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About

About

António Almeida holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Industrial Management from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). During his doctoral studies, he specialized in developing innovative AI-based methods for performance management and control in complex industrial environments. In the meantime, he worked as a Business Analyst at Sonae and as a Principal Product Manager at Farfetch, focusing on IT solutions related to logistics and supply chain.


Currently, he is the Coordinator of the Center for Engineering and Industrial Management (CEGI) at INESC TEC, where he oversees a portfolio of European and national research projects focused on twin transition, digital transformation, and sustainability. In parallel, he is a Visiting Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, and at the Instituto Superior de Engenharia, teaching in the fields of Engineering and Industrial Management and Mechanical Engineering, respectively.

Details

Details

  • Name

    António Henrique Almeida
  • Role

    Centre Coordinator
  • Since

    10th February 2010
024
Publications

2026

Human-Centered Augmented Reality in Manufacturing: Enhancing Efficiency, Accuracy, and Operator Adoption

Authors
Ramalho, FR; Soares, AL; Simoes, AC; Almeida, AH; Oliveira, M;

Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. CYBER-PHYSICAL-HUMAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AND BEYOND, APMS 2025, PT I

Abstract
This paper evaluates an Augmented Reality (AR) solution designed to support quality control in a assembly line inspection station before body marriage at a European automotive manufacturer. A threephase methodology was applied: an AS-IS assessment, a formative evaluation of an intermediate prototype, and a summative evaluation under real production conditions. The AR solution aimed to improve task standardization, non-value-added time (NVAT), and enhance operator accuracy. The results showed that operators successfully developed inspections using the AR tool, identifying and correcting non-conformities (NOKs) while maintaining task duration. Participants valued having contextual information directly in their field of vision and reported increased rigor and consistency. However, usability and ergonomic improvements were noted, such as headset weight, gesture interaction, and visibility over dark components. The findings highlight AR's potential to support operator autonomy and accuracy in industrial environments while emphasizing the need for human-centered design and integration to ensure long-term adoption.

2025

Structuring Complex System for Digital Twin Development: A Systematic Scoping Review

Authors
Ghanbarifard, R; Almeida, AH; Azevedo, A;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
Complex systems, characterised by high interconnectedness and unpredictability, demand structured approaches to support decision-making, system integration, and operational efficiency. This study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of these systems to facilitate the implementation of Digital Twins (DTs) in Complex Operations Environments (COEs). A Systematic Literature Review (SLR), following PRISMA methodology, is conducted and complemented by a grounded theory approach to identify, organise, and synthesise system characteristics. The result is a hierarchical conceptualisation comprising eight core categories that capture the essential dimensions of complexity, including: Process and System Interoperability, Human Relationships, Behaviour/Nature, Products and Services, Multi-processes, Performance, System Structure, and Management and Skill Requirements. This framework offers a structured foundation for designing and implementing DT-based decision support in COEs.

2024

Semantic Asset Administration Shell Towards a Cognitive Digital Twin

Authors
Moreno, T; Sobral, T; Almeida, A; Soares, AL; Azevedo, A;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: ESTABLISHING BRIDGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, FAIM 2023, VOL 2

Abstract
Manufacturing industry is experiencing another revolution towards the digitalization of industrial processes. Different value chain actors must share specific and sensitive data according to business and data requirements. Digital architectures must ensure seamless and comprehensive communications between actors according to agreed-upon vocabularies. The digital representation of machines and other types of equipment, including crucial information about their static and dynamic operational data, is made possible by the ontological modelling of Asset Administration Shells (AAS), which is proposed in this paper as modular and semantically interoperable resources. These Cognitive Digital Twins are herein defined with de facto domain ontologies that model the semantics of the current operation, status and configurations of assets. This paper reports a proof-of-concept technical implementation that demonstrates an innovative digital architecture that connects and communicates active and modular Digital Twin of a machine in a bi-directional, connecting this asset to a digital manufacturing service provider.

2024

Application of Augmented Reality to Support Manufacturing Resilience

Authors
Ramalho, FR; Moreno, T; Soares, AL; Almeida, AH; Oliveira, M;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: ESTABLISHING BRIDGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, FAIM 2023, VOL 2

Abstract
European industrial value chains and manufacturing companies have recently faced critical challenges imposed by disruptive events related to the pandemic and associated social/political problems. Many European manufacturing industries have already recognized the importance of digitalization to increase manufacturing systems' autonomy and, consequently, become more resilient to adapt to new contexts and environments. Augmented reality (AR) is one of the emerging technologies associated with the European Industry 5.0 initiative, responsible for increasing human-machine interactions, promoting resilience through decision-making, and flexibility to deal with variability and unexpected events. However, the application and benefits of AR in increasing manufacturing resilience are still poorly perceived by academia and by European Manufacturing companies. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the state of the art by relating the application of AR with current industrial processes towards manufacturing systems resilience. In order to cope with this objective, the industrial resilience and augmented human worker concepts are first presented. Then, through an exploratory study involving different manufacturing companies, a list of relevant disruptive events is compiled, as well as a proposal with specific ideas and functionalities on how AR can be applied to address them. In conclusion, this research work highlights the importance of AR in coping mainly with disruptive events related to Human Workforce Management and Market/Sales Management. The AR application ideas shared a common thread of availability and delivery of information to the worker at the right time, place, and format, acting on the standardization and flexibility of the work to support manufacturing resilience.

2024

Methodology for Implementing a Manufacturing Execution System in the Machinery and Equipment Industry

Authors
Costa, L; Almeida, A; Reis, L;

Publication
5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRY 4.0 AND SMART MANUFACTURING, ISM 2023

Abstract
In today's volatile, uncertain, and complex business environments, manufacturing companies must not only adapt to market demands but also minimize the time between problem occurrence and resolution. The implementation of lean manufacturing systems has been crucial in this regard. However, traditional approaches have shown notable inefficiencies that can be effectively addressed through digitalization. By embracing digital solutions, manufacturing companies can ensure efficient continuous improvement, driving performance to higher levels. This study aims to find a digital solution for a specific company that faces daily challenges associated with low visibility into production. An investigation revealed that the Lean tools used by the company were outdated, directly affecting the generated information and consequently, decision-making. The integration of a Manufacturing Execution System into the factory's dynamics was the solution found. In this context, a step-by-step methodology is proposed to guide the implementation. As a result, a prototype of the system was designed. The validation of the system by end-users demonstrates the success of the proposed methodology.

Supervised
thesis

2023

Report on Cooperation with the Associated Higher Education Institutions

Author
Raziyeh Ghanbarifard

Institution
UP-FEUP

2023

Metodologia de implementação de um manufacturing execution system na indústria de máquinas e equipamentos

Author
LEONOR FILIPA PEREIRA COSTA

Institution
UP-FEUP

2022

Ferramenta de Maturidade Indústria 4.0: Aplicação em Ecossistemas Empresariais Regionais

Author
JOÃO PEDRO ALMEIDA PACHECO

Institution
UP-FEUP

2022

Desenvolvimento de uma plataforma IoT para a gestão eficiente do consumo de água

Author
RUI PEDRO MARQUES NUNES

Institution
UP-FEUP

2022

Key Corporate Process-Quality

Author
FRANCISCO XAVIER PINTO CARDOSO

Institution
UP-FEUP