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Publications

2024

6D pose estimation for objects based on polygons in cluttered and densely occluded environments

Authors
Cordeiro, A; Rocha, LF; Boaventura-Cunha, J; de Souza, JPC;

Publication
2024 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SYSTEMS AND COMPETITIONS, ICARSC

Abstract
Numerous pose estimation methodologies demonstrate a decrement in accuracy or efficiency metrics when subjected to highly cluttered scenarios. Currently, companies expect high-efficiency robotic systems to close the gap between humans and machines, especially in logistic operations, which is highlighted by the requirement to execute operations, such as navigation, perception and picking. To mitigate this issue, the majority of strategies augment the quantity of detected and matched features. However, in this paper, it is proposed a system which adopts an inverse strategy, for instance, it reduces the types of features detected to enhance efficiency. Upon detecting 2D polygons, this solution perceives objects, identifies their corners and edges, and establishes a relationship between the features extracted from the perceived object and the known object model. Subsequently, this relationship is used to devise a weighting system capable of predicting an optimal final pose estimation. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that this solution applies to different objects in real scenarios, such as intralogistic, and industrial, provided there is prior knowledge of the object's shape and measurements. Lastly, the proposed method was evaluated and found to achieve an average overlap rate of 89.77% and an average process time of 0.0398 seconds per object pose estimation.

2024

Shared Batteries Business Models for Energy Communities

Authors
Moreno, A; Villar, J; Macedo, P; Silva, R; Bayo, S; Bessa, R;

Publication
2024 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE EUROPEAN ENERGY MARKET, EEM 2024

Abstract
The deployment of energy communities (EC) will foster new business models contributing to the decentralization and democratization of energy access and a reduction in the energy bill of final consumers. This decentralization is only possible if investments are made in production and storage technologies, that must be installed near the locals of consumption, according to common rules of the regulatory frameworks of EC. In this paper we propose a methodology for the optimal sizing of production and shared storage assets, and we assess the cost reduction of considering shared storage assets. We then formulate seven business models (BM) that dictate how to share this benefit among the EC members, and we propose two indicators to assess them. Results show the difficulty in choosing a BM as well as the limitations of the BM and of the indicators.

2024

A joint Cournot equilibrium model for the hydrogen and electricity markets

Authors
Rozas, LAH; Campos, FA; Villar, J;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

Abstract
Hydrogen production through renewable energy-powered electrolysis is pivotal for fostering a sustainable future hydrogen market. In the electricity sector, hydrogen production bears an additional demand that affects electricity price, and mathematical models are needed for the joint simulation, analysis, and planning of electricity and hydrogen sectors. This study develops a Cournot and a perfect competition model to analyze the links of the electricity and hydrogen sectors. In contrast to other solving methods approaches, the Cournot model is solved by convex reformulation techniques, substantially easing the resolution. The case studies, focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, demonstrate the region's potential for competitive hydrogen production, and the advantages of perfect competition to maximize the use of renewable energies, in contrast to Cournot's oligopoly, where the exercise of market power raises electricity prices. Sensitivity analyses highlight the importance of strategic decision-making in mitigating market inefficiencies, with valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers.

2024

Ambientação à realidade virtual: xperimentar, jogar, partilhar

Authors
Almeida, Diana; Castelhano, Maria; Pedrosa, Daniela; Morgado, Leonel;

Publication
EJML - Relatos de Experiências. 6.º Encontro Internacional sobre Jogos e Mobile Learning

Abstract

2024

An Artificial Intelligence-Based Method to Identify the Stage of Maturation in Olive Oil Mills

Authors
Mendes, J; Lima, J; Costa, LA; Rodrigues, N; Leitao, P; Pereira, AI;

Publication
OPTIMIZATION, LEARNING ALGORITHMS AND APPLICATIONS, PT II, OL2A 2023

Abstract
Identifying the maturation stage is an added value for olive oil producers and consumers, whether this is done to predict the best harvest time, give us more information about the olive oil, or even adapt techniques and extraction parameters in the olive oil mill. In this way, the proposed work presents a new method to identify and count the number of olives that enter the mill as well as their stage of maturation. It is based on artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning algorithms, using the two most recent versions of YOLO, YOLOv7 and YOLOv8. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of using this type of application in a real environment, managing to obtain a mAP of approximately 79% with YOLOv8 in the five maturation stages, with a processing rate of approximately 16 FPS increasing this with YOLOv7 to 36.5 FPS reaching a 66% mAP.

2024

The Relationship Between Digital Literacy and Digital Transformation in Portuguese Local Public Administration: Is There a Need for an Explanatory Model?

Authors
Arnaud, J; Mamede, HS; Branco, F;

Publication
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 3, WORLDCIST 2023

Abstract
We cannot neglect digital literacy because it is undeniable how much technology is part of our lives. Ignoring it and the tools and services it provides us, which greatly facilitate the human experience, is simply a mistake. Recognising the importance of digital literacy, primarily due to the digital transformation in Portugal, it will be necessary to have technological skills to overcome some limitations. Information and Communication Technologies are seen in this environment as a factor that can contribute, on a large scale, to the inclusion of individuals with a digital literacy deficit, both in the Portuguese Local Public Administration and in society in general. The growth of digital transformation causes almost all jobs to need digital skills and participation in society. It takes digitally intelligent employees who know not only to use but also innovate and lead to new technologies because digital transformation may not be successful without that capacity. Thus, it is pertinent to develop, propose and validate an explanatory model that improves the relationship between digital transformation in Portuguese Local Public Administration and the digital literacy of its employees.

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