Bas Overvelde

Bas Overvelde is the Group Leader of the Soft Robotic Matter Group at AMOLF in Amsterdam and an Associate Professor (part-time) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on embodied intelligence in soft robotic systems, combining mechanics, metamaterials, and nonlinear dynamics to create autonomous, adaptive machines. He leads a multidisciplinary team working on applications like soft robotic hearts, grippers, and smart architectural facades.

Education:

• BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering (cum laude) from TU Delft (2004–2012)
• PhD in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University (2016), under Prof. Katia Bertoldi

Research Interests:

• Soft robotics and bio-inspired design
• Mechanical metamaterials and nonlinear dynamics
• Autonomous systems and environmental feedback
• Applications in biomedical engineering and sustainable architecture

Key Achievements:

• Developed programmable fluidic robots using pneumatic coding blocks
• Designed a soft robotic artificial heart prototype
• Explored synchronization in modular soft robotic limbs

Labs/Teams:

• Leading the Soft Robotic Matter Group at AMOLF
• Collaborates with TU/e’s Institute for Complex Molecular Systems