Rafael Claro

Assistant Researcher

Rafael Marques Claro. He completed his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2024 at the University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, and works in the fields of Engineering Sciences and Technologies with an emphasis on Robotics and Automation.

Domains

Artificial Intelligence Robotics

Projects

ATLANTIS

The Atlantic Testing Platform for Maritime Robotics: New Frontiers for Inspection and Maintenance of Offshore Energy Infrastructures

FLY_PT

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Publications

A Multimodal Perception System for Precise Landing of UAVs in Offshore Environments

Claro, RM;Neves, FSP;Pinto, AMG;

2024

Energy Efficient Path Planning for 3D Aerial Inspections

Claro, RM;Pereira, MI;Neves, FS;Pinto, AM;

2023

IEEE ACCESS

End-to-End Detection of a Landing Platform for Offshore UAVs Based on a Multimodal Early Fusion Approach

Neves, FS;Claro, RM;Pinto, AM;

2023

SENSORS

ArTuga: A novel multimodal fiducial marker for aerial robotics

Claro, RM;Silva, DB;Pinto, AM;

2023

ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS

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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.