Lisbon, Portugal — This year’s Web Summit in Lisbon, one of the world’s largest technology conferences, saw artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront, with over 3,000 companies from dozens of countries showcasing cutting-edge advancements. Held at the Lisbon Exhibition Centre, the event highlighted innovations that range from AI-driven sustainability solutions to affordable travel services and futuristic urban mobility options.
AI-Driven Innovations: Addressing Global Challenges
WoodChat: Combating Illegal Logging in Brazil
A key highlight of the summit was WoodChat, a unique AI-based system developed to tackle illegal logging in Brazil, where deforestation remains a pressing environmental issue. Using AI to identify and verify wood types via WhatsApp, WoodChat ensures that logging complies with Brazilian federal regulations.
“WoodChat enables Brazilian loggers to complete official documentation for federally authorized wood,” explained Fernanda Onofre, the company’s founder. In Europe, the app offers an added layer of transparency for importers, ensuring they’re sourcing certified wood from Brazil legally. This tool aligns AI with environmental conservation, showcasing its potential to address global challenges.
Tryp: Making Affordable Travel Accessible
For travel enthusiasts, Tryp, a start-up led by Portuguese entrepreneur André Sousa, aims to make vacations more affordable. Tryp’s AI technology uses a database of over 70 million travel routes—spanning flights, trains, and buses—to curate travel options in real time, providing users with budget-friendly itineraries. As a case in point, Tryp offers a four-flight package (Lisbon to Malta and Rome, then back to Lisbon) for only €66 per person.
“By creating millions of combinations, our software provides travelers with the best deals,” Sousa explained. Tryp’s AI is optimized to recommend the most cost-effective routes, making travel accessible even on tight budgets.
Rethinking Urban Mobility: Flying Multicopters and AI Integration
As urban congestion and pollution become urgent concerns, AI-powered mobility solutions have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional transit. One intriguing prototype on display was a hybrid multicopter and airplane, designed for efficient, eco-friendly urban transport.
“With the latest Infineon semiconductors, concepts like this could soon become reality,” said Martin Schiestl, a systems engineer at Infineon Austria. Powered by AI and advanced microchips, this prototype could be in the skies within a decade, facilitating faster, greener urban travel for people and goods alike.
Robotics: Education and Productivity with Stella the Robot
Stella, a modular robot developed by the robotics company Ahead, attracted considerable attention for its educational potential and durability. This self-assembly robot features resilient 3D-printed parts and can carry up to five kilograms. In addition to industrial applications, Stella teaches students fundamental robotics skills and inspires creativity.
“Stella’s design encourages students to experiment with robotics, helping them learn about technology while also exploring their creativity,” said Gaelle De Ruyter from Ahead. With its dual focus on education and productivity, Stella represents the expanding role of robotics in everyday life.
The Future of AI and Robotics: Opportunities and Challenges
The technological advancements showcased at Lisbon’s Web Summit emphasize the role of AI and robotics in solving pressing global issues. However, as automation advances, concerns about job displacement persist. Experts stress the importance of balancing these new capabilities with ethical considerations and economic impacts.
With a projected market value of around €780 billion by 2030, the AI industry is driving the next phase of the digital revolution. This year’s Web Summit offered a glimpse into a future shaped by AI, where innovation meets real-world needs and technological progress aligns with sustainability goals.
As the global appetite for AI and robotics grows, the Lisbon Web Summit underscored Europe’s role as a hub for tech innovation, providing a platform for transformative ideas that promise to reshape the future.
