Bruno Lopes Matias

Domains

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Computer Science and Engineering 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

View all projects

Publications

TURTLE Robotic Lander in the context of REP2022 military exercise

Martins, A;Almeida, J;Almeida, C;Matias, B;Ferreira, A;Machado, D;Ferreira, H;Pereira, R;Soares, E;Peixoto, PA;Silva, E;

2023

OCEANS 2023 - LIMERICK

VAMOS! Underwater Mining Machine Navigation System

Almeida, J;Ferreira, A;Matias, B;Lomba, C;Martins, A;Silva, E;

2018

2018 IEEE/RSJ INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTELLIGENT ROBOTS AND SYSTEMS (IROS)

Underwater Localization System Combining iUSBL with Dynamic SBL in VAMOS! Trials

Almeida, J;Matias, B;Ferreira, A;Almeida, C;Martins, A;Silva, E;

2020

SENSORS

3D UNDERWATER MINE MODELLING IN THE 'VAMOS' PROJECT

Bleier, M;Almeida, C;Ferreira, A;Pereira, R;Matias, B;Almeida, J;Pidgeon, J;van der Lucht, J;Schilling, K;Martins, A;Silva, E;Nuechter, A;

2019

UNDERWATER 3D RECORDING AND MODELLING: A TOOL FOR MODERN APPLICATIONS AND CH RECORDING

View all publications

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.