Bert van Beek

Bert van Beek is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on modeling, interactive simulation-based validation and visualization, supervisory control synthesis, and real-time controller code-generation for hybrid industrial systems. He is affiliated with the Control Systems Technology group and EAISI High Tech Systems, and is one of the founders of and major contributors to the CIF formalism and toolset.

His academic background includes:

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from TU/e (1985, with distinction)
• PhD from TU/e (1993)

Van Beek's research interests center around model-based engineering approaches for supervisory controller development. He has been instrumental in developing frameworks that combine formal methods with practical industrial applications, particularly in the areas of discrete-event systems and supervisory control synthesis. His work emphasizes the importance of proper theory and tools to achieve better systems in shorter development times. He has contributed significantly to the Eclipse Supervisory Control Engineering Toolkit (ESCET™), which supports the entire development process of controllers from specification to code generation.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on applying formal methods to industrial control problems. His work spans diverse application domains including baggage handling systems, infrastructure management, and complex machinery coordination. A common thread is the development of model-based approaches that enable automatic generation of correct-by-construction controllers. His research increasingly addresses challenges in scaling these techniques to handle real-world system complexity while maintaining usability for industrial practitioners.

Van Beek has been actively involved in several international research projects including HYCON 1 and 2 (EU networks of excellence) and EU FP7 projects C4C and Multiform, where he served as work package leader. His collaborations span both academic and industrial partners, with notable projects involving Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch infrastructure agency) and ASML.

He is a member of the Control Systems Technology group, which is part of the EAISI High Tech Systems initiative and Group Steinbuch at TU/e. This research group focuses on developing theoretical foundations and practical tools for model-based design of supervisory controllers, with applications across various industrial sectors.