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Publications

2024

Kernel Corrector LSTM

Authors
Tuna, R; Baghoussi, Y; Soares, C; Mendes-Moreira, J;

Publication
ADVANCES IN INTELLIGENT DATA ANALYSIS XXII, PT II, IDA 2024

Abstract
Forecasting methods are affected by data quality issues in two ways: 1. they are hard to predict, and 2. they may affect the model negatively when it is updated with new data. The latter issue is usually addressed by pre-processing the data to remove those issues. An alternative approach has recently been proposed, Corrector LSTM (cLSTM), which is a Read & Write Machine Learning (RW-ML) algorithm that changes the data while learning to improve its predictions. Despite promising results being reported, cLSTM is computationally expensive, as it uses a meta-learner to monitor the hidden states of the LSTM. We propose a new RW-ML algorithm, Kernel Corrector LSTM (KcLSTM), that replaces the meta-learner of cLSTM with a simpler method: Kernel Smoothing. We empirically evaluate the forecasting accuracy and the training time of the new algorithm and compare it with cLSTM and LSTM. Results indicate that it is able to decrease the training time while maintaining a competitive forecasting accuracy.

2024

Transitioning trends into action: A simulation-based Digital Twin architecture for enhanced strategic and operational decision-making

Authors
Santos, R; Piqueiro, H; Dias, R; Rocha, CD;

Publication
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Abstract
In the dynamic realm of nowadays manufacturing, integrating digital technologies has become paramount for enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes. This article presents a novel system architecture that integrates a Simulation-based Digital Twin (DT) with emerging trends in manufacturing to enhance decision-making, accompanied by a detailed technical approach encompassing protocols and technologies for each component. The DT leverages advanced simulation techniques to model, monitor, and optimize production processes in real time, facilitating both strategic and operational decision-making. Complementing the DT, trending technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles, and connectivity advancements are strategically integrated to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the adoption of the Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) paradigm. A case study within a MaaS supplier context, deployed in an industrial laboratory with advanced robotic systems, demonstrates the practical application of optimizing dynamic job-shop configurations using Simulation-based DT, showcasing strategies to improve operational efficiency and resource utilization. The results of the industrial experiment were highly encouraging, underscoring the potential for extension to more intricate industrial systems, with particular emphasis on incorporating sustainability and remanufacturing principles.

2024

Developing Entrepreneurial Competencies among Tourism Students using FLIGBY

Authors
Ferro, A; Buzady, Z; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM EDUCATION

Abstract
This article seeks to present an initiative to integrate a serious game into an entrepreneurship course, attended by tourism students, which enables them to have a more reliable and comprehensive experience of the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore several dimensions of the impact on the use of the game by measuring student performance and conducting semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that FLIGBY has helped the tourism students to have a more complete and reliable perception of the business reality and to practice their skills in a wide range of areas such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, time management, strategic thinking, or leadership. The results also indicate the development of analytical skills in the area of business management and viniculture due to the central theme of FLIGBY.

2024

Proceedings of the 19th International Joint Conference on Computer Vision, Imaging and Computer Graphics Theory and Applications, VISIGRAPP 2024, Volume 2: VISAPP, Rome, Italy, February 27-29, 2024

Authors
Radeva, P; Furnari, A; Bouatouch, K; de Sousa, AA;

Publication
VISIGRAPP (2): VISAPP

Abstract

2024

A Multi-User Multi-Robot Collaboration through Augmented Reality

Authors
Martins, JG; Costa, GM; Petry, MR; Costa, P; Moreira, AP;

Publication
2024 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SYSTEMS AND COMPETITIONS, ICARSC

Abstract
Current industrial environments have multiple robots working alongside humans, thus providing an operator the ability to perceive the robot's workspace correctly and to anticipate its intentions and movements through the visualization of the robot's digital twin is of utmost importance for safe and productive human-robot collaboration scenarios. Much has been studied regarding single human-single robot collaborative scenarios, but few address multi-user multi-robot scenarios. To this end, this paper presents a multi-robot multi-operator architecture, where the users' awareness is enhanced through an augmented reality head-mounted display. A multi-robot, multi-user collaborative scenario is presented in a laboratory environment with two industrial robots. Besides being able to interact with both robots in the system, each user becomes more aware of the robot's workspace and its pre-defined trajectories. Furthermore, it presents how fiducial markers can help to establish the relation between the different coordinate frames.

2024

Enhancing Smart Manufacturing Systems: A Digital Twin Approach Employing Simulation, Flexible Robots and Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Authors
Santos, R; Rocha, C; Dias, R; Quintas, J;

Publication
Communications in Computer and Information Science

Abstract
A new generation of manufacturing systems is emerging through the adoption of new policies to overcome future crises highlighted by constant social, environmental, and economic concerns. The rise of so-called smart manufacturing is noticeable. However, new risks to humankind are being introduced, and, more than ever, science and technology are required to guarantee the future sustainability and resilience of our manufacturing systems. This research presents a Digital Twin approach resorting to simulation models with embedded intelligence to transform efficient manufacturing systems and react to complex and unpredictable circumstances. The methodology covers production scheduling incorporating flexible robots, internal logistics supervision contemplating planning and control of mobile robots, and capacity management. The method demonstrates the potential of integrating Additive Manufacturing technologies to quickly react to production needs. The developed strategy was enforced and assessed in an industrial experiment, exhibiting its robustness and promising application. The attained results were very encouraging, highlighting its potential extension to more complex industrial systems. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

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