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About

About

António Lucas Soares is a researcher at INESCTEC and associate professor at the Department of Informatics Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering - University of Porto.

His area of expertise is Information Systems specialised in applications to Collaborative Networks and Information and Knowledge Management particularly in industrial organisations. His research interests include socio-technical design, knowledge representation, digital platforms for collaboration, design science research.

He is currently coordinating the Center for Enterprise Systems Engineering and the Cluster Industry & Innovation of INESCTEC.

At University of Porto, he is the director of the master programme in Information Science (FEUP/FLUP). He is member of the executive committee of the European chapter of the iSchools organisation and a founding member of the Portuguese Chapter of the Association for Information Systems.

He publishes regularly in scientific journals in the areas of information and knowledge management.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    António Lucas Soares
  • Role

    Centre Coordinator
  • Since

    01st October 1993
028
Publications

2026

Socio-Technical AI Maturity in Supply Chains: Insights from the Pulp and Paper Sector

Authors
Freitas, F; Zimmermann, R; Freires, G; Couto, F; Fontes, C; Soares, AL; Dalmarco, G; Rhodes, D; Gomes, J;

Publication
HYBRID HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS, PRO-VE 2025, PT I

Abstract
The integration of AI in supply chains offers opportunities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making. However, effective implementation requires attention to both technical and socio-technical aspects. This study examines AI maturity in the pulp and paper sector using the SC-STAI profiling tool, assessing AI integration across technical, social, human, and organizational domains. Based on nine case studies from Brazil and Portugal, the research identifies key areas for improvement and highlights uneven AI adoption. Findings show that performance and resilience are most impacted, while job role adoption remains the lowest. The study emphasizes the importance of Socio-Technical AI Maturity Models in guiding responsible AI adoption and improving socio-technical alignment in supply chains, contributing to a better understanding of AI readiness in traditional industries and demonstrating the SC-STAI tool's applicability for strategic AI planning.

2026

Collaborating with Algorithms: AI for Collaborative Supply Chain Management

Authors
Couto, F; Malta, MC; Soares, AL;

Publication
HYBRID HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS, PRO-VE 2025, PT I

Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in supply chain systems is growing, and with it grows its potential impact on inter-organisational collaborative networks. We review existing literature on how different AI archetypes (Reflexive, Anticipatory, Supervisory, Prescriptive) could support Collaborative Supply Chain Management (CSCM) activities, and how they impact information sharing, collaborative decision-making, and trust among supply chain partners at different integration levels. Adopting a sociotechnical perspective, we synthesise existing literature and map the archetypes along four levels of AI integration, varying in scope and decision autonomy. The results are conceptual frameworks demonstrating how AI impacts collaboration dynamics as it evolves from a decision-support tool to an autonomous coordination agent. Findings show differentiated effects along archetypes and integration levels, with implications for CSCM governance, transparency, and resilience. We contribute to the discussion on human-AI collaboration in CSCM and offer a baseline for research on the human-centric values of Industry 5.0.

2026

Hybrid Human-AI Collaborative Networks

Authors
Camarinha-Matos, LM; Ortiz, A; Boucher, X; Lucas Soares, A;

Publication
IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology

Abstract

2026

Data Spaces as Enablers of Digital Twin Ecosystems: Challenges and Requirements

Authors
Chaves, AC; Alonso, AN; Soares, AL;

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

Abstract
The increasing adoption of the Digital Twin concept and technology for managing complex physical assets has led to the emergence of Digital Twin Ecosystems, where interconnected digital twins generate additional value. However, ensuring seamless data sharing and interoperability among diverse systems presents significant challenges. Although research on digital twin architectures has advanced, gaps remain in addressing data governance, security, and stakeholders' trust. This study performs a comprehensive literature review to investigate architectural solutions to overcome challenges in digital twin ecosystems. The findings identify key requirements such as interoperability, governance, and data management, emphasizing the role of Data Spaces as enablers of secure data sharing. By structuring the requirements for digital twin ecosystem architectures, this paper identifies gaps suggesting future research on scalable and sustainable digital twin ecosystem implementations. These insights are expected to contribute to the development of frameworks that integrate technical advances with organizational and regulatory considerations, ultimately fostering the adoption of digital twin ecosystems across industries.

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.