Tom A.E. Oomen is a Full Professor in the Department of Control Systems Technology at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He holds affiliations with the Mechanical Engineering School and the EAISI High Tech Systems institute. His research focuses on data-driven control, motion control of mechatronic systems, and system identification, with applications in industries like automotive, medical, and energy systems. Academically, he earned his MSc and PhD from TU/e, and held visiting positions at KTH (Sweden) and the University of Newcastle (Australia). He has received notable grants (NWO Veni/Vidi) and awards, including IEEE and Mechatronics Paper Prize recognition. Oomen is a Senior Member of the IEEE and serves as an Associate Editor for IFAC Mechatronics and IEEE Control Systems Letters. His work bridges fundamental research and industry collaboration, emphasizing advanced motion control and learning algorithms. Projects include PROACTHIS (projection-based control) and ML4CONTROL (AI-driven motion control). He has supervised 99+ works and contributed to over 500 research outputs.
Javier Alonso-Mora is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in Learning & Autonomous Control. His research focuses on autonomous systems, robotics, motion planning, and transportation logistics, with applications in mobile manipulation, dynamic environments, and urban mobility. He leads key projects such as INTERACT (Intuitive Interaction for Robots among Humans) and ACT (Perceptive Acting Under Uncertainty), exploring human-robot interaction, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare robotics. Notable achievements include an ERC Starting Grant (2022) and a Veni Grant (2017). His work addresses challenges in robot navigation, control systems, and fleet optimization, with contributions to both theoretical advancements and practical implementations. Projects like TRiLOGy focus on sustainable water transportation, while HARMONY advances assistive robotics in healthcare. Alonso-Mora’s research leverages geometric fabrics for motion planning, probabilistic modeling for dynamic environments, and multi-agent coordination. He collaborates internationally and contributes to open-source frameworks for robotics. His recent publications emphasize safety-aware control, instance-aware semantic mapping, and adaptive systems for cluttered environments.
Massimo Mischi is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and chairs the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) Division , the largest division at TU/e with over 250 researchers. He founded the Biomedical Diagnostics (BM/d) Lab in 2012, which now includes 180 researchers and clinical/industrial advisors, focusing on biomedical signal processing for diagnostics and monitoring.
Dr. Thijs Broekhuizen is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Economics and Business, specializing in Innovation Management & Strategy. He currently serves as Scientific Director of the University of Groningen Business School, Coordinator of the Northern-Netherlands Innovation Monitor, and Programme Director of the Executive MBA. His research focuses on digital transformation, value creation in innovation, and digital business models, with interdisciplinary insights bridging strategy, innovation, and digitalization. Education: PhD in Marketing (University of Groningen, 2006) MSc in Marketing (University of Groningen, 2001) Research Interests: Broekhuizen explores value appropriation in technology-driven contexts, digital business models, and strategic responses to disruptive technologies. His work emphasizes SMEs' digital transformation challenges, organizational identity during technological change, and AI-driven innovation management. Key areas include digital platforms, motion picture industries, and social media dynamics. Grants & Projects: TALENT4S3 (€165K, Interreg 2024-2028) SIRM (€189K, Interreg 2023-2027) NWO-funded studies on construction industry profitability and online customer journeys Awards: Best Paper Award at ISoF 2021 Best Short Paper Award Nomination 2021 Teaching & Leadership: Broekhuizen teaches strategy and digitalization in executive programs and has led the MScBA and EMBA initiatives. His educational roles include Programme Director of the Executive MBA (Energy Transition, Health, Sustainable Business Models tracks) and member of the Groningen Digital Business Centre. Labs/Teams: He coordinates the Northern-Netherlands Innovation Monitor (surveying 10,000+ SMEs) and collaborates with the Groningen Digital Business Centre to advance digital strategy research.
