Robotics and Autonomous Systems Laboratory
INESC TEC’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab focuses on the development of innovative robotic solutions for complex and dynamic environments. Its work spans data gathering, inspection, mapping, surveillance, and intervention missions—both in surface and underwater domains.
Core research areas include:
- Development of robots for extreme and hard-to-reach environments
- Autonomous navigation solutions for air, land, and sea
- Long-term deployments
- Sensing, mapping, and intervention
- Collaborative operations with multi-platform robotic systems
- Technologies for inspection, surveillance, and intelligent mapping
Within INESCTEC.OCEAN, this lab plays a central role in Marine Robotics, backed by over 30 years of expertise and a fleet of more than 20 autonomous and remotely operated vehicles. The lab supports advanced R&D+I in air, surface, and underwater systems, including infrastructure and tooling for Ocean Engineering.
Key infrastructure and equipment:
- 1,000 m² of indoor space at ISEP Campus
- Marine robotics test tank (5 m depth, 6 m width, 10 m length – 3,000 m³ total volume)
- Additional test tank at FEUP Campus (4.5 m x 4.5 m x 2 m)
- Two hyperbaric chambers simulating depths up to 7,500 m (750 bar) and 4,000 m (400 bar)
- Underwater positioning systems for manoeuvres and tests
- More than 20 ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), and other robotic platforms ready for real-world operation
- Sensors and auxiliary equipment for integration into robotic systems
- Machining and additive manufacturing capabilities
The Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab is divided between the Porto School of Engineering (ISEP) and the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) campuses.
Photonics Laboratory
The Photonics Lab explores non-traditional microfabrication techniques, based on femtosecond laser direct writing processes, constantly striving to implement the latest and most innovative procedures. Extensive experience in the design and production of microscale sensors endows our researchers with unique and transversal skills, making this laboratory a reference in its field. It plays a key role in producing resilient, high-precision components for marine sensing applications within the Ocean Data domain.
Main research areas:
- Bragg grating fabrication using point-by-point methods
- Sensor-based technology, including different types of sensors and micro/nano components
- Microfluidic and optofluidic device fabrication
- Micromachining of advanced materials
- 3D inscription of waveguides and photonic devices
Key equipment includes:
- ISO 6/7 cleanroom, where standard 2D micro/nanofabrication techniques can be used
- Femtosecond laser writing and integrated device characterisation
- 3D laser direct writing unit for planar substrates
- Laser writing system for Bragg gratings in optical fibres
- Integrated optical device characterisation set-up
Located at FCUP (Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto), this INESC TEC lab supports smart sensor development for underwater applications, including real-time ocean data collection and sharing.
CommsLab (Communications Laboratory)
Established in 2006, INESC TEC’s CommsLab supports the experimental testing of next-generation marine communications and sensing systems. It enables controlled validation of prototypes before deployment in operational environments.
Main research areas:
- Electronics and microelectronics
- Optical, radio, and acoustic communications for marine environments
- Simulation-to-field validation of data and sensing systems
- Cross-domain platforms for wireless connectivity
- 5G and 6G technologies, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and human sensing
Key equipment includes:
- Anechoic chambers (echo-free): specially designed spaces to minimise or eliminate reflections of sound and electromagnetic waves; the laboratory is equipped with two rooms with capacity up to 170 GHz
- Bonding Machine TPT HB-10
- Infiniium high Performance Oscilloscope, Agilent 90604A, 6GHz, 40 GSa/s
- Precision Network Analyzer, Keysight N5224B, 43.5 GHz, 4 ports
- UNO Positioner
- Optical and electronic test equipment for R&D in electronics
- Optical and RF communications nodes
- Low frequency characterisation equipment and a 3D printing machine
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite communications gateway
- Software Defined Radio (SDR) hardware and companion computing nodes
- Robotic platforms (e.g., drones, balloons, and a robot dog) for on-demand communications
- Acoustic modems;
- Small sized water tank for characterization and validation of optical, acoustic and RF underwater communications solutions.
Located at INESC TEC’s headquarters on the Campus of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), CommsLab contributes directly to INESCTEC.OCEAN’s data communications and ocean monitoring capabilities.
MASSIVE - Virtual Reality Laboratory
MASSIVE (Multimodal Acknowledgeable multiSenSory Immersive Virtual Environments) is an INESC TEC research infrastructure dedicated to research and development of multisensory virtual reality and immersive experiences. Focused on the relationship between technology and human performance, it fosters scientific and technological innovation, advanced training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to knowledge advancement and the creation of solutions with positive social impact. It is instrumental in the development of user-centred interfaces for complex marine systems.
Main research areas:
- Multisensory virtual environments and perceptual modelling
- Game-based learning, e-learning platforms, and digital storytelling through realistic simulations
- Procedural content generation and computer-generated holography
- Image rendering, simulation, and AR/VR interaction design
- Geospatial visualisation and multimodal interfaces
Key infrastructure and equipment:
- Room for multisensory experiments, with stimulation of several human senses
- XR Headsets, including Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro
- Eye trackers
- High-precision motion capture systems
- Ambisonics sound system
- 3D sound capture
- Scent capture and simulation machines
- Touch screens and other haptic devices
- Omnidirectional treadmills
- Tactile simulators
- 3D printers
- 3D 360º video capture
- Physiological signal capture and analysis systems (EEG, ECG, EDA, among others)
Located in INESC TEC’s site at UTAD (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro), this lab contributes to INESCTEC.OCEAN’s efforts in digital twin development, ocean interface visualisation, and remote system control.
GIG Lab
The Graphics, Interaction and Gaming (GIG) laboratory develops interactive technology to improve the inteconnection and the human perception.
By combining multidisciplinary areas, this INESC TEC lab creates solutions to optimise the relationship between people and technologies. This infrastructure comprises two distinct facilities: one in Porto, dedicated especially to Computer Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction and Digital Games; another in Vila Real, focused on creating Multisensory, immersive and authentic experiences based on Virtual and Augmented reality.
It is located both in the Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto (FEUP) and the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) campuses.