Navigator Digital Forum showcased INESC TEC industry-related solutions

INESC TEC carried out technological demonstrations at the Navigator Digital Forum, highlighting solutions in advanced simulation, control of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), as well as data collection and processing. 

INESC TEC was one of the participants at the Navigator Digital Forum, an event that reinforced the institution’s positioning as a strategic partner in the digital transformation of the pulp and paper industry. This participation made it possible to demonstrate the added value that a research institution focused on technical and scientific challenges can bring to innovation processes with practical industrial applications. 

Pedro Senna, business developer in industry-driven innovation, Henrique Piqueiro, researcher in systems engineering and industrial management, and Manuel Couto and Daniele Caldana, whose research focuses on industrial robotics and intelligent systems, represented the Institute and presented several solutions designed to address real operational challenges. 

Among the tools showcased were multidisciplinary solutions integrating advanced simulation, control of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and data collection and processing from multiple sources – including digital twins, industrial sensors, ERP, MES, SCADA systems and advanced scheduling tools. 

According to Pedro Senna, the solutions presented included “advanced simulation of logistics processes with fleet control and dimensioning of AMRs, as well as pallet detection technologies and remote control of AMRs.” Feedback was described as “positive”, with other participants highlighting the potential of the demonstrations to foster new synergies and broaden the technological debate, with a view to scaling up solutions at industrial level. 

INESC TEC’s participation in the event – whose main objectives were to showcase the Institute’s expertise in advanced simulation, dynamic factory layout, mobile robotics and computer vision, as well as to strengthen the strategic position in the pulp and paper sector – followed the PRR Agenda PRODUTECH R3, representing the first major structured collaboration effort with Navigator after years of informal and organic cooperation. Focusing on internal and external logistics processes, the results cover a wide range of topics, including autonomous robotics, computer vision, dedicated telecommunications, and the simulation and optimisation of industrial processes. 

Other invited entities at the Navigator Digital Forum included Amazon, LTPLabs and Amorim Cork, with INESC TEC being the only organisation invited to carry out live technological demonstrations. According to Pedro Senna, the invitation represents “clear recognition not only of the technical and scientific objectivity of INESC TEC’s teams, but also of their ability to translate scientific advances into tailor-made solutions for clearly identified challenges within the industrial fabric.”