Meet the Navigator

Navigator is a Portuguese company that is an integrated producer of forestry, pulp, paper, tissue, sustainable packaging solutions, and bioenergy. Its business is based on state-of-the-art mills with cutting-edge technology.

We spoke with Pedro Matos Silva, Director of Digital Technology at Navigator, with whom INESC TEC has recently collaborated within the scope of the PRODUTECH R3 mobilising agenda.

How did the collaboration between Navigator and INESC TEC materialised within the scope of the PRODUTECH R3 Agenda and other projects? 

The collaboration between Navigator and INESC TEC developed naturally, founded on a convergence of interests around technological innovation applied to industry through the PRODUTECH R3 agenda. Within this context, INESC TEC acts as a partner linking scientific development with industrial needs, providing strong expertise in critical areas such as automation, computer vision, and logistics process digitalisation. This relationship has been fortified over time through mutual trust and the sharing of common goals, always focused on developing solutions with tangible impact on industrial operations. 

What would you like to highlight regarding said collaboration? 

We’d like to highlight the complementarity between the two organisations. Navigator brings deep knowledge of the industrial reality and operational experience, while INESC TEC contributes with scientific and technological skills to transform challenges into innovative solutions. Closeness, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of practicality have been unique elements of this partnership. It’s worth mentioning INESC TEC’s role as a facilitator in establishing partnerships between different, complementary business entities, supporting the growth of Navigator’s technological ecosystem. 

Regarding the PRODUTECH R3 Agenda, how important is the pallet and pallet-pocket detection software for industrial logistics automation? 

The pallet-pocket detection software is a key element of the project, allowing precise and automatic identification of cargo units. This technology significantly improves reliability in material handling, reducing operational errors and increasing safety in operations, enabling full automation within a robotic solution. 

By integrating advanced sensors and computer vision algorithms, this solution enables greater efficiency in pallet movement, contributing to the synchronisation of logistics processes with the factory’s automation systems. In addition, it facilitates interoperability with robotic equipment and digital platforms, e.g., digital twins – promoting smarter, more connected management.  

How can the equipment available in the Digital Transition Laboratory support employees’ training? 

The Digital Transition Laboratory provides an immersive and experimental environment, where employees engage directly with emerging technologies and process simulations. This approach accelerates learning, fosters a culture of innovation, and prepares teams for the challenges of digitalisation, promoting greater autonomy, agility, and capability. 

What do you value most about this experience with INESC TEC? 

We value the scientific and technical rigour, as well as the openness and flexibility demonstrated by INESC TEC. It is an institution with extensive experience and solid knowledge in technology transfer to real-world – particularly industrial – contexts. 

The partnership we established, even before the start of the Agenda (which extends across several areas, covering solutions from forestry processes to the manufacture of our products) has proven important for our technological development. 

What can we expect from this collaboration in the coming years? 

INESC TEC’s ability to adapt scientific knowledge to the concrete needs of industry has been crucial to the success of our joint initiatives. 

We expect to deepen the partnership and explore new areas of technological application that will strengthen Navigator’s competitiveness. Our focus remains on digitalisation and automation, especially AI solutions and sustainability.