Action Agenda Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

This Innovation Programme focuses on developing new methods for designing chip machines, with OEMs and their partners working together on revolutionary improvements. The programme consists of four work packages, each focusing on cost reduction, energy efficiency, complexity and 3D integration of chips. By focusing on knowledge from in-depth programmes, tangible prototypes and shared design principles are developed. The total programme spans several years and has a budget of €54 million. The results of this programme are directly applicable in other innovation programmes and sectors. Affiliated parties include ASML, ASMPT, Itec, Thermo Fisher Scientific, VDL ETG, Demcon, MI Partners, Nearfield Instruments, TNO, RuG, TUD, TU/e, UT, Saxion University of Applied Sciences and Fontys University of Applied Sciences.

This Innovation Programme focuses on the development of a new generation of optical terminals for laser satellite communication (LSC). The aim is to achieve faster, safer and more reliable connections, both between satellites and with end users via various ground stations. The programme tackles major challenges, such as atmospheric disturbances and vibrations from user platforms, and includes the development of low-cost, lightweight terminals, powerful uplinks, self-adaptive systems and compact laser projection systems. Drivers include defence, cybersecurity and the growing need for higher data speeds. The programme consists of five work packages. The total programme budget is €67 million, most of which is earmarked for the development and upscaling of innovative LSC technologies. This will contribute to strengthening the technological position of the Netherlands and national security. Affiliated parties include TNO, FSO Instruments, VDL, Airbus NL, Hyperion, TU Delft, NLR, and Qubitrium.

This Innovation Programme focuses on renewing the design, development and validation of advanced instrumentation for scientific, industrial and technological applications. The urgency stems from technological changes and increasing precision requirements, especially in the semiconductor industry and photonics. Breakthroughs are needed in optomechatronics, positioning and system development in order to maintain the Netherlands' leading position. The programme comprises six tracks, including vibration isolation, thermal compensation, extreme adaptive optics, advanced control technology, next-gen Atomic Force Microscopy and 3D/4D (electron) tomography. These tracks are closely linked to developments such as the Einstein Telescope and support companies in metrology and high-tech. Economically, the programme strengthens competitiveness, stimulates innovation, promotes knowledge dissemination and offers spin-offs to other sectors. The total programme budget is €30 million, with a balance between public and private funding. The programme is in line with national action agendas and offers opportunities for broader application and commercialisation of technological innovations. Affiliated parties include ASML, Thermo Fisher Scientific, ASMPT, SRON, ASTRON, RuG, TU, TU/e, UT, Nikhef, cosine, Demcon, TNO, VDL-ETG, MI-Partners and Innovatiecluster Drachten.

The Innovation Programme Robotics focuses on strengthening the Dutch robotics ecosystem and increasing labour productivity, sustainability and competitiveness. The approach consists of four work packages: customer-driven co-creation, developing a modular robot platform, demonstrating robot solutions in sectors that are difficult to automate, and building a European supply chain for (semi-)humanoid robots. Important goals include setting up open, flexible platforms, realising at least three demonstrators in different sectors, and stimulating collaboration between companies and knowledge institutions. The programme responds to staff shortages, technological dependence and new legislation, and aims for a total investment of €32 million. Results include validated methodologies, prototypes and open guidelines, with a focus on links to other innovation agendas for optimal knowledge sharing and results. Parties involved include Ambyon, Avular, Batenburg, Demcon, Fontys, Lely, Innovation Cluster Drachten, RuG, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, NLRobotics (and their members), TU Delft, TU/e, TNO, UT, VDL ETG, Voortman Steel Machinery and WUR.

The Dutch food processing industry is a global player but faces challenges such as labour intensity, staff shortages, high costs and food waste. Smart technologies such as sensors and robotics are crucial to reducing waste and consumption of energy, water and raw materials, and to increasing productivity. This Innovation Programme therefore focuses not only on technological development, but above all on practical applicability and adoption by companies. The approach consists of four components: the integration of food-grade sensors, the development of flexible and hygienic grippers, the construction of a flexible bin-picking robot and the establishment of business-oriented living labs for practical testing. Collaboration between sensor developers, machine builders and food processors is essential. The results will be shared to promote standardisation. The programme will run until 2035 and has a total budget of €61 million. Complementarity with other innovation programmes and knowledge sharing are central to making the sector future-proof. Parties involved include Burkert, ZTI Smart Machines, OnePlanet Research Centre, Jheronimus Academy of Data Science, QING Food Automation, Hessing, Rademaker, Yaskawa, Sormac, TU/e, RuG, Mars Wrigley Europe, Kiremko/Idaho Steel/Reyco, FrieslandCampina, Marel and Next Tech Food Factories.

Unmanned systems (UxS), such as drones, have become a strategic priority in sectors such as defence, agriculture, logistics and disaster response. The Netherlands wants to strengthen its position in this area by focusing on niche technologies and applying knowledge within the production process, with a particular focus on underwater platforms. The Autonomous Systems Innovation Programme comprises five work packages: optical communication modules (for interference-free communication), automated production (for cost-effective and flexible manufacturing), underwater drones (with nested concepts for efficient operations), high-precision UxS (for accurate localisation and manoeuvrability) and swarm technologies (for effective collaboration between multiple drones). These packages are in line with national and European initiatives and are aimed at both military and civil applications. The expected economic impact is significant, with a potential contribution of hundreds of millions of euros to GDP. The programme requires a total investment of €49 million and encourages collaboration between industry and knowledge institutions. Parties involved are TNO, 4TU, VDL-ETG, FSO Instruments, Royal IHC, Lobster Robotics, RuG and Saxion.

The Earth Observation Innovation Programme focuses on strengthening the Netherlands' knowledge position in optical satellite instruments for monitoring air quality, greenhouse gases and nitrogen. The programme stimulates technological developments such as advanced telescopes, more compact spectrometers and polarimeters. There are four work packages: monitoring of ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases, air quality and dual-use applications for defence. Innovations are needed to make instruments smaller, more sensitive and more cost-efficient, and to promote series production and automation. The total cost is €80 million, largely publicly funded, with opportunities for industry in industrialisation and data valorisation. The programme contributes to national missions and security, and aims to create societal impact by providing high-quality data for policymakers and commercial applications. Parties involved are TNO, SRON, KNMI, TU Delft, WUR, VU Amsterdam, RuG, TU/e, UT, Airbus Nederland, ISISPACE and Cosine.