on 30-04-2025
The digital transformation of businesses is increasingly under the spotlight, driving fundamental mindset shifts and significantly boosting operational efficiency. Powered by rapid technological innovation and evolving consumer expectations, this transformation is now essential for organizations aiming to remain competitive in today’s dynamic market landscape.
In this context, what are the key impacts of digital technologies on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)? How can organizations create greater value in a rapidly evolving digital environment? These and other relevant questions will be explored through a series of three “Industry 4.0” Tech MeetUps hosted by the Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) in Aveiro, taking place in April, May, and June.
First Session – "IoT Sensing and Architectures" | April 30, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
This first session will be led by Susana Sargento and Duarte Raposo, and it will feature a demonstration-focused format, showcasing prototypes that integrate a variety of cutting-edge technologies. These include:
- Real-time object classification using computer vision,
- 5G and vehicular network setups,
- Sensor-equipped, connected bicycles,
- Demonstrations involving an autonomous vehicle.
The technologies employed span embedded systems, low-latency acquisition cameras, efficient data processing techniques, machine learning, and multi-technology communication systems such as 5G, vehicular networks, satellite, and LoRa. These innovations have broad applications across Industry 4.0 and smart city environments, especially those involving connected and autonomous vehicles.
Research & Demonstration Focus:
The Network Architectures and Protocols Group at IT Aveiro conducts advanced R&D in IoT sensing and architectures. During the session, real-world and lab-based implementation examples will be shared, leveraging the large-scale experimental infrastructure of the Aveiro Tech City Living Lab. Demonstrations will highlight real-time object classification using computer vision, integrated with sensor networks and various communication technologies. These prototypes exemplify the tangible impact of emerging tech in both Industry 4.0 and future city ecosystems.
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Speakers bios:
Susana Sargento
A Full Professor at the University of Aveiro and Senior Researcher at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, she leads the Network Architectures and Protocols Group. Co-founder of Veniam (2012), she was awarded the EU Prize for Women Innovators (2016) and the Femina Science Award (2020). She participates in major European, CMU, and MIT-Portugal projects, as well as PRR initiatives. Currently, she co-coordinates INCoDe.2030, serves as an expert advisor to the European Commission, sits on the board of Martifer SA (2024), and chairs the Scientific Council of the Instituto de Telecomunicações (2024).
Duarte Raposo
Researcher at the Instituto de Telecomunicações and PhD in Information Science and Technology from the University of Coimbra (2020). His career began in 2012 with eneida.io, focusing on wireless networks and embedded systems. His research today centers on smart cities, including SDN, 5G/6G, vehicular networks, and orchestration technologies applied in the Aveiro Living Lab. He also manages the group’s technological infrastructures and contributes to projects like POWER, Aveiro STEAM City, PRR NextGEN Mobility, and PRR Route25.
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