René van de Molengraft is a Full Professor of Robotics at the Mechanical Engineering Department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He holds dual professorships in EAISI High Tech Systems and EAISI Foundational. His research focuses on autonomous robotic systems operating in human environments, emphasizing adaptability and task execution in varying conditions. Academic Background: MSc in Mechanical Engineering (TU/e, 1986) PhD in Identification of Mechanical Systems for Control (TU/e, 1990) Career progression: Assistant Professor (1990–2008) → Associate Professor (2008–2024) → Full Professor (2024) Research Interests: Autonomous robotics, human-robot interaction, agricultural automation, and control systems. His work emphasizes practical applications, such as the Tech United RoboCup team (world champion in multiple years) and large-scale robotics competitions. Projects: Key initiatives include the Tech United RoboCup team, the AI-matters manufacturing network, and the Frontiers in Autonomous Systems Technology (FAST) project. He has organized major robotics events like the 2013 and 2024 RoboCup World Championships in Eindhoven. Labs/Teams: Founder and leader of Tech United, a robotics team renowned for its achievements in robotic soccer and service robotics. Active in TU/e's Robotics research group and collaborations with industry partners.
Nathan van de Wouw is a Full Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with ICMS, EAISI Mobility, EAISI High Tech Systems, EAISI Foundational, and EIRES. He also holds an adjunct Full Professor position at the University of Minnesota and a part-time Full Professorship at Delft University of Technology. His research focuses on dynamics and control of mechanical systems, including mechatronics, robotics, smart manufacturing, energy systems, and networked control. He has supervised over 150 students and led numerous projects funded by industry partners like ASML, Philips, and Shell. Education: M.Sc. (with Honors) in Mechanical Engineering, TU/e (1994) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, TU/e (1999) Research Interests: Nonlinear systems and control Model reduction and complexity analysis Data-driven and networked control strategies Applications in high-tech systems, autonomous vehicles, and energy systems Awards: IEEE Control Systems Technology Award (2015) for variable-gain control in motion systems Grants & Projects: Lead projects on mechatronic design, lithography systems, and thermodynamic optimization Collaborations with TNO, ASML, and industrial partners Labs & Teams: Member of TU/e’s Dynamics and Control group Affiliated with EAISI (Eindhoven AI Systems Institute)
Rob van Beers is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with affiliations to Neurocontrol, IBBA, and AMS - Sports. His research focuses on human motor control, spatial perception, and computational modeling using Bayesian approaches to understand sensory-motor integration under uncertainty. He holds ancillary roles as a Researcher at Radboud University (Nijmegen) since 2015 and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neurophysiology since 2015. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Key research interests include motor learning dynamics, sensorimotor adaptation, and the neural basis of spatial orientation. Recent studies explore Alzheimer’s impacts on motor adaptation and Bayesian inference in vestibular path integration. Teaching responsibilities include courses on linear systems dynamics, physical measurement techniques, and motor systems regulation. His work spans 42 peer-reviewed articles, with datasets published on platforms like Dryad and Zenodo.
