IInternet of Things and Robotics for Sustainability

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

subjects included in the syllabus, using audiovisual means; ii) practical demonstrations based on laboratory equipment; iii) supplementary readings suggested to be read by students after classes.

The evaluation will be based on an exam and a synthesis work done individually or in group. In the latter, the students will elaborate a technical report on a theme related with sustainability in the context of Internet of Things or Robotics.

Learning Outcomes

Industrial robots had a fundamental role in the 3rd industrial revolution. After the turn of the millennium, a remarkable evolution of robots together with artificial intelligence has been witnessed in terms of flexibility, advanced perception and learning capabilities. Robots are a key tool in the accomplishment of many of the sustainable development goals defined in the United Nations’ 2030 agenda. They will massify themselves in the coming years with a beneficial impact to society across multiple areas. In a broader sense, cyber-physical systems underpinned by the Internet of Things (IoT), which besides robots comprise a huge number of simpler networked smart sensors and actuators, have created a myriad of innovation opportunities in many business areas to achieve sustainable development. In the end of this optional cross-cutting module, the student will have acquired the basics of IoT and Robotics and understood the fundamental role of these two technologies in sustainability.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Topic 1 - Internet of Things for Sustainability

1. Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT)

Basic concepts revolving around IoT - data gathering and big data analytics

IoT and cyber-physical systems

Role of IoT in digital transformation and sustainability

2. Interface with Physical World - Sensors, Actuators and Device Architectures

3. Wireless Communication and Protocols for IoT

4. Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics

5. Examples of IoT Business Solutions

Topic 2 - Robotics for Sustainability

1. Introduction to Sustainability in Robotics

From industrial robots to collaborative robots

Economic, social and ecological sustainability dimensions in robotics

Cloud computing and data analytics in robotics

2. Robotics in Industry 4.0 and in Logistics

3. Service and Assistive Robotics

4. Agricultural Robotics

5. Robotics in Ecology and Disaster Response.

Head Lecturer(s)

Rui Paulo Pinto da Rocha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
An exam and a synthesis work done individually or in group: 100.0%