Abstract
Angle assessment is crucial in rehabilitation and significantly influences physiotherapists' decision-making. Although visual inspection is commonly used, it is known to be approximate. This work aims to be a preliminary study about using the AI image-based to assess upper limb joint angles. Two main frameworks were evaluated: MediaPipe and Yolo v7. The study was performed with 28 participants performing four upper limb movements. The results showed that Yolo v7 achieved greater estimation accuracy than Mediapipe, with MAEs of around 5 degrees and 17 degrees, respectively. However, even with better results, Yolo v7 showed some limitations, including the point of detection in only a 2D plane, the higher computational power required to enable detection, and the difficulty of performing movements requiring more than one degree of Freedom (DOF). Nevertheless, this study highlights the detection capabilities of AI approaches, showing be a promising approach for measuring angles in rehabilitation activities, representing a cost-effective and easy-to-implement solution.

Abstract
The accurate measurement of joint angles during patient rehabilitation is crucial for informed decision making by physiotherapists. Presently, visual inspection stands as one of the prevalent methods for angle assessment. Although it could appear the most straightforward way to assess the angles, it presents a problem related to the high susceptibility to error in the angle estimation. In light of this, this study investigates the possibility of using a new approach to angle calculation: a hybrid approach leveraging both a camera and LiDAR technology, merging image data with point cloud information. This method employs AI-driven techniques to identify the individual and their joints, utilizing the cloud-point data for angle computation. The tests, considering different exercises with different perspectives and distances, showed a slight improvement compared to using YOLO v7 for angle calculation. However, the improvement comes with higher system costs when compared with other image-based approaches due to the necessity of equipment such as LiDAR and a loss of fluidity during the exercise performance. Therefore, the cost-benefit of the proposed approach could be questionable. Nonetheless, the results hint at a promising field for further exploration and the potential viability of using the proposed methodology.

Abstract
In the field of intelligent autonomous robots, integrating optimization techniques with classical control theory methods for mobile robot control is an increasingly prominent area of research. The combination enhances robots' ability to perform their tasks more efficiently, reliably, and safely. This paper addresses the development of a path and motion planning framework for omnidirectional robots, leveraging B-Splines and Trajectory Tracking with Model Predictive Control. The proposed framework is evaluated through software-in-the-loop tests using two distinct dynamical models and sets of hyperparameters. Final validation is conducted by implementing the framework within a ROS environment and performing field tests on a robotic platform. The results demonstrate that the robot can reliably track trajectories at its actuation limits, and the proposed framework enables the robot to increase its velocity up to 50% when compared to a PID path-following controller.

Abstract
The emergence of Digital Twins (DT) in Industry 4.0 has enabled the decision support systems taking advantage of more effective recommendation systems (RS). Despite the RS's growing popularity and ability to support decision-makers, these face two significant challenges, cold-start and data sparsity, which limits the system's capability to provide effective and accurate decision support. This paper aims to address these issues by conducting a literature review, analysing the current research landscape, and identifying the main enabling methods, algorithms, and similarity measures to mitigate these challenges. The performed analysis enables the point out of future research directions for developing effective and accurate RS that empower decision-makers.

Abstract
RGB-D sensors face multiple challenges operating under open-field environments because of their sensitivity to external perturbations such as radiation or rain. Multiple works are approaching the challenge of perceiving the three-dimensional (3D) position of objects using monocular cameras. However, most of these works focus mainly on deep learning-based solutions, which are complex, data-driven, and difficult to predict. So, we aim to approach the problem of predicting the three-dimensional (3D) objects’ position using a Gaussian viewpoint estimator named best viewpoint estimator (BVE), powered by an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The algorithm proved efficient on the tasks and reached a maximum average Euclidean error of about 32mm. The experiments were deployed and evaluated in MATLAB using artificial Gaussian noise. Future work aims to implement the system in a robotic system.

Abstract
Industry 4.0 has brought innovative concepts and technologies that have greatly improved the development of more intelligent, flexible and reconfigurable systems. Two of these concepts, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) and Digital Twins (DTs), have gained significant attention from various stakeholders, e.g., researchers, industry practitioners, and governmental organizations. Both are vital to support the digitalisation of products, machines, and systems, and they focus on the integration of physical and cyber processes, where one affects the other through feedback loops. Having this in mind, this paper aims to better understand how CPS and DT are correlated, particularly exploring their similarities and differences, their positioning within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, and their convergence to develop Industry 4.0 solutions. Some research challenges to develop Industry 4.0 solutions by integrating these concepts are also discussed.