The problem of ocean observation with adaptive spatial and temporal resolution is discussed along with current scientific and technological trends to outline a vision for future robotic operations. This is done with reference to the systems and technologies designed, developed and operated by the LSTS (Underwater Systems and Technologies Laboratory), INEGI and Porto University.
In this Seminar, Professor João Sousa will describe the LSTS approach to ocean observation with underwater, surface, and air vehicles coordinated with the support of the LSTS software toolchain enabling complex long duration operations taking place in the urban sea as well as in the open ocean. Then he will describe field deployments taking place in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas to illustrate what is achievable with state-of-the-art systems. Finally, he will briefly describe new systems and technologies to be deployed in the future and will challenge the audience to collaborate on these deployments.
About our speaker:
João Tasso de Figueiredo Borges de Sousa is a Professor at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department from Porto University in Portugal. He holds a PhD and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, both of which were awarded by the University of Porto.
João's research focuses on autonomous underwater, surface, and air vehicles, as well as networked vehicle systems, optimisation, and cyber-physical systems. His work has significant applications in ocean sciences, security, and defence. He leads the Underwater Systems and Technologies Laboratory (LSTS), which has been at the forefront of designing and deploying networked autonomous vehicles. The LSTS has developed the award-winning Light Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (LSTS) and an open-source software toolchain for networked vehicle systems. The lab has also conducted large-scale ocean experiments, such as the Rapid Environmental Picture exercise, in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy and international research institutions.
Beyond his contributions to research and technological innovation, João has played a key role in shaping a global research community on autonomous and networked vehicle systems. He has organised international conferences and workshops, lectured at prestigious universities in the USA and Europe, and held visiting scholar positions at institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is actively involved in professional organisations, serving on committees of IEEE, IFAC, and NATO, and has been part of the editorial boards of several scientific journals.
Recognised for his contributions, João has received multiple awards, including the Luso-American Foundation Fellowship, an outstanding teaching award from Porto University, and the FLAD Atlantic award. Under his leadership, the LSTS has been honoured with national and international prizes for technological innovation. He has authored over 400 publications, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert in autonomous and networked vehicle systems.
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