Dr Conor Mow-Lowry from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Nikhef

Controls co-design for the Einstein Telescope: Combining fast mechanical simulations with robust optimisers

The Einstein Telescope requires extreme vibration isolation in order to achieve its science goals. To break through the ‘seismic wall’ that drowns out the low-frequency gravitational-wave signal in existing observatories (LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA), the Einstein Telescope needs a new and more
sophisticated approach for designing the vibration isolation systems. At Nikhef we have been a developing a toolbox for achieving real controls co-design of the Einstein Telescope’s suspension systems. The extreme dynamic range of these systems requires novel approaches to traditional controller synthesis methods (H2 and H-infinity) in combination of fast mechanical simulation. I will present Nikhef’s work on the controls co-design problem along with a brief overview of the wider suspension development program.

Conor Mow-Lowry is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Nikhef. He develops new instrumentation to enable the Einstein Telescope to reach its low-frequency sensitivity, allowing observations of heavier objects deep in cosmological time. Mow-Lowry has developed compact interferometric sensors that are seen by the community as a necessity for all future gravitational-wave detectors. The ERC-funded OmniSens project is developing an interferometric
isolator that is the de facto baseline active isolation system for future observatories. His previous work has covered many important aspects of gravitational-wave observatory performance, including quantum noise, controls, and vibration isolation. This places him in an ideal position for his current role, leading the “Active Noise Mitigation” division of the Einstein Telescope that focuses on addressing complex noise couplings at the design stage.

Dr. Oier Franco from IDEKO

Active vibration control in large scale machine tools

This keynote examines the evolution of active vibration control from a research concept into a transformative industrial technology for advanced manufacturing. Drawing on nearly two decades of developments, the presentation explores how the integration of advanced actuators, sensors and control algorithms is redefining the dynamic performance limits of large-scale machine tools. Particular attention is given to the suppression of chatter vibrations, one of the most persistent barriers to productivity, process stability, and surface quality, through active damping solutions successfully deployed in large machine tools, grinding systems, robotic machining platforms and boring applications. Beyond chatter mitigation, the presentation highlights emerging strategies that exploit feed-drive control, virtual vibration absorbers and feedforward compensation to improve accuracy, reduce forced vibrations and enable more aggressive machining conditions without compromising part quality. Combining fundamental insights in structural dynamics, control engineering and machine design with proven industrial implementations, the presentation demonstrates how active vibration control is becoming a key enabling technology for the next generation of high-performance
manufacturing systems and outlines future opportunities for smarter, faster and more precise production environments.

Dr. Oier Franco is a researcher specializing in machine tool dynamics, precision mechatronics and control engineering for advanced manufacturing systems. His work addresses the challenges of improving machining performance through the integration of structural dynamics, feed drive control and vibration mitigation technologies. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to numerous European and industrial research initiatives, advancing the development of high
performance machine tools and intelligent manufacturing solutions. His expertise spans machine tool dynamics, motion control and mechatronic system design, with a particular emphasis on translating scientific research into industrial innovation. Through his work, he has supported the development of next-generation manufacturing platforms capable of achieving higher levels of precision, productivity and process stability.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Hans Vermeulen from ASML and TU/e

Paradigm Shift from Contact to Control: The Evolution of Bearing Principles for Precision Motion

For thousands of years, mankind has made attempts to improve motion via bearings providing a controlled interface between moving bodies. From sliding lubricated surfaces used by ancient Egyptians, the wheel, through rolling-element bearings, already conceptualized by Leonardo da Vinci, fluid films and air bearings, and flexures, each generation has sought to reduce friction and wear while increasing speed, stiffness and accuracy. A fundamental paradigm shift was created by the introduction of magnetic bearings and maglev systems, where electromagnetic fields generate forces required to support, guide and actuate a moving body, eliminating mechanical contact altogether.

This keynote explores the evolution of bearing principles from mechanical constraint towards contactless and actively controlled motion, with magnetic levitation as a central theme. The transition to active magnetic bearings (AMBs), conceived in the early 1900s, fundamentally changes the role of the bearing. Stability, stiffness and damping here result from the interaction between electromagnetic actuators, position sensors, and feedback control. The elimination of the physical contact allowed to overcome deficiencies of conventional bearing systems, and enabled operation in extreme (harsh) conditions without lubrication, wear and contamination at very high speed, as required e.g., in high-speed rotors in gas centrifuges and the turbomolecular pump developed after WWII. The traditional distinction between bearing and actuator started to disappear, as the same electromagnetic system can provide levitation, guidance and propulsion, which allowed maglev trains to become a competitive alternative to commercial aircraft with record speed of up to 800 km/h. In advanced precision motion stages such as used in EUV and nano-imprint lithography, AMBs not only enable an isolated mechatronic architecture using force (Lorentz) actuators but also provide full 6-DoF motion capability.

The keynote will assess the historical journey from traditional mechanical contact to controlled force as part of an integrated motion system.

Hans Vermeulen is a Full Professor in Mechatronic Systems Design in the Section Control Systems Technology at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research focuses on extremely accurate, repeatable and fast motion systems for application in semiconductor lithography and inspection, in medical robotics and scientific instrumentation. Research areas include superconducting linear and planar motors, piezoelectric actuators and sensors, distance measuring interferometry, viscous and viscoelastic damping, active vibration isolation and active noise control, and adaptive optics. Hans received his PhD in Mechatronics as well as an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MTD Post-Master’s degree in Mechatronics from TU/e. In addition to his work at TU/e, Hans held various roles at ASML Research, worked as principal architect on EUV high-NA optics in Development & Engineering, as strategic sourcing manager in Strategic Sourcing & Procurement, and is currently principal researcher working on 3D heterogeneous integration in ASML Research. Previously, he worked on EUV and nano-imprint lithography with Philips Electronics, was chairman of the national R&D work group Mechatronics in the Netherlands and is currently board member of the ASPE.

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