2023
Autores
Baltazar, AR; Dos Santos, FN; De Sousa, ML; Moreira, AP; Cunha, JB;
Publicação
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
The efficient application of phytochemical products in agriculture is a complex issue that demands optimised sprayers and variable rate technologies, which rely on advanced sensing systems to address challenges such as overdosage and product losses. This work developed a system capable of processing different tree canopy parameters to support precision fruit farming and environmental protection using intelligent spraying methodologies. This system is based on a 2D light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver integrated into a sprayer driven by a tractor. The algorithm detects the canopy boundaries, allowing spray only in the presence of vegetation. The spray volume spared evaluates the system's performance compared to a Tree Row Volume (TRV) methodology. The results showed a 28% reduction in the overdosage of spraying product. The second step in this work was calculating and adjusting the amount of liquid to apply based on the tree volume. Considering this parameter, the saving obtained had an average value for the right and left rows of 78%. The volume of the trees was also monitored in a georeferenced manner with the creation of a occupation grid map. This map recorded the trajectory of the sprayer and the detected trees according to their volume.
2023
Autores
Bechir M.H.; Martínez D.F.; Agüera A.L.;
Publicação
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability Icowefs 2022
Abstract
Ensuring a sustainable transition process, whether at a global or local level, involves designing an energy mix appropriate to the user's needs. The aim is to identify the optimal future strategy that maximizes both socio-economic benefits and sustainability. To address these challenges, multiple modeling tools are now available to assess different scenarios before implementation. However, modeling tools are generally designed for economic optimization. This is the case with the Open-Source Energy Modeling System (OSeMOSYS) a CLEWs tool. This paper proposes an optimization methodology in terms of sustainability, introducing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a global estimator. In particular, the effects of energy payback times (EPBT) on the selection of transition scenarios will be evaluated. To ensure the reproducibility of the study, we present an exercise that uses data for a fictitious country that shares features of both a developing and a developed country (Atlantis).
2023
Autores
Lima, J; Brito, T; Ferreira, O; Afonso, J; Pinto, H; Carvalho, A; Costa, P;
Publicação
International Conference on Electrical, Computer, Communications and Mechatronics Engineering, ICECCME 2023
Abstract
This paper presents the development of an acquisition system and data logger from an existing set of three continuous stirred-tank reactors in series. The reactors are currently used in chemical engineering educational laboratories to perform kinetic and tracer experiments. In this sense, to accomplish the store data process, the volumetric flow rate and the concentration of tracer, reactants and/or products of the reaction must be acquired as a function of time. In the original experimental setup, only the signal conditioning system was operational, while the acquisition, visualization, and control systems were obsolete and damaged. Thus, a new system composed of an interface and real-time acquisition data is proposed alongside preserving the main reactor structure. A graphical user interface and the automation of the various actuators were developed based on worldwide usage and low cost, respectively. This system, based on a common 8-bit microcontroller and an application developed in Lazarus, allows the storage of the acquired data in a time-series database. In this way, students can analyze the results later or in real time. Moreover, remote access allows controlling the reactor and getting data by the Internet of Things (IoT) resources. Additionally, the proposed system using IoT allows data to be shared with the community as a dataset. © 2023 IEEE.
2023
Autores
Sousa, RB; Sobreira, HM; Moreira, AP;
Publicação
JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS
Abstract
Long-term operation of robots creates new challenges to Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms. Long-term SLAM algorithms should adapt to recent changes while preserving older states, when dealing with appearance variations (lighting, daytime, weather, or seasonal) or environment reconfiguration. When also operating robots for long periods and trajectory lengths, the map should readjust to environment changes but not grow indefinitely. The map size should depend only on updating the map with new information of interest, not on the operation time or trajectory length. Although several studies in the literature review SLAM algorithms, none of the studies focus on the challenges associated to lifelong SLAM. Thus, this paper presents a systematic literature review on long-term localization and mapping following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The review analyzes 142 works covering appearance invariance, modeling the environment dynamics, map size management, multisession, and computational topics such as parallel computing and timing efficiency. The analysis also focus on the experimental data and evaluation metrics commonly used to assess long-term autonomy. Moreover, an overview over the bibliographic data of the 142 records provides analysis in terms of keywords and authorship co-occurrence to identify the terms more used in long-term SLAM and research networks between authors, respectively. Future studies can update this paper thanks to the systematic methodology presented in the review and the public GitHub repository with all the documentation and scripts used during the review process.
2023
Autores
Ferreira-Martínez D.; Zacarias M.; Gonzalez K.; Ruiz-Ibinarriaga J.; Lopez-Aguera A.;
Publicação
Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability Icowefs 2022
Abstract
In this paper the design of a Sustainability Plan for the Salve brewery is modelled. To support transition for decarbonization of the company ensuring a triple zero production (energy, waste, and transport), the critical points during the production process have been identified from a SWOT analysis. Using the CLEWs tools (through the OSeMOSYS software), five scenarios are designed and evaluated according to the company energetic needs. Both historical set of real consumption data of the company, as well as the growth expectations raised by the owners have served as the basis for the work. To simplify the decision making to the company, both investment and total associated costs as well as the corresponding CO2 emissions has been estimated in the period 2023–2030. As main results, an energetic scenario including the use of bagasse waste, the implementation of photovoltaic solar energy and avoiding the fossil fuels, allows to achieve the planned objective with an economic contribution assumable by the company. In addition, several potential business niches associated with the circular economy have been identified.
2023
Autores
Gonçalves, G; Gonçalves, C; Rodrigues, P; Barbosa, L; Filipe, V; Melo, M; Bessa, M;
Publicação
ICGI
Abstract
The modern manufacturing environment has adjusted to technological improvements. With Virtual Reality applications geared for factory training are becoming increasingly common. The industry is seeking ways to lower downtimes, resource component waste, risk of possible work accidents and decrease expenses, which can be achieved by engaging in new techniques of training professionals. This article evaluates a VR training application developed within the scope of the R&D project, aimed at training personnel in vehicle antenna production lines. We included the following variables: previous experience with VR technology, cybersickness, immersive tendencies, presence, system usability and satisfaction. Both the system usability scores and satisfaction were considered acceptable. We also found positive correlations between several variables, highlighting the possible influence of attention and familiarity with VR technology on the user experience. In contrast, a negative correlation raised questions about participants' expectations regarding VR technology and their resulting experience.
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