The main objective of the event was to train and demonstrate technologies relevant to digital transformation, focusing on strategic areas such as additive manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, advanced digital skills training, among other emerging solutions with practical applications in the business world.
The event was opened by António Baio Dias, representing CTCV and Cluster Habitat Sustentável, followed by a presentation of the PTCentroDiH project and an overview of the event by Rui Tocha (CENTIMFE).
Following these presentations, Rui Soares (CENTIMFE) led a Digital Maturity Assessment Exercise, which allowed the companies present to reflect on their level of digitisation and identify opportunities for improvement.
The Technology Training Session that followed included several pitches presenting innovative technologies and projects developed by PTCentroDiH partners:
– Hélio Jorge (CTCV) presented the paper “Innovation in ceramic products through Generative Design, Artificial Intelligence and Additive Manufacturing” demonstrating how the combination of these technologies can optimise the development of ceramic products.
– Luís Mendes (AIBILI) addressed the topic “From Collection to Intelligence: EVICR.net Eye Platform for the Reuse of Organised European Ophthalmology Data in AI Innovation”, explaining how the structured reuse of clinical data in ophthalmology can enhance the development of artificial intelligence solutions applied to healthcare.
– Francisco Silva and Carlos Costa (CTCV) presented the project “XR-GRIT – Gamified XR Platform for Robotics Instruction and Training”, a platform based on extended reality and gamification for robotics education and training, promoting more immersive and effective learning environments.
– Carlos Costa (CTCV) also presented the paper “Virtual tutors for exploring manufacturing processes and laboratory environments”, focusing on the use of interactive virtual environments as a tool to support technical training and understanding of complex industrial processes.
– Marisa Almeida (CTCV) presented the topic “Industrial symbiosis – new platforms/marketplaces to bring supply and demand closer together”, highlighting digital solutions that promote the sharing of resources, by-products and energy between companies, contributing to circular economy models.
– António Monteiro (IPG) presented the paper “Practical application of emerging technologies for the protection of people, property and heritage”, highlighting the use of advanced digital technologies in security, monitoring and protection contexts.
– Hugo Filipe (IPG) discussed the project “RePo-SUDOE: A Transnational Network for the Repositioning of Medicines in the SUDOE Area”, explaining how transnational cooperation and the use of digital tools can accelerate innovation processes in the health sector.
– Diogo Neto (University of Coimbra) presented the topic “Advanced Simulation of Additive Manufacturing”, demonstrating how computer simulation can predict behaviour, optimise processes, and reduce costs associated with additive manufacturing.
– Luís Macedo (University of Coimbra) closed the session with the presentation “Human in the Loop Machine Learning”, highlighting the importance of human interaction in the development and validation of machine learning systems.
This was followed by the Technology Demonstration Session – “Test Before Invest”, which gave participants direct contact with technological solutions and prototypes developed by the partners, including artificial intelligence applications in ophthalmology, industrial robotics for packaging and palletising, artificial vision in resistance testing, industrial symbiosis platforms and data acquisition systems in an industrial context.
This initiative reinforced the role of PTCentroDiH as a catalyst for digital transformation, promoting closer ties between technology, knowledge and businesses, and contributing to increased competitiveness and innovation in the economic fabric of the Central region.
(Event covered by funding allocated under the PRR – Recovery and Resilience Programme)