On May 16, Técnico – Oeiras campus opened its doors to the community. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to speak with faculty members, researchers, and students from several degree programmes, namely Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. The event included visits to the NanoSat Lab and the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR) laboratories, exhibitions of student group prototypes, thematic workshops, and information stands dedicated to the undergraduate programmes.

During the visits to the NanoSat Lab, Gonçalo Tavares, DEEC faculty member and INESC-ID researcher, and Manuel Santos, embedded systems engineer, introduced the community to some of the spaces where ARGUS, Técnico’s new satellite developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), is being built. The project aims to develop a system capable of determining its own position in orbit. For this reason, the satellite will be equipped with four cameras. The collected images will be processed and overlaid using artificial intelligence, neural networks, and landmark detection techniques, such as identifying the “boot” shape of Italy.

During the presentation, the electronic systems to be integrated into the satellite were also showcased. The satellite is currently in the circuit integration and testing phase. Its launch into space is scheduled for mid-July.

During the visit, participants explored the rooms where the hardware and software are being developed, the clean room used for system assembly, and the station shared with AMRAD, where the IST NanoSat is monitored — the satellite created by Técnico that was launched in 2024 and aims to contribute to air traffic management through the collection of aircraft coordinates in areas where ground stations cannot be installed. The sessions also included a demonstration of the reception and decoding of images transmitted by satellites via radio.

During the visit to ISR, Mariana Teixeira, an alumna of the Master’s in Electronics Engineering, presented some of the mechanisms used in the teleoperation of robots for space missions. The session began with an interactive activity in which visitors were challenged to simulate robot behaviour based on the available information. Mariana Teixeira highlighted the importance of integrating sensors and systems capable of transmitting information to teleoperators, as well as creating mechanisms that allow the robot to act when issues such as obstacle detection are identified. The alumna explained that, in these scenarios, days are divided into three time slots dedicated to mission preparation, mission reception and processing by the robot operating in space and sending back feedback, and the reception and processing of new information by teleoperators.

Participants then tested their knowledge through a themed quiz on systems used in submarines, drones, and space missions, and took part in a simulated space mission where they had the opportunity to teleoperate a robot in two scenarios: obstacle avoidance and approach, and braking in response to obstacles.

Alongside the visits, conversations with students and activities organised by student groups took place in the campus atrium. Throughout the day, the Electronics Engineering Student Group (N3E) showcased its robots and organised a workshop on electronic circuit soldering.

At the Engenharia para Todos stand, several electronics-related activities designed for different age groups were also held. While younger participants had the opportunity to colour robots and create simple electrical circuits using LEDs, batteries, and copper wires, the “Mini Makers” activity allowed participants to build slightly more complex systems.

Additionally, children explored simple electronic circuits through the construction of drawing robots using recycled materials.

Meanwhile, primary and secondary school students were able to speak with students from the different degree programmes available on campus and learn more about their structure and career opportunities at stands dedicated to extracurricular activities, such as the Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering Student Group (NEETI).

In addition to workshops and conversations, student groups also exhibited their prototypes. The Aerospace Engineering Student Group (AeroTéc) showcased ATLAS, an autonomous aerial vehicle, and RED – Rocket Experiment Division –, which focuses on rocket development.

The atrium also hosted several student groups dedicated to mobility projects, including FST Lisboa, which brought the FST14 race car used in the 2025 competition; Técnico Solar Boat, which exhibited its autonomous boat São Pedro 01 and the manually operated boat São Rafael 02; LISAT, which showcased its satellite; ISTrain, which presented the model of the locomotive Andorinha currently under development; and Técnico Fuel Cell, dedicated to the construction of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

📷 View the full photo gallery here.