The IES Day at UFSC 2026 was held on March 17 as part of the Automation and Control Academic Week (SAAC), hosted at the Teixeirão auditorium of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). The activity was supported by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) and the IEEE Student Chapter Branch (SCB) – UFSC, bringing together students, researchers, academics, and professionals from different sectors of Santa Catarina’s industry.
The event provided a full day of lectures focused on industry, automation, applied research, robotics, asset management, embedded systems, and quality assurance. It also served as an important opportunity to strengthen the connection between students of Control and Automation Engineering and professionals working in relevant industrial and technological fields.
Technical Lectures and Industry Engagement
This activity was organized by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) Student Branch Chapter at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) as part of the Automation and Control Academic Week. It consisted of a series of technical lectures delivered by researchers and industry professionals, providing students with direct exposure to real-world applications of automation, control systems, robotics, embedded systems, energy systems, and industrial research. The event created a valuable environment for knowledge exchange between academia and industry, highlighting current technological challenges and opportunities in the industrial sector.
Professional Development and Knowledge Exchange
The lectures addressed topics such as mobile robotics, industrial asset management, automation in energy systems, quality assurance for software and hardware in the aerospace industry, and pathways for applied research and technology transfer. The activity also strengthened students’ professional networks and increased awareness of career opportunities in research, development, and industrial innovation.
The activity created a space for students to learn from industry experts, understand real-world engineering challenges, and explore career paths connected to automation, control, embedded systems, energy, aviation, and applied industrial research.
Throughout the day, participants interacted with professionals from research institutes, companies, and universities, many of whom are alumni of UFSC. This exchange helped reinforce the role of IEEE and IES in connecting society, academia, and industry.
About the sessions
- A technical talk on mobile robotics applied to industrial environments.
- A session on integrity management of subsea assets in the oil and gas industry.
- An introduction to IEEE IES and its role in academic, professional, and industry engagement.
- A presentation on automation applied to asset management in the energy sector.
- A discussion on software and hardware quality assurance in the aviation industry.
- A talk on applied research careers and the transition from academic knowledge to industrial applications.
Agenda
- Mobile robotics for industrial applications with Dr. Thamiris Costa, from the SENAI Institute of Innovation in Additive Manufacturing.
- Integrity management of subsea oil and gas assets with Engineer Miguel, from the CERTI Institute.
- Introduction to IEEE IES and its opportunities with Prof. Dr. Leandro Becker, from UFSC.
- Automation for asset management with Engineer Guilherme Prudente, from CEPEL/Eletrobrás.
- Software and hardware quality assurance in aviation with Engineer Henrique Hamish, from Embraer.
- Applied research careers in industry with Dr. Feres Azevedo, from the SENAI Institute of Embedded Systems.
Speakers
- Dr. Thamiris Costa — SENAI Institute of Innovation in Additive Manufacturing
- Eng. Miguel — CERTI Institute
- Prof. Dr. Leandro Becker — Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC)
- Eng. Guilherme Prudente — CEPEL/Eletrobrás
- Eng. Henrique Hamish — Embraer
- Dr. Feres Azevedo — SENAI Institute of Embedded Systems
Outcomes
- 40+ students from Computer, Electronics, and Electrical Engineering programs.
- Strengthened interaction between Control and Automation Engineering students and industry professionals.
- Promoted IEEE IES as a strategic partner for academic and professional development.
- Connected students with experts from automation, robotics, energy, aviation, embedded systems, and applied research.
- Encouraged networking between UFSC students, researchers, industry representatives, and IEEE volunteers.
- Reinforced the role of IEEE IES in bridging academia, industry, and society.
