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Publications

2024

New heuristics for the 2-stage assembly scheduling problem with total earliness and tardiness minimisation: A computational evaluation

Authors
Talens, C; Valente, JMS; Fernandez-Viagas, V;

Publication
COMPUTERS & OPERATIONS RESEARCH

Abstract
Traditionally, scheduling literature has focused mainly on solving problems related to processing jobs with non- assembly operations. Despite the growing interest in the assembly literature in recent years, knowledge of the problem is still in its early stages in many aspects. In this regard, we are not aware of any previous contributions that address the assembly scheduling problem with just-in-time objectives. To fill this gap, this paper studies the 2-stage assembly scheduling problem minimising the sum of total earliness and total tardiness. We first analyse the relationship between the decision problem and the generation of the due dates of the jobs, and identify the equivalences with different related decision problems depending on the instances. The properties and conclusions obtained in the analysis are applied to design two constructive heuristics and a composite heuristic. To evaluate our proposals, different heuristics from the state-of-the-art of related scheduling problems are adapted, and a computational evaluation is carried out. The excellent behaviour of the proposed algorithms is demonstrated by an extensive computational evaluation.

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

Exposing and explaining fake news on-the-fly

Authors
de Arriba Pérez, F; García Méndez, S; Leal, F; Malheiro, B; Burguillo, JC;

Publication
MACHINE LEARNING

Abstract
Social media platforms enable the rapid dissemination and consumption of information. However, users instantly consume such content regardless of the reliability of the shared data. Consequently, the latter crowdsourcing model is exposed to manipulation. This work contributes with an explainable and online classification method to recognize fake news in real-time. The proposed method combines both unsupervised and supervised Machine Learning approaches with online created lexica. The profiling is built using creator-, content- and context-based features using Natural Language Processing techniques. The explainable classification mechanism displays in a dashboard the features selected for classification and the prediction confidence. The performance of the proposed solution has been validated with real data sets from Twitter and the results attain 80% accuracy and macro F-measure. This proposal is the first to jointly provide data stream processing, profiling, classification and explainability. Ultimately, the proposed early detection, isolation and explanation of fake news contribute to increase the quality and trustworthiness of social media contents.

2024

Toyota Way - the Heart of TPS and its Impact on Sustainable Company Growth

Authors
Palhau, M; Sá, JC; Avila, P; Dinis-Carvalho, J; Rodrigues, C; Santos, G;

Publication
QUALITY INNOVATION PROSPERITY-KVALITA INOVACIA PROSPERITA

Abstract
Purpose: This paper intends to evaluate the impact of Toyota Way (TW) focused activities on operational performance and its connection to sustainability and longterm success. Methodology/Approach: Three theoretical-practical activities were implemented in a real pickup assembly plant. Performance was assessed through the recording of standard documentation before and after implementation, direct observation at the gemba, and anonymous qualitative surveys of those involved. Findings: Results show how TW enhances workers' skills alongside TPS through experiential learning, fostering continuous improvement with minimal or no financial investment and creating value iteratively and exponentially. However, it had a limited impact on environmental factors. TW emerges as a critical link between short-term operational performance and long-term sustainable growth. Research Limitations/Implications: The sample is restricted to a single assembly plant in Portugal. The surveys involved between 5 and 13 respondents per activity. Originality/Value of paper: In contrast to TPS and lean manufacturing, current literature on TW is limited, often outdated, and lacks clarity regarding its Japanese and American interpretations. Furthermore, few studies emphasise the human element as a driver of company growth-a factor often overlooked by companies. Category: Case study

2024

CNP-MLDM: Contract Net Protocol for Negotiation in Machine Learning Data Market

Authors
Baghcheband, H; Soares, C; Reis, LP;

Publication
DS (LB)

Abstract
The Machine Learning Data Market (MLDM), which relies on multi-agent systems, necessitates robust negotiation strategies to ensure efficient and fair transactions. The Contract Net Protocol (CNP), a well-established negotiation strategy within Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), offers a promising solution. This paper explores the integration of CNP into MLDM, proposing the CNP-MLDM model to facilitate data exchanges. Characterized by its task announcement and bidding process, CNP enhances negotiation efficiency in MLDM. This paper describes CNP tailored for MLDM, detailing the proposed protocol following experimental results.

2024

Estimation of the Raya UUV Hydrodynamic Coefficients Using OpenFOAM

Authors
Leitão, J; Pereira, P; Campilho, R; Pinto, A;

Publication
Oceans Conference Record (IEEE)

Abstract
Accurate dynamics modelling of Unmanned Under-water Vehicles (UUV s) is critical for optimizing mission planning, minimizing collision risks, and ensuring the successful execution of tasks in diverse underwater environments. This paper presents a structured approach to estimating the hydrodynamic coeffi-cients of UUV s. Initially, it follows a detailed methodology for estimating hydrodynamic coefficients using simple geometries, a sphere and a spheroid, using the Computational Fluid Dy-namics (CFD) software OpenFoam, and comparing the results to analytical solutions, enabling the validation of the simulations approach. Following this, the paper provides an in-depth analysis of the damping and added mass coefficients for the Raya UUV, offering valuable insights into its hydrodynamic behaviour. © 2024 IEEE.

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