Research Groups

All robotics-related research groups for your projects

The most interesting research groups for Robotics students

At the University of Twente, many research groups contribute to the advancement of robotics, ranging from core technical development to applied use and evaluation in real-world domains. To help you get started, the groups most directly involved in robotics are highlighted below as quick-access links.

Robotics and Mechatronics (EEMCS)
Both fundamental and application-driven robotics topics. Developing novel fundamental paradigms and physically based methodologies, translating into demonstrators and prototypes. Mostly healthcare and inspection and maintance.
Biomechanical Engineering (ET)
Rehabilitation robotics for the lower and upper extremities, diagnostic robots for (impaired) motor control, surgical robotics, endo- and exoprostheses, and wearable exoskeletons. Tested in clinical practice and with industrial partners
Precision Engineering (ET)
Precision Engineering considers the development of model-based methods for the design and control of high-precision systems.
Human Media Interaction (EEMCS)
The Human Media Interaction (HMI) group does research into multimodal interaction: from brain computer interfaces to social robots. It is a multidisciplinary group in which computer science meets social science to investigate and design and evaluate
Earth Observation Sciences (ITC)
The mission of the department of Earth Observation Science (EOS) is to gain and disseminate scientific knowledge in earth observation. Specialists in the AI and sensor part of robotics.

Research groups conducting Robotics Research in general

For those interested in exploring the broader landscape, an additional table further down the page provides an extended overview of all research groups engaged in robotics-related work. This makes it easy to dive deeper if the initial selection doesn’t include a project that fits your interests.

Faculty	Abbreviation	Name
EEMCS	RaM	Robotics and Mechatronics
ET	MS3-PE	Precision Engineering
EEMCS	HMI	Human Media Interaction
ET	BE-BRT	Biomechatronics and Rehabilitation Technology
ET	BE-SR	Surgical Robotics
ET	BE-NR	Neuromuscular Robotics
ITC	EOS	Earth Observation Sciences
ET	MS3-AMDA	Applied Mechanics and Data Analysis
ET	MS3-CaM	Control and Mechatronics
BMS	LDT-CODE	Cognition, Data, and Education
ET	DPM-SEMD	Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design
BMS	HBE-ETM	Entrepreneurship and Technology Management
EEMCS	AM-MAST	Mathematics of Systems Theory
ET	DPM-MS	Manufacturing Systems
ET	DPM-AMSPES	Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Products, and Energy Systems
ET	DMP-HCD	Human-Centred Design
ET	DMP-IdPDE	Information-driven Product Development & Engineering
ET	DMP-AMME	Asset Management & Maintenance Engineering
BMS	TPS-CSTM	Technology and Governance for Sustainability
BMS	COM	Communication Science

ET and BMS Departments

MS3 Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces, and Systems
BE Biomechanical Engineering
LDT Learning, Data Analytics, and Technology
DPM Design, Production, and Management
HBE High-Tech Business and Entrepreneurship
TPS Technology, Policy, and Society

Enabling technologies

There are a lot of research areas from which the robotics research groups can benefit and vice versa. Some of the research groups working on enabling technologies are:

Pervasive Systems (EEMCS), Paul Havinga and Nirvana Meratnia: Sensor systems
Transport Engineering & Management (ET), Eric van Berkum and Karst Geurs: Autonomous cars & Talking traffic
Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics (BMS), Frank van der Velde and Willem Verwey: Cognition
Earth Observation Sciences (EOS, ITC), George Vosselman: Drones for earth observation, mapping, sensor integration
Applied Mechanics & Data Analysis (AMDA, ET), Bojana Rosic and Ronald Aarts: Modelling & Mechanics
Design Production and Management (DPM, ET), Tom Vaneker and Maarten Bonnema: Robotics in smart industries, Multidisciplinary systems engineering

ELSE

The following research groups are working on the ethical, legal, societal and economic aspects of robotics:

Philosophy (Phil, BMS), Philip Brey and Peter-Paul Verbeek: Ethics and responsible design
Governance & Technology for Sustainability (CSTM, BMS): Michiel Heldeweg and Hans Bressers: Legal aspects of robotics.
Entrepreneurship, Strategy & Innovation Management (NIKOS-ESIM, BMS), Petra de Weerd-Nederhof: Business modelling
Earth Systems Analysis (ESA, ITC), Norman Kerle: Drones for disaster and damage management