An AI-powered robot dog, a European-made high-performance chip, a sustainability-focused game co-designed with People with Intellectual Disabilities (PID), a small AI robot that helps identify dangerous mushrooms, and even a tool that video-tracks camouflaged sea creatures — these are the projects INESC-ID presented at this year’s Técnico Open Day, held on April 5, drawing in curious minds of all ages.

Just past 9 a.m, the nervous buzz among the team of INESC-ID researchers and volunteer students was palpable. With support from the Communication and Outreach Office, connections were tested, key topics mentally rehearsed and final touches applied at what was INESC-ID’s largest-ever presence at a science fair – featuring three booths and a demonstration arena. Everything was ready to welcome the record-breaking 2700 attendees entering Instituto Superior Técnico’s central pavilion — from aspiring engineers to knowledge-seeking families and science fans of all ages.

Robots and games that teach and inspire

At the first booth, Inês Lobo, a PhD student from the AIPS scientific area (at GAIPS group), introduced visitors to Todos Sustentáveis (All Sustainable), a co-designed game that empowers People with Intellectual Disabilities (PID) to be sustainable citizens. Originally created for this community, the game is now also being adopted in schools — and judging by the line of children waiting their turn, it will be a big hit.

“A father even thanked me for being able to rest for half an hour while his son played the game”, shared an amused Inês.

Next to her, fellow PhD student Sandra Andrade, demonstrated the adorable AI robot ELMO and the Mushroom Game — an engaging way to explore how trust influences AI assisted decision-making — perfect for sparking discussions about AI and even teaching a little mycology along the way.  “I was surprised by the age range of the participants, from babies to grandparents, all very interested in artificial intelligence and robots”, Sandra noted.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent demonstration arena, Miguel Belbute, also from GAIPS, and the GO2 Robot Dog from the CARMA project delighted crowds. Designed to support emergency responders in disaster zones, the athletic robot impressed visitors with its agility — so much so that it had to pause several times to recharge.

“When the children gathered around me and the robot, asking endless questions after the last demo”, Miguel recalled, “I felt like we were looking at the next generation of engineers!”

European Innovation in Chips and Computing

At the next booth, INESC-ID researchers Pedro Tomás, Tiago Rocha and Nuno Neves, from HPCAS, showcased a major achievement: a high-performance, energy-efficient chip developed under the European Processor Initiative (EPI). This powerful computer chip is helping Europe stay competitive and ahead in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence and scientific simulations. 

Using a real-time remote connection to the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, the researchers demonstrated the chip’s capabilities, while answering questions from young students fascinated by the technology, as well as from visitors interested in the impact of these efforts on Europe’s future. “It surprised me both the number and diversity of people who stopped by,” noted Pedro Tomás, taking part in the event for the first time.

AI Meets Marine Biology

Finally, at our maritime-themed booth, IDSS researcher Sofia Pinto’s Master’s students Tomás Gomes and Guilherme Gonçalves — also first timers in outreach events— showcased their thesis research using AI-assisted video tracking to help biologists at the Lisbon Oceanarium. Their systems can detect camouflaged or hidden animals in aquarium video feeds, helping marine scientists better understand behaviour, stress and health of aquatic life in captivity.

“It was a great feeling to be able to go out into the field and apply computer science to help animal welfare” said Tomás, who took valuable time away from thesis writing to volunteer. “This is definitely something I want to do again.” 

A full day of demos. Dozens of questions. Hundreds of sparked minds. A smiling (if tired) INESC-ID team packed up, already looking forward to the next one.

 

Featured Projects by INESC-ID:

  • A chip that puts Europe ahead in computing  (Pedro Tomás, Nuno Neves, Tiago Rocha – HPCAS)
  • Autonomous robots for emergency assistance  (Miguel Belbute – AIPS)
  • Mushroom Game: AI for decision assistance (Sandra Andrade – AIPS)
  • “Todos Sustentáveis” (All Sustainable): a game for sustainable citizens (Inês Lobo – AIPS)
  • Can computer science help study Oceanarium animals? (Sofia Pinto, Tomás Gomes, Guilherme Gonçalves – IDSS)

 

About Técnico Open Day

Técnico Open Day is an annual event, organised by Instituto Superior Técnico, that brings together students, professors, researchers, staff, student groups, departments, and associated institutes for a day of over a hundred activities for all ages. With free admission, it includes a science fair with associated research centres and institutes, student groups, laboratory visits, conversations with scientists, course presentations, experimental games, lectures, and much more.

Images | © 2025 INESC-ID