Herman Bruyninckx is a Part-Time Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Mechanical Engineering department, specifically within the Control Systems Technology group and EAISI High Tech Systems initiative. He also serves as a professor (Hoogleraar) at KU Leuven in Belgium. Academic focus on robotics, control systems, and multi-agent coordination Active research in model predictive control , semantic mapping , and dynamic constraint algorithms Recent publications address industrial automation , agro-food robotics , and haptic technology Research Highlights : Developed hybrid decision-making frameworks for multi-agent navigation Innovated swing-free control methods for robotic pick-and-place operations Formulated constrained dynamics algorithms with LQR-Gauss principle integration Created ExoTen-Glove for haptic feedback in virtual environments Collaborative Projects : Coordinated with researchers like René van de Molengraft , Elena Torta , and Koen de Vos Contributed to NWO/TTW FlexCRAFT project for cognitive robotics in agro-food technology
Professor David Abbink is a Full Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction at Delft University of Technology, holding a joint appointment between the Department of Cognitive Robotics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering since November 2023. He founded the Delft Haptics Lab and co-founded the Cognitive Robotics Department in 2017. Abbink leads the transdisciplinary research and innovation centre FRAIM, which was awarded the prestigious NWO Stevin Premie (Dutch Nobel Prize equivalent) in June 2024. Trained as a mechanical engineer specializing in biomechanics, Abbink's research focuses on human behavior adaptations when interacting with autonomous systems. He has published over a hundred scientific articles on human-robot interaction, haptics, shared control, tele-operation, driver assistance systems, and sensorimotor control. His research has been funded by industry partners (Nissan, Boeing, Renault), RVO (Brightsky project 2022-2026), and the Dutch Science Foundation NWO through personal grants (VENI 2010-2014, VIDI 2015-2019). Abbink's recent work centers on worker-robot relations as an academic focus, collaborating with organizations like Erasmus Medical Centre for nursing work, Schiphol and KLM for baggage handling, and KLM Engine Repair Services for maintenance work. He also serves as scientific director for the Centre for Meaningful Human Control, launched in October 2024. His work bridges engineering, social sciences, and practical applications to responsibly shape the future of work with emerging robotic capabilities. NWO Stevin Premie (2024) Best IEEE SMC journal paper on Cybernetics (2019) Top 25 scientific talents according to New Scientist (2015) Best teacher of Faculty 3mE (2013, 2014) Best teacher of Department of BioMechanical Engineering (seven consecutive years) Abbink has supervised over 110 MSc students and 11 PhD students. His educational contributions include developing the Master Programme in Robotics at TU Delft and receiving international recognition for his course 'The Human Controller.' He is also a prominent science communicator, featured on national television, radio, and major Dutch newspapers, and has delivered lectures at venues like The Royal Institution and Lowlands Festival. Despite his academic commitments, Abbink maintains a drummer persona, having recorded four albums and performed over 400 shows across three continents between 1999-2014.
Nathalie Katsonis is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Molecular Active Systems department within the Stratingh Institute of Chemistry. Her research focuses on understanding and designing active molecular systems inspired by biological mechanisms, emphasizing the transmission of movement across molecular to macroscopic scales, particularly in liquid crystals, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular machines. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Sorbonne Université (2004), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Groningen (2004–2007) and a Veni Fellowship (2009–2011). Prior to her current position, she held academic roles at the University of Twente, including Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor from 2011–2020. Her research explores molecular motion mechanisms, chirality control, and the creation of functional materials like light-responsive polymers and self-actuating systems. Key contributions include studies on rotaxane-based liquid crystal switches and macroscopic motion driven by molecular dynamics. She leads an international research group and chairs committees such as the Binding Study Advice Commission (FSE) and the Van't Hoff Foundation. Notable awards include the Professor-Werdelmann Award (2022), Koninklijke Hollandsche Maatschappij der Wetenschappen membership (2021), and an ERC Consolidator Grant (2017). Her work bridges fundamental science and applications in soft robotics, smart materials, and origins-of-life research.
