Research Line · Control Systems Technology, TU/e
The Design for Precision Engineering (DPE) research line is part of the Control Systems Technology (CST) group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, TU/e. It draws on the rich heritage of the Dutch school of Design Principles, with a focus on the design and realization of state-of-the-art precision hardware.
DPE has a long tradition of application-driven research in which real engineering challenges from industry and science serve as the starting point. This approach has resulted in hardware solutions adopted in large-scale scientific projects and high-tech production systems alike. It has also formed the foundation for a number of successful start-ups, scale-ups, and spin-off companies originating from the lab.
The lab combines fundamental precision engineering knowledge with a strong focus on hardware realization. Problems are selected for their industrial relevance, and solutions are always validated through physical prototypes and experiments. This connects fundamental research directly to practice.
Official DPE page ↗
DPE Lab
Gemini-North, room -1.559
TU Eindhoven
Contact
r.g.c.d.bruijn@tue.nl
+31 40 247 2312
DPE bundles three closely collaborating focus areas, all rooted in the Dutch tradition of precision design and sharing a commitment to hardware realization.
Focused on the design of precision mechanical structures and mechanisms. Core topics include exact constraint design, flexure-based mechanisms, structural dynamics, and the design of ultra-precise positioning systems. The aim is hardware that is predictable, reproducible, and manufacturable.
Addresses the design of complete mechatronic systems in which mechanical design, actuation, sensing, and control are developed in concert. Research spans precision motion stages, active vibration isolation, novel actuation principles, and the integration of closed-loop control with high-performance mechanical hardware. This is the focus area in which my own research is primarily situated.
Focuses on the interplay between optics and precision mechanics in high-end systems. Key application areas include lithography, metrology, and scientific instrumentation where optical performance is directly determined by the quality of the underlying mechanical and mechatronic design.
DPE works across a broad range of application domains, from large-scale industrial production to scientific instrumentation and exploratory start-up environments. Our industrial partners include leading original equipment manufacturers, technology scale-ups, innovative SMEs and start-ups, and large science projects. What connects these partnerships is a shared need for hardware that performs reliably at the limits of what is physically achievable.
Lithography, electron beam inspection, wafer handling, and metrology systems where nanometer-level accuracy and high throughput must coexist. One of the primary drivers of the Dutch precision engineering tradition.
Electron microscopes, synchrotron end-stations, gravitational wave detectors, and other large-scale research infrastructure where extreme mechanical stability and precision are essential to the scientific mission.
Surgical robots, medical imaging systems, and precision instruments where design for precision intersects with stringent requirements on safety, reliability, and miniaturization.
DPE has a strong track record in supporting and spinning off start-ups and scale-ups. We engage with innovative companies developing next-generation products where precision mechatronic design is a key differentiator.
If you are interested in collaborating with the DPE lab, whether through a research project, industrial partnership, or student internship, please get in touch.
Ron de Bruijn
Assistant Professor, DPE / CST
Eindhoven University of Technology
r.g.c.d.bruijn@tue.nl
+31 40 247 2312