João Mendes holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal, and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the same institution. He completed his PhD in Engineering and Systems at the University of Minho. He is a researcher at the Center for Research in Digitization and Intelligent Robotics (CeDRI). Currently, he is involved in the project Olive Grove to Fork 4.0, focusing on data analysis, machine learning algorithms, deep learning models, and computer vision applied to agriculture. His work includes developing convolutional neural network (CNN)-based software for classifying olive cultivars through leaf analysis and supporting precision agriculture solutions. His main research interests include deep learning, computer vision, big data, data processing and modeling, predictive methods, precision agriculture, and Industry 4.0.