

2025-2025

BIOFAB

BIOProducts FABrication Support - BIOFAB+ - Support the R&D technical proposal writing - Holland BioProducts’ New Factory in Portugal

2025-2025

PFAI4_6eD

Programa de Formação Avançada Industria 4 - 6a edição

2025-2025

MacSense

Proposta de Prestação de Serviços de investigação e desenvolvimento de IHM para sistema de monitorização avançado de máquinas CNC

2025-2025

BolsasFCT_Gestao

Funding FCT PhD Grants - Management

2025-9999

RAIL_INSPECT

2016-2017

Team
Publications

CRIIS Publications

View all Publications

2026

Economic benchmarking of assisted pollination methods for kiwifruit flowers: Assessment of cost-effectiveness of robotic solution

Authors
Pinheiro, I; Moura, P; Rodrigues, L; Pacheco, AP; Teixeira, J; Valente, A; Cunha, M; Santos, FNd;

Publication
Agricultural Systems

Abstract

2026

AI Enabled Robotic Loco-Manipulation

Authors
Li, Q; Xie, M; Tokhi, MO; Silva, MF;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Abstract

2026

Crisis or Redemption with AI and Robotics? The Dawn of a New Era

Authors
Silva, MF; Tokhi, MO; Ferreira, MIA; Malheiro, B; Guedes, P; Ferreira, P; Costa, MT;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Abstract

2025

A Review of Robotic Interfaces for Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Rehabilitation: Assistance Types, Actuation Methods, and Control Mechanisms

Authors
André Gonçalves; Manuel F. Silva; Hélio Mendonça; Cláudia D. Rocha;

Publication
Robotics

Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with survivors often facing significant challenges in regaining upper-limb functionality. In response, robotic rehabilitation systems have emerged as promising tools to enhance post-stroke recovery by delivering precise, adaptable, and patient-specific therapy. This paper presents a review of robotic interfaces developed specifically for upper-limb rehabilitation. It analyses existing exoskeleton- and end-effector-based systems, with respect to three core design pillars: assistance types, control philosophies, and actuation methods. The review highlights that most solutions favor electrically actuated exoskeletons, which use impedance- or electromyography-driven control, with active assistance being the predominant rehabilitation mode. Resistance-providing systems remain underutilized. Furthermore, no hybrid approaches featuring the combination of robotic manipulators with actuated interfaces were found. This paper also identifies a recent trend towards lightweight, modular, and portable solutions and discusses the challenges in bridging research prototypes with clinical adoption. By focusing exclusively on upper-limb applications, this work provides a targeted reference for researchers and engineers developing next-generation rehabilitation technologies.

2025

Human-in-the-loop Multi-objective Bayesian Optimization for Directed Energy Deposition with in-situ monitoring

Authors
Sousa, J; Sousa, A; Brueckner, F; Reis, LP; Reis, A;

Publication
ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER-INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

Abstract
Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a free-form metal additive manufacturing process characterized as toolless, flexible, and energy-efficient compared to traditional processes. However, it is a complex system with a highly dynamic nature that presents challenges for modeling and optimization due to its multiphysics and multiscale characteristics. Additionally, multiple factors such as different machine setups and materials require extensive testing through single-track depositions, which can be time and resource-intensive. Single-track experiments are the foundation for establishing optimal initial parameters and comprehensively characterizing bead geometry, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of computer-aided design and process quality validation. We digitized a DED setup using the Robot Operating System (ROS 2) and employed a thermal camera for real-time monitoring and evaluation to streamline the experimentation process. With the laser power and velocity as inputs, we optimized the dimensions and stability of the melt pool and evaluated different objective functions and approaches using a Response Surface Model (RSM). The three-objective approach achieved better rewards in all iterations and, when implemented in areal setup, allowed to reduce the number of experiments and shorten setup time. Our approach can minimize waste, increase the quality and reliability of DED, and enhance and simplify human-process interaction by leveraging the collaboration between human knowledge and model predictions.