The Soft Robotic Matter Group explores how to embody autonomous behaviour in soft machines and materials. We draw inspiration from seemingly simple mechanical and dynamical phenomena like the sputtering of a ketchup bottle, the flailing of a skydancer, or the symmetry-breaking occurring upon the inflation of interconnected balloons, that turn out to originate from rich nonlinear behaviour. These tangible and often playful systems provide deep insights into mechanics and dynamics, while also offering a unique entry point for knowledge sharing in research and beyond.

Our aim is to leverage these fundamental insights directly into real-world applications. Similar to how autonomy can emerge in natural systems, we demonstrate the opportunity for finding embodied alternatives to centralised processes (such as AI) that originate from dynamic interaction and environmental feedback. Applications that we are working on in collaboration with various partners include the development of a soft robotic heart that can autonomously adapt to physiological changes, soft grippers that can sense and handle delicate fruits and vegetables, and sustainable architectural facades that adapt to environmental conditions without external power or control.

About the Principal Investigator
In May 2016, Johannes T.B. (Bas) Overvelde initiated the Soft Robotic Matter Group @AMOLF, an academic institute in Amsterdam aimed at exploring new physics-oriented research directions. He is part of the Autonomous Matter Department. In September 2020, Overvelde was also appointed Associate Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where he is part of the Dynamics and Control Department and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems for one day per week.

Between 2004 and 2012, Overvelde studied applied physics and mechanical engineering at the Delft University of Technology, where he received both his BSc and MSc degrees in mechanical engineering cum laude. In April 2016, Overvelde finished his PhD in applied mathematics at Harvard University under the direction of professor Katia Bertoldi at the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Overvelde’s PhD research focussed on harnessing compliance and instabilities in engineered structural materials and devices to achieve function.

 

Full resume

We regularly have openings for research positions and internships

Research Highlights

Countersnapping structures
Soft Robotic Ventricle
Pneumatic coding blocks
Bio-inspired autonomy
Robust phototaxis in robotic matter
Retrofit pneumatic self-sensing
Fluidic Relaxation Oscillator
Multistable prismatic metamaterials
Millimeter-scale metamaterial
Learning in Robotic Matter
Inverse Design of metabeams
Prismatic Architected Materials
Mechanical tensile instabilities
Instabilities in soft actuators