António Valente

Abstract
The wine production, included in the primary sector is a great cultural and economic deal, both nationally and internationally matters. However, it is highly dependent on natural resources, and traditionally involves high energy and water consumption. Given the global climate change scenario and the need for efficient resource management, it is necessary to implement a sustainable plan for the wine sector to realize sustainable practices. Data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), states that global wine production exceeded 260 million hecto-liters, in 2022. These has resulted in significant water and energy consumption, with around 500–1200 m3 of water used per hectare for irrigation and 1.2 gigajoules per hectoliter of wine produced, concluding that more than 80% of total water consumption is associated with irrigation, while more than 90% of energy consumption, is associated with winery processes. In this context, the scarcity of water or the need to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 makes it essential to adopt energy and water efficiency measures that allow for the sustainable management of resources without endangering the sector’s viability. With this in mind, a case study applied to a Portuguese wine industry is presented, including data analysis from water and energy consumption. Also, efficiency metrics will be analyzed, proposing management and decision-support tools based on monitoring and sensor-based techniques. In fact, one example of these efficiency measures deals with the adoption of systems that provide real-time data on consumption patterns and resource availability in order to improve sustainability of the global process production. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026.

Abstract
In 2023, global kiwifruit production reached over 4.4 million tonnes, highlighting the crop's significant economic importance. However, achieving high yields depends on adequate pollination. In Actinidia species, pollen is transferred by insects from male to female flowers on separate plants. Natural pollination faces increasing challenges due to the decline in pollinator populations and climate variability, driving the adoption of assisted pollination methods. This study examines the Portuguese kiwifruit sector, one of the world's top 12 producers, using a novel mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the feasibility of robotic pollination. The qualitative study identifies the benefits and challenges of current methods and explores how robotic pollination could address these challenges. The quantitative analysis explores the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing robotic pollination as a product and service. Findings indicate that most farmers use handheld pollination devices but face pollen wastage and application timing challenges. Economic analysis establishes a break-even point of & euro;685 per hectare for an annual single application, with a first robotic pollination of & euro;17 146 becoming cost-effective for orchards of at least 3.5 hectares and a second robotic solution of & euro;34 293 becoming cost-effective for orchards up to 7 hectares. A robotic pollination service priced at & euro;685 per hectare per application presents a low-risk and aviable alternative for growers. This study provides robust economic insights supporting the adoption of robotic pollination technologies. This study is crucial to make informed decisions to enhance kiwifruit production's productivity and sustainability through precise robotic-assisted pollination.

Abstract
Swarm robotics enables groups of autonomous agents to coordinate and perform tasks beyond the capabilities of individual robots. This state-of-the-art review focuses on the defining features, principles, and algorithms of swarm robotic systems, with an emphasis on recent advances. It examined classical and modern bio-inspired coordination strategies, decentralized control algorithms and hybrid approaches, highlighting their strengths, limitations and applicability to real-world deployments. Key challenges, such as scalability, robustness, adaptability and the gap between simulation and hardware implementation are analyzed.

Abstract
This paper addresses the persistent rise in motorcycle-related fatalities, even as overall road deaths decline, by introducing an adaptive Fuzzy System based on the Takagi-Sugeno model. The system evaluates parameters such as acceleration and lean angle to classify rider behavior into categories such as normal, aggressive, or dangerous, providing timely feedback aimed at promoting safer driving practices. A key component of this approach is the Local Outlier Factor (LOF) algorithm, which identifies hazardous behaviors by quantifying deviations from standard riding patterns, thereby allowing the establishment of adaptive safety thresholds. By integrating fuzzy logic, the system offers refined decision-making capabilities in complex riding conditions, enhancing active safety systems such as traction and braking controls. This work emphasizes the critical role of behavior-based insights in mitigating accidents, particularly since rider actions are a major contributing factor to motorcycle incidents.

Abstract
Improving energy efficiency in buildings is critical for supporting sustainable growth in the construction sector. In this context, the implementation of passive solar solutions in the building envelope plays an important role. Trombe wall is a passive solar system that presents great potential for passive solar heating purposes. However, its performance can be enhanced when the Internet of Things is applied. This study employs a multi-domain smart system based on Matter-enabled IoT technology for maximizing Trombe wall functionality using appropriate 3D-printed ventilation grids. The system includes ESP32-C6 microcontrollers with temperature sensors and ventilation grids controlled by actuated servo motors. The system is automated with a Raspberry Pi 5 running Home Assistant OS with Matter Server. The integration of the Matter protocol provides end-to-end interoperability and secure communication, avoiding traditional systems based on MQTT. This work demonstrates the technical feasibility of implementing smart ventilation control for Trombe walls using a Matter-enabled infrastructure. The system proves to be capable of executing real-time vent management based on predefined temperature thresholds. This setup lays the foundation for scalable and interoperable thermal automation in passive solar systems, paving the way for future optimizations and addicional implementations, namely in order to improve indoor thermal comfort in smart and more efficient buildings.