Network Architectures and Protocols (NAP) research group has been gaining attention with the presentation of its autonomous car prototype, an educational and scientific tool that serves as a bridge between advanced research and the general public, especially younger generations.
This year, researchers Joaquim Ramos and Rodrigo Rosmaninho visited José Estêvão Secondary School in Aveiro, where they gave a talk to about 110 students. The goal was to translate science and engineering into accessible language, sparking interest among students in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), demonstrating autonomous mobility, and the concept of smart cities.
“We want to show that these technologies are not distant or futuristic, they’re being developed right here in Portugal and have a real impact on our lives and the environment,” explained Joaquim Ramos during the session.
The autonomous car prototype, developed as part of various ongoing research and innovation projects at the NAP group, has also been showcased at international conferences such as the VNC 2025, in Porto (see more). The vehicle features sensors, real-time connectivity, and navigation algorithms, illustrating how various fields of engineering and computer science come together to build sustainable solutions for urban mobility.
In addition to the technological aspects, the researchers also addressed the environmental dimension, highlighting how smart mobility can contribute to cleaner, safer, and more efficient cities.
Initiatives like this reinforce the role of universities as active players in promoting knowledge, both locally and globally. By bringing research directly to schools and engaging with students, IT aims to inspire future generations.
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