Abstract
The genetic algorithm (GA) is an optimization metaheuristic that relies on the evolution of a set of solutions (population) according to genetically inspired transformations. In the variant of this technique called cellular GA, the evolution is done separately for subgroups of solutions. This paper describes a hardware framework capable of efficiently supporting custom accelerators for this metaheuristic. This approach builds a regular array of problem-specific processing elements (PEs), which perform the genetic evolution, connected to shared memories holding the local subpopulations. To assist the design of the custom PEs, a methodology based on highlevel synthesis from C++ descriptions is used. The proposed architecture was applied to a spectrum allocation problem in cognitive radio networks. For an array of 5x5 PEs in a Virtex-6 FPGA, the results show a minimum speedup of 22x compared to a software version running on a PC and a speedup near 2000x over a MicroBlaze soft processor.

Abstract
This chapter describes a series of experiments aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the REFLECT design-flow in terms of ease of use and quality of the generated designs. In these experiments, we exercised the use of LARA to control and guide the REFLECT design-flow components, such as the Harmonic weaver, the CoSy-based compilers, and the back-end Molen/ML510 toolchain. Various research results have been presented in previous publications focusing on specific aspects of the REFLECT design-flow [1], including strategies for optimizing hardware/software systems [2], strategies for optimizing hardware synthesis [3], strategies for hardware/software specialization [4], strategies for resource efficiency [5], and strategies addressing safety requirements [6, 7]. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. All rights are reserved.

Abstract
This paper describes the results of AcousticRobot'13 - a noise measurement campaign that took place off the Portuguese Coast in May 2013, using two high endurance autonomous vehicles capable of silent operation (an underwater glider and an autonmomous sailing vessel) equipped with hydrophones, and a moored hydrophone that served as reference. We show that the autonomous vehicles used can provide useful measurements of underwater noise, and describe the main advantages and shortcomings that became evident during the campaign.

Abstract
Today there are different teams specializing in different areas such as shipwrecked rescue, searching for mines, environmental monitoring, border surveillance, traffic control, search and rescue and harbor protecting. Robotic systems and unmanned vehicles can provide additional capabilities and new innovative solutions that contribute to these applications. This paper presents the Robotic Exercises 2014 (REX'14) and the lessons learned with various field experiments performed with multiple unnamed systems in the context of the Portuguese Navy concept of operations. During the REX'2014 multiple experiments and systems were operated. Autonomy and environment characterization and assessment missions were performed with autonomous surface vehicles such as the ROAZ autonomous surface vehicle or with autonomous underwater vehicle MARES. Autonomy and system validation was performed for fast water jet propelled surface systems such as the SWIFT autonomous surface vehicle and the ICARUS unmanned rescue capsule, wind propulsion tests were also performed with unnamed surface vehicles and new maritime wireless communication protocols were tested.

Abstract
INESC TEC is strongly committed to become a center of excellence in maritime technology and, in particular, deep sea technology. The STRONGMAR project aims at creating solid and productive links in the global field of marine science and technology between INESC TEC and established leading research European institutions, capable of enhancing the scientific and technological capacity of INESC TEC and linked institutions, helping raising its staff's research profile and its recognition as a European maritime research center of excellence. The STRONGMAR project seeks complementarity to the TEC4SEA research infrastructure: on the one hand, TEC4SEA promotes the establishment of a unique infrastructure of research and technological development, and on the other, the STRONGMAR project intends to develop the scientific expertise of the research team of INESC TEC.

Abstract
A new small-sized autonomous surface vehicle actuated by a water-jet has been developed at INESC TEC for search and rescue of victims at sea. This paper describes the vehicle main components and presents the control and guidance laws governing the motion and enabling it to perform line-following and target tracking missions. Results from field trials are presented, demonstrating the capabilities and the performances of the vehicle along with its control layer.