Rodrigo González is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, since 2022. His research focuses on data-driven modeling, estimation, and control methods for high-tech precision systems, with applications in motion control and continuous-time system identification. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 2022) M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering (Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, 2016) His work emphasizes continuous-time system identification, state-space modeling, and Bayesian estimation techniques. Key research themes include motion control tuning, multivariable systems, and noise/disturbance modeling in precision engineering applications. Rodrigo has received the Best Electronic Engineering Student Award (2016) and Best Thesis Award from Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María. He has active collaborations with institutions like Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María through visiting researcher appointments. Scientific awards include: Best Electronic Engineering Student Award (2016) Best Thesis Award (Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María)
Dr. Yara Khaluf is an Assistant Professor in the Information Technology Group at Wageningen University & Research, Department of Social Sciences. She holds a PhD (2014, Paderborn University, cum laude) on robot swarm task allocation, followed by postdoctoral research at Paderborn University (2014–2015) and Ghent University’s IDLab (2015–2021). Her work focuses on computational social science, hybrid human-agent societies, and distributed artificial cognition, leveraging agent-based modeling and systems dynamics for behavior prediction/modulation. She leads European-funded projects like ChronoPilot (EU Horizon2020 FET) and DELICIOS (FWO, 2019–2022). Her research explores interactions between artificial agents and humans, developing cognitive capacities for seamless interaction via social feedback networks. Notable contributions include collective foraging algorithms, time perception modeling, and agent-based simulations for public health interventions. Awards include competitive IGS and DFG fellowships. She collaborates with leading experts in swarm intelligence (Dorigo, Stuetzle), collective decision-making (Hamann, Marshall), and experimental psychology (Johansson, Vatakis). Current projects investigate modulating human time perception and delegation of conflict-of-interest decisions to AI agents. Teaching includes courses on model thinking, agent-based modeling of complex systems, and data science applications in food/consumer science. Her work bridges computational methods with societal challenges, emphasizing scalable solutions for hybrid systems.
Edwin H.F. van Asseldonk is an Associate Professor at the TechMed Centre , University of Twente. His work bridges Biomechatronics and Rehabilitation Technology , focusing on integrating robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance mobility and autonomy in neurological patients. Key Research Areas: Exoskeleton development, motion control algorithms, gait analysis, neuromuscular modeling, and AI applications in rehabilitation. Recent Article Trends: Research emphasizes AI-driven exoskeletons for gait stability, biofeedback systems, and open data initiatives in biomechanics. Scientific Awards Best Paper Award at BioRob 2024 Best Poster at Dutch Biomedical Engineering Conference (2017) Best Student Paper Finalist (2018) Labs & Collaborations: Active in the TechMed Centre and 4TU.ResearchData, with international collaborations in Spain and beyond. Regular invited speaker on exoskeletons and rehabilitation robotics.
Islam S. M. Khalil is an Associate Professor in the Robotics and Mechatronics (RAM) research group at the University of Twente, holding dual affiliations within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) and the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET). His educational background: Master's degree in Mechatronics Engineering Doctoral degree in Mechatronics Engineering Dr. Khalil's research centers on microrobotics with emphasis on motion control systems for soft and biologically-inspired microrobots. His work integrates magnetic field physics, propulsion mechanics, and mechatronic design principles to develop untethered micro/nanorobots. Key application domains include targeted drug delivery systems, precision microassembly, and micro/nanomanipulation techniques. His research bridges fundamental physics with biomedical engineering to solve complex challenges in minimally invasive procedures. He previously served as Director of the Medical Micro and Nanorobotics Laboratory at the German University in Cairo and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Twente's MIRA Institute. Currently, he contributes to the Surgical Robotics team within the Biomechanical Engineering department and the TechMed Centre.
Ashish Cherukuri is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Optimization and Decision Systems group. His research focuses on optimization-based control, game theory, and multi-agent systems applied to energy, transportation, and robotics. He holds a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and postdoctoral experience at ETH Zurich. Education: Ph.D., University of California, San Diego (2012–2017) M.Sc., ETH Zurich (2008–2010) B.Tech, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (2004–2008) Research Interests: Data-driven optimization, distributed algorithms, networked cyber-physical systems, and uncertainty handling in energy and transportation systems. Recent work emphasizes stochastic optimization, game-theoretic routing, and risk-aware control. Awards: Robert E. Skelton Dissertation Award (2017) Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2016) Focht-Powell Fellowship (2012–2015) Grants & Service: Editor for the IEEE Control Systems Society, organizer of Energy-Open 2019, and member of professional societies (IEEE, INFORMS, SIAM). Active in conference organization and academic leadership roles. Labs/Teams: Part of the Jan C. Willems Center for Systems and Control and the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG). Research integrates theoretical advancements with practical applications in energy networks and smart systems.
