INESC TEC demonstrated technology during event dedicated to land defence

During the Land Defence Industry Day, INESC TEC presented several R&D results (with application in the defence and security sector): a fully electric dual-use, modular, and autonomous robot; an autonomous landing station; and a communications payload integrated into unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

From bioengineering to robotics and communications, the institution has been developing several technological solutions with application in defence and security activities. During the Land Defence Industry Day event, held in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Institute reinforced the commitment to technology transfer and strategic collaboration with national and international entities by demonstrating a set of solutions.

For instance, the Modular-X robot: a fully electric, dual-use, modular, and autonomous robot. “Originally designed to operate in forests, this robot can support other tasks, like evacuating wounded people, transporting supplies and equipment, and carrying out surveillance and detection actions in military environments”, explained André Aguiar, researcher at INESC TEC.

INESC TEC also presented an UAV (Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle) solution with Tether – equipped with an embedded computer system, this drone benefits from full autonomy and AI capabilities, and is capable of operating in extreme scenarios. “We also demonstrated an autonomous landing station, which ensures take-off, landing, reloading and execution of continuous missions without the need for human intervention”, added João Jacob Martins, researcher at INESC TEC.

As to communications, the institution demonstrated a communications payload integrated into unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. “We also presented examples of communications payloads integrated into a tethered drone”, mentioned Filipe B. Teixeira, INESC TEC researcher.

Finally, in the field of bioengineering, the team showcased a human-machine symbiosis system, including a sensing solution with wearables for measuring vital and environmental signs. “We also had the opportunity to demonstrate the main results stemming from the two ARTEX (ARmy Technological EXperimentation) events, namely in terms of information systems and search and rescue exercises”, added Vítor Minhoto, researcher at INESC TEC.

The event took place on March 31, organised by the Portuguese Army – in partnership with idD Portugal Defence, AICEP and IAPMEI, and with the support of AED Cluster Portugal. The Land Defence Industry Day welcomed Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, the Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, and high-ranking members of the Portuguese Army, like the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão – in addition to several international defence companies.