Abstract
This article describes a joint trajectory optimized controller developed in a humanoid robot simulator following the real robot characteristics. As simulation is a powerful tool for speeding up the control software development, the proposed accurate simulator allows to fulfill this goal. The simulator, based on the Open Dynamics Engine and GLScene graphics library, provides instant visual feedback. The proposed simulator, with realistic dynamics, allows to design and test behaviors and control strategies without access to the real hardware in order to carry out research on robot control without damaging the real robot. The low-level joints controller techniques, such as acceleration, speed, and energy consumption minimization, are discussed and experimental results are presented in order to validate the proposed simulator.

Abstract
In this paper it is presented a new robot competition that is going to be included in Robotica 2011, the main Robotics Portuguese Competition. The robot competition takes place in an emulated factory plant, where Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) must cooperate to perform tasks. To accomplish their goals the AGVs must deal with localization, navigation, scheduling and cooperation problems, that must be solved autonomously. One option of prototyping the AGVs is the use of the Lego Mindstorms NXT technology. The presented example can play an important role in education due to the inherent multi-disciplinary concepts that are involved, motivating students to technological areas. It also plays an important role in research and development, because it is expected that the outcomes that will emerge here, will later be transfered to other application areas, such as service robots and manufacturing. © 2011 IFAC.

Abstract
This paper describes a robust localization system, similar to the used by the teams participating in the Robocup Small size league (SLL). The system, developed in Object Pascal, allows real-time localization and control of an autonomous onmidirectional mobile robot. The localization algorithm is done resorting to odometry and global vision data fusion, applying an extended Kalman filter.

Abstract
This paper describes the realistic simulation of a Lego Mindstorms NXT based robot. The presented approach does not replace the training with hardware but is an important complement, since it allows to develop robot software without accessing to the real hardware.

Abstract
Soccer was the original motivation for Robocup. Besides being a very popular sport worldwide, soccer brings up a set of challenges for researchers while attracting people to the event, promoting robotics among students, researchers and general public. RoboCup chose to use soccer game as a central topic of research, aiming at innovations to be applied for socially significant problems and industries. This paper describes the implementation of a system similar to the used by the teams participating in the Robocup small size league (SLL). The system, developed in Object Pascal, allows real time localization and control of an omnidirectional mobile robot. The objective of this paper is to be an introductory tutorial for Robocup soccer games, focusing in the base topics real time localization and control. © IEEE.

Abstract
This paper presents the modelling and simulation of a wheeled mobile robot designed to operate in structured environments and the development of robot software based on its simulation. The mobile robot was simulated resorting to the SimTwo, a custom made simulator developed by the authors with the purpose to test and produce control software for industrial, humanoid and wheeled robots. The presented example is in the field of edutainment robotics, being presented the localization and navigation in a Fire Fight Robot Contest arena of an omnidirectional mobile robot equipped with brushless motors and infra-red distance sensors. Edutainment robotics plays an important role in education due to the inherent multi-disciplinary concepts that are involved, motivating students to technological areas. It also plays an important role in research and development, because it is expected that the outcomes that will emerge here, will later be transfered to other application areas, such as service robots and manufacturing.