Abstract
This work addresses a humidity sensor using long-period fiber gratings (LPG) coated with silica nanospheres film. SiO2-nanospheres coating is deposited onto the LPG using the electrostatic self-assembly technique (ESA). The polymeric overlay changes its optical properties when exposed to different humidity levels, resulting in a shift of the resonance wavelength of the LPG. The obtained results are accordant with the theoretical simulations. Wavelength shifts up to 12nm in a humidity range from 20% to 80% are reported, maintaining the same dependence at different temperatures.

Abstract
In this article, we introduce an iterative subspace system identification algorithm for MIMO linear parameter-varying systems with innovation-type noise models driven by general inputs and a measurable white noise time-varying parameter vector. The new algorithm is based on a convergent sequence of linear deterministic-stochastic state-space approximations, thus considered a Picard-based method. Such methods have proven to be convergent for the bilinear state-space system identification problem. Their greatest strength lies on the dimensions of the data matrices that are comparable to those of a linear subspace algorithm, thus avoiding the curse of dimensionality.

Abstract
In this paper a successive approximation approach for MIMO linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with affine parameter dependence is proposed. This new approach is based on an algorithm previously introduced by the authors, which elaborates on a convergent sequence of linear deterministic-stochastic state-space approximations. In the previous algorithm the bilinear term between the time varying parameter vector and the state vector is allowed to behave as a white noise process when the scheduling parameter is a white noise sequence. However, this is a strong limitation in practice since, most often than not, the scheduling parameter is imposed by the process itself and it is typically a non white noise signal. In this paper, the bilinear term is analysed for non white noise scheduling sequences. It is concluded that its behaviour depends on the input sequence itself and it ranges from acting as an independent colored noise source, mostly removed by the identification algorithm, down to a highly input correlated signal that may be incorrectly assumed as being part of the system subspace. Based on the premise that the algorithm performance can be improved by the noise energy reduction, the bilinear term is expressed as a function of past inputs, scheduling parameters, outputs, and states, and the linear terms are included in a new extended input.

Abstract
This work addresses the coordinated operation of an autonomous underwater vehicle and an autonomous surface vessel and its main goal is the development of an infrastructure that allows the surface vessel to dynamically position itself above the underwater vehicle while the later one is collecting data and navigating in long baseline mode using a set of beacons installed in the operation area. Besides a formal statement of the coordination problem, we present results both from real experiments and from simulations that illustrate the proposed solution.

Abstract
This paper describes a Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) system being developed at the University of Porto to be used in a small autonomous boat for the survey of shallow water environments, such as rivers, deltas, estuaries and dams. Its purpose is to obtain high resolution echo reflectivity maps through synthetic aperture techniques, taking advantage of the high precision navigation system of the boat. In the future the production of bottom tomography maps is also considered through the use of interferometric imaging techniques.

Abstract
This paper propose a real-time vision architecture for mobile robotics, and describes a current implementation that is characterised by: low computational cost, low latency, low power, high modularity, configuration, adaptability and scalability. A pipeline structure further reduces latency and allows a paralleled hardware implementation. A dedicated hardware vision sensor was developed in order to take advantage of the proposed architecture. A new method using run length encoding (RLE) colour transition allows real-time edge determination at low computational cost. The real-time characteristics and hardware partial implementation, coupled with low energy consumption address typical autonomous systems applications.