Lisbon, Portugal — AI stole the spotlight at the 2024 Lisbon Web Summit, with over 3,000 companies from around the world presenting cutting-edge AI solutions for global challenges. Held at the Lisbon Exhibition Centre, the event showcased AI advancements across industries, including sustainable forestry, budget travel, urban mobility, and educational robotics, positioning AI as a driver of the future.
AI Innovations for a Greener, Smarter World
WoodChat: Using AI to Combat Illegal Logging in Brazil
A standout in sustainable technology, WoodChat addresses illegal logging in Brazil, a country struggling with massive deforestation. WoodChat uses AI-powered wood identification via WhatsApp to verify wood types, ensuring compliance with Brazilian federal logging regulations.
According to WoodChat founder Fernanda Onofre, “WoodChat allows Brazilian loggers to legally document wood, helping protect our forests.” In Europe, the app enables importers to confirm that Brazilian wood sources are certified, helping prevent illegal logging from impacting the international market. This AI tool showcases how technology can support sustainability and transparency in global trade.
Tryp: AI Solutions for Affordable Travel
Travel start-up Tryp, founded by Portuguese entrepreneur André Sousa, uses AI to bring budget-friendly travel options to consumers. By analyzing over 70 million travel routes for flights, trains, and buses, Tryp’s technology generates affordable travel combinations in real time. For instance, Tryp offers a Lisbon-to-Malta-and-Rome trip package for as little as €66 per person.
“Tryp’s AI finds the best routes and prices in seconds, making travel accessible to more people,” said Sousa. By personalizing and optimizing travel options, Tryp demonstrates how AI can transform the travel industry, making vacations more affordable for users worldwide.
Urban Mobility Reimagined: AI-Powered Hybrid Multicopters
Among the innovations for urban transportation, a futuristic hybrid multicopter-airplane concept aimed at reducing city congestion and pollution stood out. Backed by Infineon’s advanced semiconductors, this vehicle could revolutionize urban transport for people and goods.
“Thanks to Infineon’s technology, AI-powered transport solutions like these could soon become reality,” explained Martin Schiestl, systems engineer at Infineon Austria. Designed for fast, eco-friendly travel, this hybrid vehicle may be operational within a decade, offering a sustainable solution for crowded urban areas.
Stella the Robot: Educating the Next Generation with Robotics
Stella, a self-assembly robot created by robotics company Ahead, drew crowds with its educational and practical applications. Built from durable 3D-printed parts, Stella can carry up to five kilograms and is designed to inspire creativity and teach robotics skills.
“Stella empowers students to learn hands-on with robotics,” said Gaelle De Ruyter from Ahead. By blending education with real-world applications, Stella represents how AI and robotics can support both learning and productivity, preparing students for future careers in technology.
AI and Robotics: Shaping the Future of Industry and Innovation
The Lisbon Web Summit’s AI-focused exhibits underscored the potential of artificial intelligence and robotics to reshape industries. While these technologies promise increased efficiency and innovation, they also raise questions about job automation. As the AI industry heads toward a projected €780 billion market value by 2030, experts are focused on balancing growth with responsible use.
This year’s Web Summit positioned Europe as a leader in AI and robotics, presenting a vision of the future where technology drives sustainability, accessibility, and progress. By offering solutions for real-world issues, the summit demonstrated AI’s potential to make a positive impact, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of innovation in the coming years.