Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

The innovation domain of Mechatronics & Optomechatronics encompasses several promising technologies for improving the Dutch competitive position:

• Precision mechanics: The design of structures and moving parts with extremely high accuracy, where unwanted movements are minimized and stability is ensured.

• Sensor and actuator systems: Advanced sensors measure, among other things, position, force, speed, and temperature in motors and actuators. Electronic control ensures fast and precise movements.

• Laser and optical technologies: The integration of light sources, lenses, mirrors, and sensors for imaging, positioning, or measurements on a micron or nanometer scale.

• Measurement and control technology: The development of embedded software and algorithms for controlling, regulating, and optimizing the behavior of the system. This includes, for example, feedback and feedforward control, fault detection, and adaptive control.

The innovation domain of Mechatronics & Optomechatronics has several promising applications:

• Semiconductor industry: Precision equipment plays an essential role in lithography, metrology, and chip packaging.

• Medical technology: Innovation in medical applications is becoming increasingly dependent on highly precise sensors, actuators, and robotic systems.

• Agricultural technology: Precise control is essential for robotics and automation in dairy farming, food processing, and crop protection.

• Aerospace: Developments in laser-satellite communication and earth observation are not possible without advanced (opto)mechatronic systems.

• Autonomous factories: (Opto)mechatronic systems are crucial for the intelligent automation of production processes and the necessary productivity increase in the industry, such as in the development of autonomous factories.