André Dias

André Dias was born in Porto, Portugal 1980. He finished is lic. degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from ISEP Porto Polytechnic School in 2004. He pursue further studies and obtained his Master in Electronics and Computers Engineering, from IST University of Lisbon in 2008. In 2015 graduated (Phd) in Electronics and Computers Engineering, from IST University of Lisbon. He currently is a professor at the School of Engineering (ISEP) of the Porto Polytechnic Institute (IPP) and senior researcher at the robotics and autonomous systems group of INESC TEC in Portugal, where he is project member in several international FP7, H2020 projects. He is the main author of several research publications in the domains of perception and mobile robotics applications.

Domains

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Robotics

Projects

VAMOS

"¡VAMOS! will enable access to high grade EU reserves of deep-seated minerals by providing a new safe, clean and low visibility mining technique. Furthermore, the project will prove the environmental and economic viability of extracting currently unreachable mineral deposits, thus encouraging investments and helping to safeguard the EU access to strategically important minerals.

Viable Alternative Mine Operating System

UNEXMIN-CRAS

UNEXMIN is an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project that developed a novel robotic system, primarily for the autonomous exploration and mapping of Europe’s flooded mines, but also with other applications in mind. The Robotic Explorer platform, made by three robots – UX-1a, UX-1b and UX-1c, uses non-invasive methods for autonomous 3D mine mapping for gathering valuable geological, mineralogical and spatial information. This can possibly open new exploration scenarios so that strategic decisions on the re-opening of Europe’s abandoned mines can be supported by actualised data that cannot be obtained by any other ways, without major costs and/or risks.

Autonomous Underwater Explorer for Flooded Mines

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Publications

UAV Visual and Thermographic Power Line Detection Using Deep Learning

Santos, T;Cunha, T;Dias, A;Moreira, AP;Almeida, J;

2024

SENSORS

Oil Spill Mitigation with a Team of Heterogeneous Autonomous Vehicles

Dias, A;Mucha, A;Santos, T;Oliveira, A;Amaral, G;Ferreira, H;Martins, A;Almeida, J;Silva, E;

2024

JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

A Survey of Seafloor Characterization and Mapping Techniques

Loureiro, G;Dias, A;Almeida, J;Martins, A;Hong, SP;Silva, E;

2024

REMOTE SENSING

Simulation Environment for Underground Flooded Mines Robotic Exploration

Pereira, R;Rodrigues, J;Martins, A;Dias, A;Almeida, J;Almeida, C;Silva, E;

2017

2017 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AUTONOMOUS ROBOT SYSTEMS AND COMPETITIONS (ICARSC)

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Supervised theses

Quadruped robot for ultra-precise spraying tasks

Maria Silva Lopes

M - 2023

UP-FEUP

Centres

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The Centre for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CRAS) focuses on developing innovative robotic solutions for operation in complex environments. Each day, our researchers strive to map the unknown, creating solutions to explore the oceans’ depths, monitor the environment, or inspect infrastructures. Our goal? To become a global reference in robotics and autonomous systems, combining expertise in multisensory perception and 3D modelling, navigation and control, robotic manipulation and intervention - pushing the boundaries of autonomous robotics and integrating aerial, ground, and underwater robots into our solutions. Focusing on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) between 5 and 8, CRAS develops prototypes and operational solutions for strategic sectors. Our laboratory infrastructure includes test tanks, prototyping workshops, and a wide range of equipment ready to operate in real-world environments. Our researchers also resort to Mar Profundo, a support vessel for testing and validating innovative maritime technologies - a key asset in bridging theoretical design and field validation. CRAS stands out for a practical approach: we combine advanced research with a strong focus on real-world applications, reducing human risk in hazardous missions, optimising operations and processes, and expanding the frontiers of autonomous robotics.