I'm an external PhD Candidate at the ET-BE-BRT department of the University of Twente, working under the supervision of Dr. Ali Sadeghi in the Soft Robotics Lab.
I am full-time employed at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in the SMART research group as a Sr. Systems Engineer and Researcher (weird title, I know) where I focus on keeping the systems-view of projects as Technical Lead (TL), but also do some research in computer-vision and algorithm development using various sensors ranging from lidars via 3D cameras to hyperspectral imagers.
Before my transfer to academia, I have worked in a high-tech company making complex sensing systems for the Dutch navy, where I specialized in data and signal processing and advanced algorithm development R&D. Later extended with electronic microwave systems design and electromagnetic radiation pattern measurements and characterization. Having a MSc degree in Applied Computational Physics from the RuG, my interests are broad. I strive to be a jack of all trades and a master of some regarding STEM sciences.
Using my physics background and strong interests in applied physics and electrodynamics, I'm striving to make a mark in the 'soft robotic actuation'-field by focusing my energy, knowledge, time and interests on the topic of electrostatic actuation of soft robots. Most likely striving for a step towards lower and safer actuation voltage levels while still keeping the complexity demon at bay will be the goal of my work.
In a field where designers are omnipresent, I try to bring some more bottom-up and fundamental electrostatic physics to the table. I have found that digging a little deeper than the most-used models can entice new innovations; common knowledge tends to forget details. Especially the intersecting topic of electrostatic actuation of flexible actuators using simple water dielectrics - and approaching this from a physics viewpoint - has my interest.
I was given the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the exciting field of soft robotics after having gotten some taste of it in the Holland Hybrid Heart project in which the Soft Robotics Lab participates heavily. I am given the room by the Saxion SMART management as the interests of myself and the group are aligned, but as I am also invested in my TL tasks, this will be a part-time function (2.5 to 3 days a week).
I have hopes that my experience in high-tech industry and the learned lessons that integration hell is real will keep me focussed and set realistic expectations and time-lines. Let time tell!
Organisations
Address
University of Twente
Horst Complex (building no. 20), room Z123
De Horst 2
7522 LW Enschede
Netherlands
University of Twente
Building non-UT, non-campus, room 0
University of Twente
Horst Complex Z123
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
Netherlands
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