The foundation of the new institute was announced at the Hannover Messe early April already, but the official launch was April 24. Several departments will be working together on research and development of moving machines and robotics. It involves high-tech systems that combine mechatronics (mechanical engineering and electrical engineering), computer science and applied physics. The major research themes are hardware and system design, model-based design, advanced precision technology, and Disturbance & Environment Uncertainties.

Eighteen TU/e professors are affiliated with the institute. Over the next four years, HTSC will realize two hundred PhD positions. Companies will provide industrial fellows who promote the integration between the various disciplines. Or, as one of the initiators of the center prof.dr.ir. Maarten Steinbuch puts it: “Add the integrated-systems dressing”.

According to Steinbuch there’s a need for an umbrella center, since mechatronics is interconnected with physics and software more and more.

Several companies, including ASML, Philips, Océ, FEI, and VDL ETG have promised to support the center financially. In total, these companies will contribute eight million euros.