Bas Overvelde

Bas Overvelde is an Associate Professor (part-time) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Group Leader of the Soft Robotic Matter Group at AMOLF, an institute for fundamental physics research in Amsterdam. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and dual MSc/BSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology. His research integrates soft robotics and mechanical metamaterials to develop autonomous systems capable of self-adaptation through shape, nonlinearities, and feedback mechanisms.

• Education:
  • PhD in Applied Mathematics, Harvard University (2016)
  • MSc Mechanical Engineering (cum laude), TU Delft (2012)
  • BSc Mechanical Engineering (cum laude), TU Delft (2009)

Research Interests: Overvelde’s work focuses on embodying intelligence in soft robots and metamaterials via computational/experimental methods. Key areas include nonlinear dynamics, autonomous systems, and bio-inspired design. His group explores programmable materials, fluidic circuits, and retrofit sensing strategies to achieve adaptive behaviors in mechanical systems.

Recent Trends in Articles: Recent publications emphasize pneumatic coding, electronics-free fluidic robots, and hybrid control systems. These studies highlight innovations in soft robotics autonomy, sensor integration, and programmable materials for self-sustaining systems.

• Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2020) for fluidic circuit research in autonomous robotics.

Advising & Grants: Supervised 5 academic works (names not listed). Active in TU/e’s Device Integrated Responsive Materials course. Research supported by ERC funding and collaborations in fluidics, metamaterials, and robotics.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Soft Robotic Matter Group at AMOLF, focusing on interdisciplinary projects combining physics, engineering, and biology to advance autonomous robotic materials.