Nuno Miguel Neves de Abreu

I am a researcher at the Centre for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CRAS). In 2008 I received the degree of MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Porto. In 2017 I received the degree of PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Porto. My thesis focused in minehunting mission planning using autonomous underwater vehicles. My research activity is mainly focused on robotics in research topics such as path planning and artificial intelligence. I also work as a systems engineer on our vehicles and develop software as required.

Domains

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Projects

BLUECOM+

The BLUECOM+ project aims at developing an innovative communications solution that will enable broadband, cost-effective Internet access at remote ocean areas to regular devices, using standard wireless access technologies such as GPRS/UMTS/LTE and Wi-Fi.

Connecting Humans and Systems at Remote Ocean Areas using Cost-effective Broadband Communications

GROW

The GROW project aims to develop a novel solution for timely long-range, high bitrate underwater wireless communications. The solution combines short-range wireless technologies (e.g., radio, wireless optical), intermediate AUVs as data mules, and long-range acoustic communications; the latter are used to control in real-time the range, bitrate, and latency of a data link between the AUV and the central station. A multidisciplinary research team is involved in GROW: the team from INESC TEC, with long experience in wireless networks and robotics, including the development of AUVs and navigation algorithms for marine robots; the team from IPMA, with vast know-how in marine geosciences, hazards characterization, and experience in marine observation and monitoring.

Long-range broadband underwater wireless communications

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Publications

ATLANTIS Coastal Testbed: A near-real playground for the testing and validation of robotics for O&M

Pinto, AM;Marques, JVA;Abreu, N;Campos, DF;Pereira, MI;Gonçalves, E;Campos, HJ;Pereira, P;Neves, F;Matos, A;Govindaraj, S;Durand, L;

2023

OCEANS 2023 - LIMERICK

Construction progress monitoring - A virtual reality based platform

Abreu, N;Pinto, A;Matos, A;Pires, M;

2023

Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies, CISTI

TriMARES - a Hybrid AUV/ROV for Dam Inspection

Cruz, NA;Matos, AC;Almeida, RM;Ferreira, BM;Abreu, N;

2011

OCEANS 2011

An integrated application for geostatistical analysis of sea outfall discharges based on R software

Abreu, N;Ramos, P;

2010

OCEANS 2010

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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.