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Sobre

Sobre

Luis Rocha doutorado em Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores pela Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto em 2014. É investigador do INESC TEC desde 2010 e é actualmente responsável pela área de investigação de manipuladores industriais no Centro de Robótica Industrial e Sistemas Inteligentes (CRIIS ). Publicou mais de 40 artigos em revistas científicas internacionais e em conferências. Os seus principais interesses de investigação focam-se no desenvolvimento de sistemas robóticos industriais mais ágeis e centrados no ser humano, nomeadamente via a investigação de novos mecanismos interação homem-robô, novas metodologias de programação de robôs mais simplificadas e sistemas avançados de perceção. Foi coordenador da equipa do INESC que participou nos seguintes projetos: H2020 MARI4_YARD, Xweld (H2020 Trinitiy Cascade Funding), AI4R.WELD (H2020 ZDMP Cascade Funding), Interreg POCTEC 2014-2020 Manufactur4.0, P2020 PRODUTECH4S&C e PRODUTECH -SIF.

Tópicos
de interesse
Detalhes

Detalhes

  • Nome

    Luís Freitas Rocha
  • Cargo

    Coordenador de Centro
  • Desde

    01 setembro 2010
053
Publicações

2026

A review of visual perception for robotic bin-picking

Autores
Cordeiro, A; Rocha, LF; Boaventura-Cunha, J; Figueiredo, D; Souza, JP;

Publicação
ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

Abstract
Robotic bin-picking is a critical operation in modern industry, which is characterised by the detection, selection, and placement of items from a disordered and cluttered environment, which can be boundary limited or not, e.g. bins, boxes or containers. In this context, perception systems are employed to localise, detect and estimate grasping points. Despite the considerable progress made, from analytical approaches to recent deep learning methods, challenges still remain. This is evidenced by the growing innovation proposing distinct solutions. This paper aims to review perception methodologies developed since 2009, providing detailed descriptions and discussions of their implementation. Additionally, it presents an extensive study, detailing each work, along with a comprehensive overview of the advancements in bin-picking perception.

2025

Quality Inspection on Transparent and Reflective Parts: A Systematic Review

Autores
Nascimento, R; Gonzalez, DG; Pires, EJS; Filipe, V; Silva, MF; Rocha, LF;

Publicação
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
The increasing demand for automated quality inspection in modern industry, particularly for transparent and reflective parts, has driven significant interest in vision-based technologies. These components pose unique challenges due to their optical properties, which often hinder conventional inspection techniques. This systematic review analyzes 24 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2025, aiming to assess the current state of the art in computer vision-based inspection systems tailored to such materials. The review synthesizes recent advancements in imaging setups, illumination strategies, and deep learning-based defect detection methods. It also identifies key limitations in current approaches, particularly regarding robustness under variable industrial conditions and the lack of standardized benchmarks. By highlighting technological trends and research gaps, this work offers valuable insights and directions for future research-emphasizing the need for adaptive, scalable, and industry-ready solutions to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of inspection systems for transparent and reflective parts.

2025

Robot Path Planning: from Analytical to Computer Intelligence Approaches

Autores
Dias, PA; de Souza, JPC; Pires, EJS; Filipe, V; Figueiredo, D; Rocha, LF; Silva, MF;

Publicação
JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & ROBOTIC SYSTEMS

Abstract
In an era where robots are becoming an integral part of human quotidian activities, understanding how they function is crucial. Among the inherent building complexities, from electronics to mechanics, path planning emerges as a universal aspect of robotics. The primary contribution of this work is to provide an overview of the current state of robot path planning topics and a comparison between those same algorithms and its inherent characteristics. The path planning concept relies on the process by which an algorithm determines a collision-free path between a start and an end point, optimizing parameters such as energy consumption and distance. The quest for the most effective path planning method has been a long-standing discussion, as the choice of method is highly dependent on the specific application. This review consolidates and elucidates the categories of path planning methods, specifically classical or analytical methods, and computer intelligence methods. In addition, the operational principles of these categories will be explored, discussing their respective advantages and disadvantages, and reinforcing these discussions with relevant studies in the field. This work will focus on the most prevalent and recognized methods within the robotics path planning problem, being mobile robotics or manipulator arms, including Cell Decomposition, A*, Probabilistic Roadmaps, Rapidly-exploring Random Trees, Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, Ant Colony Optimization, Artificial Potential Fields, Fuzzy, and Neural Networks. Following the detailed explanation of these methods, a comparative analysis of their advantages and drawbacks is organized in a comprehensive table. This comparison will be based on various quality metrics, such as the type of trajectory provided (global or local), the scenario implementation type (real or simulated scenarios), testing environments (static or dynamic), hybrid implementation possibilities, real-time implementation, completeness of the method, consideration of the robot's kinodynamic constraints, use of smoothing techniques, and whether the implementation is online or offline.

2025

Dual-Arm Manipulation of a T-Shirt from a Hanger for Feeding a Hem Sewing Machine

Autores
Almeida, F; Leão, G; Costa, M; Rocha, D; Sousa, A; da Silva, LG; Rocha, F; Veiga, G;

Publicação
Proceedings of the International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics

Abstract
The textile industry is experiencing rapid advancement, reflected in the adoption of innovative and efficient manufacturing techniques. The automation of clothing sewing systems has the potential to reduce the allocation of repetitive tasks to operators, freeing them for more value-added operations. There are several machines on the market that automatically sew the bottom hem of T-shirts, a key component of the garment that fulfills both functional and aesthetic purposes. However, most of them require the fabric to be positioned manually by an operator. To address this issue, this work presents a solution to automate the process of feeding a T-shirt into a SiRUBA sewing machine using a YuMi dual-arm robot. In this scenario, the T-shirt arrives at the workstation with the main front and back pieces of cloth sewn together, seams facing out, and with no sleeves yet. This setup starts by turning the garment inside out with the aid of an automated hanger, ensuring that the seams are facing inward (as the machine requires), and then using the dual-arm robot to feed the garment into the sewing machine. With our approach, the feeding and hemming process took less than 35 seconds, with a feeding success rate of 98%. Therefore, this work can serve as a steppingstone towards more efficient automated sewing systems within the garment production industry.

2025

Friday: The Versatile Mobile Manipulator Robot

Autores
de Souza, JPC; Cordeiro, AJ; Dias, PA; Rocha, LF;

Publicação
EUROPEAN ROBOTICS FORUM 2025

Abstract
This article introduces Friday, a Mobile Manipulator (MoMa) solution designed at iiLab - INESC TEC. Friday is versatile and applicable in various contexts, including warehouses, naval shipyards, aerospace industries, and production lines. The robot features an omnidirectional platform, multiple grippers, and sensors for localisation, safety, and object detection. Its modular hardware and software system enhances functionality across different industrial scenarios. The system provides a stable platform supporting scientific advancements and meeting modern industry demands, with results verified in the aerospace, automotive, naval, and logistics.