Coppe technologies highlighted in coverage of Rio Innovation Week

Robotics, healthcare, mobility, virtual reality, and 3D printing were among the technologies showcased during the four-day event

Anyone who visited the UFRJ booth at Rio Innovation Week (RIW) 2026, held from August 4 to 7, had the opportunity to learn about–and, in some cases, try out–technologies developed by researchers at Coppe/UFRJ. The demonstrations attracted the public’s attention throughout the four days and provided a concrete example of how research conducted in Coppe’s laboratories can be transformed into solutions for various societal challenges.

Technologies that caught everyone’s attention

Among the attractions presented by Coppe at the UFRJ booth were technologies developed in various programs and laboratories, showcasing the diversity of the institution’s applied research. The demonstrations sparked the public’s interest and were also featured in articles and news reports during RIW.

*Zequinha – Production Engineering Program

Controlled using artificial intelligence, the Zequinha robot was developed through workshops and cultural experiences with children from the state of Rio de Janeiro, specifically from Morro dos Macacos and Morro de São João. According to its creator, LTDS researcher Saulo Dansa, Zequinha is being developed to serve as an intermediary between cultural spaces and events and their visitors, keeping them informed about everything happening in the environment. Zequinha’s development began during the Foca project in Rio de Janeiro, alongside two other robots, Clebinho and Berenice, but Zequinha was the one that made the most progress and stood out. See Zequinha in action

Technologies for Healthcare – Biomedical Engineering Program

Solutions that demonstrate engineering applications in the healthcare field were presented, including a non-invasive electrical stimulation device to reduce tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, ChaTB–a chatbot currently under development to assist healthcare professionals in tuberculosis prevention–and a low-cost integrated, portable system for performing electrocardiograms and remotely monitoring patients. Learn about Coppe’s healthcare solutions: Bom Dia Rio / TV Brasil (54:07)

Port Operations Simulator – Laboratory of Computational Methods in Engineering (Lamce) – Civil Engineering Program

Another highlight was the crane operation simulator, which reproduces port operations in a 3D virtual environment integrated with real physical cabins, allowing users to experience operating equipment as if they were at a port, including adverse conditions such as wind and rain. See how the crane simulator works (Starts at 17:45)

EDS Maker – Production Engineering Program

The project from Coppe’s Casulo Laboratory conducted 3D printing demonstrations at its own booth, using filaments made from plastic waste, such as PET bottles. Watch how waste is transformed into new products (Starts at 17:45)

MagLev-Cobra – Electrical Engineering Program

Through a small device floating on a track using magnets, the public can learn a bit about the technology that allows the vehicle to move without direct contact with the tracks, reducing friction and enabling a more efficient alternative for urban transportation. MagLev-Cobra takes spotlight at RIW.

The presentations took place at the UFRJ booth, organized by InovaUFRJ and the  Pro-Rectory for Extension (PR5). In addition to the demonstrations at the booth, Coppe participated in approximately 20 panels and pitches during Rio Innovation Week, featuring professors, researchers, students, and representatives from startups based at the Business Incubator.

The institution’s presence highlighted the diversity of its work in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, bringing technologies developed at the university closer to the public, the business sector, and the potential partners.