Issue #2 - December 2023

An introduction by Tim van der Hagen, Rector Magnificus / President of the Board:

'This second issue of Pioneering Tech once again shows how we’re accelerating innovation in Delft and creating a positive impact on society. One impressive example is the rise of quantum technology, which is set to make good on its societal promise. QuTech is a global frontrunner in this regard thanks in part to the institute’s unique combination of research and application. Within the ecosystem of collaborating research groups and companies, the number of staff at quantum start-ups now exceeds the number of staff at QuTech itself.  

While we’re also frontrunners in robotics, it’s still good to touch base every so often. Professor of Haptic Human-Robot Interaction David Abbink ventured to the Erasmus MC workplace to investigate where technology can be of added value to nursing staff and where it expressly cannot. Care robots that just sit there collecting dust will be of no use to anyone.  

And at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, it will be not robot but a a Roboat ferrying passengers across the Seine. Although small boats are a great way to transport people and goods in busy cities and ports, there is a real shortage of skippers. AMS Institute start-up Roboat is developing a system for autonomous navigation that can be installed on any type of floating vessel. Might we soon see them on the canals of Delft?'