Abstract
The practical application of knowledge acquired during undergraduate studies is crucial for students to address real-world problems and seek solutions. The SMAR PD3 didactic plant provides a conducive environment for experiments in systems such as level and flow, common in various industrial sectors. Cascade control, an approach that sequentially uses two or more controllers, stands out as a promising strategy to enhance precision and stability in industrial processes. This work proposes a study on cascade control in flow and level systems, demonstrating its application in the didactic plant. The process involved system identification, tuning of conventional and cascade PI and PID controllers, followed by the implementation of the Successive Loop Closure technique. Results, in line with specialized literature, indicate that the implementation of cascade controllers in the industry can improve specific processes affected by disturbances or changes in variables, directly impacting the overall functioning of the process.

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a complete controller for the FANUC S-420FD 6-axis industrial robot. The original controller of the robot presented failures that made it impossible to operate and that negatively impacted the academic and research activities. To solve this problem, it was proposed the development of a new open-technology controller and also the design of an intuitive and functional graphical interface, allowing the programming, control and monitoring of the robot parameters. The developed interface offers advanced features such as trajectory programming, custom parameter configuration, and real-time visualization of the robot's state. This work highlights the importance of efficient and affordable solutions for the maintenance of industrial robots in university environments, encouraging scientific and technological advancement in these areas of study.

Abstract
This study compares two computer vision methods to detect yellow sticky traps using unmanned autonomous vehicles in olive tree cultivation. The traps aim to combat and monitor the density of the Bactrocera oleae, an important pest that damages olive fruit, leading to substantial economic losses annually. The evaluation encompassed two distinct methods: firstly, an algorithm employing conventional segmentation techniques like thresholding and contour localization, and secondly, a contemporary artificial intelligence approach utilizing YOLOv8, a state-of-the-art technology. A specific dataset was created to train and adjust the two algorithms. At the end of the study, both were able to locate the trap precisely. The segmentation algorithm demonstrated superior performance at proximal distances (50 cm), outperforming the outcomes achieved by YOLOv8. In contrast, YOLOv8 exhibited sustained precision, irrespective of the distance under examination. These findings affirm the versatility of both algorithms, highlighting their adaptability to various contexts based on distinct application demands. Consideration of trade-offs between accuracy and processing speed is essential in determining the most appropriate algorithm for a given application.

Abstract
Nowadays, there is the paradox of technology: although smartphones have revolutionized our way of living, bringing convenience and connectivity, they have also introduced new challenges, notably distracted driving. This paper addresses the issue of visual distraction, one of the main contributors to traffic accidents, through the development of an innovative system that combines the application of convolutional neural networks and the functionality of mobile devices. The adopted methodology focused on the collection of a broad set of images to train an artificial intelligence model capable of classifying a qualitative variable with two distinct categories: attention and distraction of a driver. In particular, the study concentrated on creating a mobile application that uses a smartphone's camera to monitor the driver and issue auditory alerts if it detects prolonged distraction. The achieved results highlighted the efficacy of the model, especially after its optimization for the TensorFlow Lite format, suitable for implementation on mobile devices due to its efficiency in terms of speed and resource consumption.

Abstract
This article proposes methods for maximising the detection rates of thermal fiducial markers using thermography. By exploring the combination of image processing techniques with the use of an affordable thermographic camera, the aim is to mitigate the negative effects of thermography and improve accurate marker identification in a variety of mounting and distance conditions. The research identified a diversity of processing techniques capable of improving thermal marker recognition, offering the potential to surpass previous results. The results highlight the possibility of using low-cost thermographic cameras for this purpose, which could democratise and reduce the costs of recognition processes. This methodology validates the proposed approach, providing a robust basis for future improvements in thermal marker detection and promoting the feasibility of practical, low-cost applications in an assortment of fields.

Abstract
The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems are human-centered and designed to prioritize the needs of elderly individuals, providing them with assistance in case of emergencies or unexpected situations. These systems involve caregivers or selected individuals who can be alerted and provide the necessary help when needed. To ensure effective assistance, it is crucial for caregivers to understand the reasons behind alarm triggers and the nature of the danger. This is where an explainability module comes into play. In this paper, we introduce an explainability module that offers visual explanations for the fall detection module. Our framework involves generating anchor boxes using the K-means algorithm to optimize object detection and using YOLOv8 for image inference. Additionally, we employ two well-known XAI (Explainable Artificial Intelligence) algorithms, LIME (Local Interpretable Model) and Grad-CAM (Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping), to provide visual explanations.