Abstract
This work describes a preliminary methodological framework for the assessment of coastal volcanic rocky platforms in Pico Island (Azores). This study also deals with the importance of GIS-based mapping and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) whichwere tested in two studied areas (Lajes and Madalena sites). This research gives an overview about the UAVs work flow and its application for photogrammetric assessment of coastal volcanic rocky platforms. The main purpose of this study is to explore the influence of basaltic lava coastal platforms and associated boulder strewn, which are well differentiated in Lajes and Madalena sites. In general, this research describes the image acquisition process and the UAV LiDAR technology and the aerial surveys to acquire the geodatabase which will enable the design of geoscience and geotechnical maps on coastal volcanic rock platforms. The images analysis will allow: (i) boulder geotechnical description and evaluation; (ii) shore and coastal platform assessment; (iii) propose monitoring coastal plans (short to long-term); (iv) rock boulders (basaltic blocks) mobility, movement trend, imbrication, indicating flow and source direction; (v) obtain DTM and contour lines to generate 3D models of the coastal area. All these data is crucial to understand the coastal dynamics of the sites and develop an applied mapping which couples GIS technologies and UAV based spatial platform. It was also developed a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) datasheet which incorporates the entire database of ground control points, using high resolution GPS system for the georeferencing and differential correction process. This research presents the preliminary results of the coastal geotechnics mapping for volcanic environments. Furthermore, high resolution image acquisition, georeferencing and differential correction of the ground control points using high accuracy GPS, were also thorough analysed to improve the general methodology presented herein. Finally, it was proposed a preliminary integrated coastal engineering study for the rocky platform zoning and short to long-term monitoring in selected sites on Pico Island. The study was partially financed by FEDEREU COMPETE Funds and FCT (GeoBioTec|UA: UID/GEO/04035/2013) and LABCARGA|ISEP reequipment program: IPP-ISEP|PAD’2007/08. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

Abstract
The Robot@Factory competition was recently included in Robotica, the main Portuguese Robotics Competition. This 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. This robot competition can play an important role in education due to its inherent multidisciplinary approach, which can motivate students to bridge different technological areas. It can also play an important role in research and development, because it is expected that its outcomes will later be transferred to real-world problems in manufacturing or service robots. By presenting a scaled-down factory shop floor, this competition creates a benchmark that can be used to compare different approaches to the challenges that arise in this kind of environment. The ability to alter the environment, in some restricted areas, can usually promote the test and evaluation of different localization mechanisms, which is not possible in other competitions. This paper presents one of the possible approaches to build a robot capable of entering this competition. It can be used as a reference to current and new teams.

Abstract
Laser scanners are widely used in mobile robotics localization systems but, despite the enormous potential of its use, their high price tag is a major drawback, mainly for hobbyist and educational robotics practitioners that usually have a reduced budget. This paper presentes the modeling and simulation of a hacked Neato XV-11 Laser Scanner, having as motivation the fact that it is a very low cost alternative, when compared with the current available laser scanners. The modeling of a hacked Neato XV-11 Laser Scanner allows its realistic simulation and provides valuable information that can promote the development of better designs of robot localization systems based on this sensor. The sensor simulation was developed using SimTwo, which is a realistic simulation software that can support several types of robots.

Abstract
Develop ground robots for crop monitoring and harvesting in steep slope vineyards is a complex challenge. Because of two main reasons: harsh condition of the terrain and unstable localization accuracy got from Global Positioning Systems (GPS). This paper presents a hybrid SLAM (VineSLAM) considering low cost landmarks to increase the robot localization accuracy, robustness and redundancy on these steep slope vineyards. Also, we present a cost-effective robot to carry-out crop monitoring tasks in steep slope vineyard environment. Test results got in a simulated and in a real test case supports the proposed approach and robot.

Abstract

Abstract
This work focus on the simulation of gas pipeline dynamic models in view to develop a leakage detection tool. The gas dynamics in the pipes is represented by a system of nonlinear partial differential equations. The linear partial differential equations is reduced to a transfer function model. Taking advantage of an electrical analogy, a pipeline can be represented by a two port network where gas mass flows behave like electrical currents and pressures like voltages. Thence, four transfer functions quadripole models are found to describe the gas pipeline dynamics, depending on the variable of interest at the boundaries. These models are simple enough to be used in the control and management of the network. These models have been validated using operational data and used to simulate a leakage. © Copyright 2016, PSIG, Inc.