Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution is based on the production process’s digitisation to promote traceability, reduction of waste and decision support. This transition from the physical to the information domain requires, besides the process’s digital representation, sensors and transducers capable of capturing the system states. In the case of agricultural processes, due to the heterogeneity of production conditions, as well as the large area in which it takes place, physical characterisation often requires a large number of sensors spread over several hectares. This fact makes the economic costs associated with the digitisation of agriculture a very relevant aspect. In particular, if robust and precise sensors are to be deployed. Within this reference frame, this paper describes the approach taken to develop low-cost sensors capable of measuring soil moisture at three different depths. Robustness is achieved through the use of materials with high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance and both accuracy and repeatability are accomplished by using a signal conditioning strategy based on a programmable analogue front-end. Details about the methodology used are presented throughout the article. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
The authors present the Effective Solution Based Learning, which derives from Project-Based Learning but is applied to real problems in order to build effective solutions. Emphasis is placed on the effectiveness on the assumption that encourages greater involvement and commitment on the part of students, ensuring a context that is intended to be more attractive and close to what will be their professional reality. Effectiveness is measured by the functionalities considered essential for solving the problem, but also the viability of the solution to be effectively used after the end of development, without the need for continued student involvement. A brief summary of the methodology is presented in the paper, emphasizing, in particular, the criteria and requirements for choosing project themes. The results of the first year of evaluation are also presented in the paper, pointing to a clear reduction in dropouts and an increase in approved students. Considering that this is achieved with more demand and work, it is arguable that it also resulted in students with more knowledge and skills. The authors also include in this paper the results of a survey done to the students, after the project conclusion, to assess the students’ perspective on this methodology. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
This paper presents a simulation model of a Time of Flight distance sensor applying SimTwo robotics simulator in order to contribute to a mobile robotics application, in an educational context. The objective is to observe the sensor behavior, inside the simulation environment, face a set of experiments, such as an abrupt difference of distance, several angle inclinations and measurements to the maximum sensor range. The tests were performed using SimTwo being a high performance, open source, versatile, real time simulation environment, in which is possible to configure an specific sensor adding its features, which allows to achieve a realistic simulation. The results represented the expected sensor behavior for the proposed scenarios. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
The energy storage batteries, employed in solar systems installed on lampposts, are usually placed in devices such as switchboards fixed at an elevation near the top of the column. However, this storage solution becomes inefficient, because it is not possible to guarantee the control of the working temperature of the batteries, due to the low thermal insulation capacity of these storage devices. In this sense, an underground compartment made of concrete, steel plate and rock wool were created, embedded in the foundation of the lamppost, with the purpose of using geothermal energy to maintain an adequate temperature inside the compartment. To verify the temperature inside the battery storage compartment, a thermal analysis was performed, where heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation was considered. Analyses were performed in steady state, and later, transient state, considering the initial temperatures of the thermal study in the previous steady state. With a storage volume of 1m3 and the base of the compartment at a depth of 2m, it was verified that it is possible to use geothermal energy to cool or heat, depending on the season, a system through geothermal energy. Considering a typical day in July, with room temperature of 35oC, a reduction of approximately 8oC was obtained inside the storage compartment, compared to the ambient temperature.

Abstract
When people move around a town, at some point in their journey they need to cross the road using a dedicated crosswalk. However, crossing is not always done safely due to weather conditions, lack of visibility or distraction. The VALLPASS project, aims to install two lampposts in opposite positions to the direction of crossing, with various functionalities and technological innovations, creating a luminous tunnel for the safe passage of pedestrians. To verify the mechanical resistance of the lighting poles, numerical simulations were performed using the finite element method, where the boundary conditions considered the criteria defined by the European standard EN-40 "Lighting Columns". This standard specifies the loads acting on the column, namely the horizontal forces due to the action of wind according to standard NP EN 1991-1-4:2010 and the vertical forces due to the self-weight of the entire structure. Considering a lighting pole with a square lower section and a cylindrical upper section, with a total height of 7 meters and with a support structure for photovoltaic panels, according to the static analysis performed, a maximum combination of axial and bending stresses of 138.74MPa, was obtained in the connection zone between the square section and the pole shaft. The maximum displacement of 6.9cm, was obtained at the free ends of the photovoltaic panel support structure and a minimum factor of safety of 1.64 in the zone where the combination of axial and bending stresses is more severe.

Abstract
As robots have limited power sources. Energy optimization is essential to ensure an extension for their operating periods without needing to be recharged, thus maximizing their uptime and minimizing their running costs. This paper compares the energy consumption of different mobile robotic platforms, including differential, omnidirectional 3-wheel, omnidirectional 4-wheel, and Mecanum platforms. The comparison is based on the RobotAtFactory 4.0 competition that typically takes place during the Portuguese Robotics Open. The energy consumption from the batteries for each platform is recorded and compared. The experiments were conducted in a validated simulation environment with dynamic and friction models to ensure that the platforms operated at similar speeds and accelerations and through a 5200 mAh battery simulation. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the energy consumption of different mobile robotic platforms. Among other findings, differential robots are the most energy-efficient robots, while 4-wheel omnidirectional robots may offer a good balance between energy efficiency and maneuverability.