On the 3rd, in addition to sessions dedicated to entrepreneurship, the Técnico Innovation Summit hosted panels focused on research and the impact of artificial intelligence, taking into account digital transformation and the associated ethical issues.

The session “Sea, Air, Space, Defense and Security” was moderated by Pedro Petiz, Head of Autonomous Systems at TEKEVER, and featured contributions from Professors Rodrigo Ventura, researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), João Fernandes, researcher at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IDMEC), and Carlos Fernandes, researcher at the Institute of Telecommunications (IT). The panel began with a brief presentation of the different projects developed at the research centers.

Regarding IT, Carlos Fernandes began by highlighting research in the area of small satellites within the context of new space, where systems are being developed that enable the creation of “tailor-made” satellites according to their intended functions. Within the space domain, he also referred to concerns about object detection, such as meteorites, especially in lower orbits where there may be risks to satellite trajectories: “There is a radio telescope in Pampilhosa da Serra that is currently in the installation phase and will enable this tracking,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, the researcher also highlighted other IT projects that integrate quantum communications, which aim to contribute to more secure communications, as well as initiatives focused on non-disruptive material analysis, which can be used to detect non-visible faults, for example, in ships and aircraft. Finally, he also mentioned an initiative involving the acquisition of biosignals, with the aim of contributing to the field of medicine—something that may have an impact on monitoring the health status of members of intervention forces.

Next, Rodrigo Ventura addressed the work developed at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), namely the development of autonomous systems for both aircraft and aquatic vehicles. In the space environment, the researcher highlighted the project he is currently most involved in, dedicated to the development of technologies integrating artificial intelligence to detect faults in satellite systems. Rodrigo Ventura also referred to a project aimed at creating a device for spacecraft docking, as well as involvement in IST NanoSatLab, which foresees the development and launch of new satellites in the coming years.

Following Rodrigo Ventura’s intervention, João Fernandes also presented some of the active projects at IDMEC. He began by mentioning an initiative with the army aimed at upgrading vehicles that no longer meet the required armor certification for military use. He also addressed two parallel projects focused on teleoperation and robotization. In the first case, an autonomous vehicle driving system was developed, which he emphasized as being a significant asset for industry. The second project aims to convert diesel-powered vehicles into hybrid systems, contributing not only to greater autonomy but also to noise reduction. “The goal going forward is to use these vehicles, for example, for drone launching, reconnaissance and rescue stations… and there may also be the possibility of contributing not only to defense but also to security in disaster situations,” he highlighted.

He also addressed the creation of fully electric maritime platforms capable of remaining at sea for 24 hours and incorporating intruder and shipwreck detection. Finally, he referred to the development of aircraft that include the use of hydrogen and engines with superconducting materials.

After the lecturers’ interventions, Pedro Petiz questioned the speakers on topics such as collaboration between research centers and companies, including the development and implementation of prototypes, the benefits of research, and talent attraction.

Regarding space, Carlos Fernandes emphasized that there has been contact with companies, something influenced by the development of ISTSat-1, which involved the efforts of Técnico faculty members and students.

João Fernandes highlighted, as the main challenge, the difficulty in executing projects given priorities, resources, and bureaucracy linked to industry—an issue that exists even when funding is available and there is interest in acquiring knowledge. In this regard, Rodrigo Ventura emphasized the strong role of research in identifying real problems and producing the scientific knowledge required by industry. “There are many things that are born out of curiosity (…) that create ideas,” he noted.

The session concluded with a brief reflection on the impact of artificial intelligence on academia and industry. “Artificial intelligence was born 50 years ago; it has a very long history. It is undoubtedly a very important tool and boosts innovation (…) but it does not solve everything,” said the ISR researcher, highlighting the need to recognize the use of these tools as a complement in the implementation of new technologies. João Fernandes added by highlighting the impact on education and the use of these tools by students.

Carlos Fernandes concluded the debate by emphasizing that the evolution of computing has enabled, over time, greater system optimization, resulting in increased use of these tools.

The debate on the impact of artificial intelligence was also the central theme of the panel “Digital Transition of Artificial Intelligence and Ethics”, which featured the participation of Mário Figueiredo, researcher at the Institute of Telecommunications.

The panel began with the question of how Europe can play a relevant role in global innovation without giving up its ethical values. Mário Figueiredo highlighted the current strong interaction with Portuguese startups; however, there are several challenges, such as market segmentation, which differs from countries like the United States or China. Nevertheless, he noted that although Europe does not have leading-edge technology companies in artificial intelligence and telecommunications—such as Google or Meta—it does have a higher quality of life, including aspects such as social support and social capital.

Regarding legislation, the researcher emphasized that “regulation does not slow down progress,” noting that this issue also exists in the United States and does not prevent technological development.

Regarding ethics, the researcher highlighted that the use of artificial intelligence also impacts how each user relates to knowledge, something demonstrated by the use of these tools by younger students in secondary and undergraduate education. This is related to their greater accessibility and frequent use in school tasks. However, he stressed that this merely highlights a pre-existing issue: students in Portugal, in particular, tend to focus more on obtaining grades than on the learning process. “This can only be changed by shifting mindsets,” he emphasized.

Throughout the session, topics such as companies’ planning capacity, the use of different platforms, and the exploration of the labor market were also addressed. The panel was also open to questions from the audience.