Natural resource extraction, automotive safety, retail, and aerial systems are some examples of how Artificial Intelligence impacts Industry. In the most recent session of the series of talks ‘Artificial Intelligence in interaction with the physical world’, organised by Instituto Superior Técnico in partnership with the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisboa), experts from academia and industry met to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the productive sectors of these and other industrial sectors.
Moderated by José Santos-Victor (Técnico/ISR-Lisboa/LARSyS), the panel featured Rodrigo Ventura (Técnico/ISR-Lisboa/LARSyS), Christine Marconcin (Critical Techworks), Joana Frazão (Fravizel Engineering), Marlos Silva (Sonae MC) and Ricardo Mendes (TEKEVER), who shared their different experiences and perspectives on how AI is redefining processes, products and work itself.
The session began with a reflection on the difficulty of defining the limits of AI, which is becoming an increasingly cross-cutting field. ‘Artificial Intelligence is no longer an isolated area – in industry, it is present in maintenance, logistics, fault prevention and resource optimisation,’ emphasised José Santos-Victor.
Rodrigo Ventura, a researcher at ISR-Lisboa and professor at Técnico, recalled that ‘neural networks were theorised even before computers’ and that the recent technological leap is mainly due to ‘greater availability of data and computing power’. However, he warned, ‘the black box problem remains’, referring to the difficulty in interpreting the decision-making processes of more complex models.
The panel of speakers presented several specific cases of AI applications in an industrial context. Christine Marconcin, from Critical Techworks, highlighted joint projects with BMW, such as sensor systems to detect children inside cars and lane change control, which demonstrate the rapid integration of language models and intelligent algorithms into the driving experience.
Joana Frazão, from Fravizel Engineering, described how AI is transforming the extraction of natural resources, enabling a ‘more productive and sustainable’ use. Warning and decision support systems assist operators in optimising the use of heavy machinery, ‘but we are still the ones making the decisions’, she stressed.
Marlos Silva, from Sonae MC, highlighted the impact of AI on retail, noting that ‘Europe’s first autonomous store was born right next door’. At Sonae MC, the integration of automation and data enhances the value proposition and strengthens consumer relationships. He also stressed the importance of the link between industry and academia through the Centre for Responsible AI, which aims to promote the ethical and safe use of data.
Ricardo Mendes, founder and CEO of TEKEVER, a member of the Técnico Partner Network, shared the company’s evolution from its origins at Técnico to becoming ‘the largest European aerial systems company’. He spoke of the increasing autonomy of complex systems, noting that ‘computing power and cost reductions now make missions possible that were unthinkable just a few years ago’.
The debate extended to the educational and labour challenges posed by AI. For Rodrigo Ventura, ‘the teaching model needs to adapt, with more project-based learning for greater knowledge retention’. Christine Marconcin pointed out that AI will be ‘an essential tool in the workforce,’ while Joana Frazão highlighted its potential as a support for production, but also for creation. Marlos Silva reinforced the need for ‘human supervision and strategic vision’ in the integration of technologies, especially in a context of demographic ageing and employment transformation.
The session concluded with a call for active participation from future engineers and researchers. Joana Frazão left some advice: ‘Use AI, but don’t delegate your responsibilities to machines’. Christine Marconcin added: ‘There are major challenges to be solved; the important thing is to combat paralysing analysis and take action: just do it.’
The upcoming session of the series of talks ‘Artificial Intelligence in interaction with the physical world’ will take place on 21 November, at the Técnico Innovation Center powered by Fidelidade, and will focus on ‘Smart Cities and Smart Homes: How Artificial Intelligence transforms common space’.
