Autonomous aerial, surface, and underwater systems for ocean monitoring and defence, developed by the Underwater Systems and Technology Laboratory (LSTS) of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), in collaboration with the Portuguese Navy and NATO institutions, were showcased at Expo 25 held in Osaka, Japan. The team of researchers formed part of the Portuguese delegation at Expo 2025, which took place from 23 to 25 July, coordinated by the Erasmus+ National Agency for Education and Training.
The aim is to present Portuguese higher education as an outstanding international partner, enhancing its appeal to students, researchers, and global entities. At the same time the initiative seeks to highlight the contribution of Portuguese institutions to addressing major global challenges and fostering international dialogue towards a bluer, fairer, and more sustainable future.
The programme included an interactive exhibition of projects related to pedagogical innovation, sustainability, robotics, art, and science, with a focus on creative proposals that promote learning through play and experimentation. Among the projects on display, particular emphasis was placed on the connection to the theme of the Portuguese Pavilion ─ “Ocean, Blue Dialogue” ─ which reflects the national commitment to a sustainable, scientific, and innovative relationship with the sea and its ecosystems.
The ocean, which enabled Portugal and Japan to ‘meet’ nearly 500 years ago, will be presented to visitors at Expo 2025 Osaka as a symbol of the importance of seas and oceans as drivers of the economy and sources of innovation, while promoting marine environmental conservation and the benefits of its ecosystems.
