The research efforts in Electromechanics are mainly focused on the novel multifunctional electromagnetic and electromechanical system solutions (over-actuated, non-periodic, non- or quasi-symmetrical, re-configurable structures) for high-tech precision technology (for different motion profiles), advanced robotics and automotive concepts in a close cooperation with (inter)national industrial and academical partners.  The uniqueness of the obtained achievements is provided by the strong synergy of the theoretically and experimentally verified innovative results. The principal breakthrough accomplishments - are realized for the following permanent magnet (PM) concepts:

• 6-DoF planar actuator (moving PMs, stationary coils) with infinite x-y stroke. The output characteristics of the model-based controlled prototype operating with a position error <0.5µm and an angle error <4µrad and motion profile with high speeds/accelerations up to 1.4m/s, 14m/s² are achieved.
• 6-DoF planar actuator (position loop of 30-50Hz, current loop of 3kHz) with a 2-DoF manipulator (peak force of 72N in y-direction and peak torque of 1.2Nm) with integrated contactless energy (up to 300W with a coupling up to 0.9) and bi-directional (closed loop) wireless data transfer with latency of 300 µsec.
• 6-DoF electromagnetic contactless slide system combining features of an active magnetic bearing and a linear Lorentz actuator (long stroke of 50mm with position accuracy of 5nm) with a novel electromagnetic concept of parallel and switching flux paths with different hard and soft-magnetic materials.
• Lightweight positioning system with a set of 2-DoF actuators. Integral reduction of stiff beam system mass has been reached by means of power, forces and mass reduction of the optimally designed actuators.
• Wireless inter-connected 2-DoF robot with contactless direct-drive linear motors and bi-directional contactless data (combination of radio frequency and infrared technology) and energy transfer up to 500W with a long stroke y-movement of <1m  and short x-movement of <0.2m.
• Electromagnetic active roll control systems (with a stroke of 0.175m) for vehicle dynamics with full active suspension – linear tubular actuator (2kN rms force, 3kN peak force) and an electro-magnetic spring (30kN/m spring coefficient and 6.5kN peak force) implemented in a quarter-car set-up (moving mass of 400 kg and a stroke of 0.25m).
• Robust electromagnetic design solutions: for passive, semi-active and active gravity and attraction compensation, traction concepts, velocity sensors (short and long stroke) with skewed, slotless/slotted, ironless/iron structures with concentrated/distributed full pitch and fractional coils and linear actuators with CET.

Recognizing that, first, power electronic converters are key components enabling efficient sustainable energy systems, and, secondly, continued improvement in performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of converters is required to encourage the deployment of such systems, financial support has been obtained for three new projects.
A very promising co-operative research program between “The Power Electronics Research Institute” of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, and our group has been initiated.
The long-term co-operation in the field of power electronic topology synthesis with Philips Lighting (ir. M. Hendrix, part-time associate professor) has brought the chair in a unique position, resulting in updating courses, executing short-term research projects of common interest, and co-sponsoring long-term research programs.
Philips Power Solutions continued to detach a visiting researcher (dr.ir. F. van Horck, 0.2 fte) to participate in the research and educational activities of the group.

Abstracts of all current and recent research projects are available in the menu on the left frame.