David Abbink will receive this year's NWO Stevin Prize. The Stevin Prize and the Spinoza Prize are the most prestigious Dutch prizes in science. They are awarded annually to four scientists 'for their outstanding, pioneering and inspiring work', NWO said, announcing the news today. Abbink will receive 1.5 million euros to be spent on scientific research and knowledge exploitation. He receives the Stevin Prize in particular for the societal impact of his research.
What a wonderful recognition of David Abbink's pioneering research in the field of human-robot interaction and in shaping the future of work. David is a connector and inspirer who knows how to make the connection between science, innovation and society like no other. We at TU Delft are extremely proud of him to receive this special prize, which will help him continue his impactful work.
―
Tim van der Hagen,
Rector Magnificus
David Abbink (1977) is a professor of human-robot interaction in both the Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design faculties. He conducts research on the collaboration between humans and intelligent machines such as vehicles or robots. Complex societal challenges such as an ageing population or a growing labour shortage mean that we need to rethink how we live and work. Technology such as robotics can help with these challenges. Yet skilled workers remain crucial, especially in essential sectors such as healthcare, cleaning, logistics and manufacturing.
Engineers, designers, and social scientists from various universities are brought together by Abbink in his research and innovation centre FRAIM. There, together with the practitioners themselves, and together with design and innovation experts, they look at how automation and robotics can really serve the workplace and the employees. Successful projects are already running at Erasmus MC in the field of nursing and in baggage handling at Schiphol Airport.
This unique transdisciplinary approach is exactly what the Stevin Prize jury recognises his work has great social impact for. The NWO also writes: "As a leader and connector, he succeeds in bringing together people with different backgrounds, expertise and cultures, from different countries and organisations for a common vision."
I am touched and very happy with the Stevin Prize. I see it as recognition and encouragement for the large group of scientists, innovation experts and practitioners we work with, trying to shape a meaningful future of work. My expertise as a pragmatic robot scientist serves this larger goal. I don't like overblown expectations around robotics or the idea that we should make robots that mimic humans. We already have people, we should take good care of them.
