How the Northern Netherlands Is Building an Autonomous Industry

How is the industry evolving from ever-increasing automation to systems that can independently observe, decide, and act? A recent FD/Contentway article on the high-tech industry in the Northern Netherlands shows that this requires more than just good technology. Knowledge, talent, infrastructure, and collaboration must all come together. EDIH NN and Infinitech operate precisely at that intersection. 

Autonomous systems sometimes seem like a logical next step after automation. In reality, that step is quite a big one.

A traditional automated machine carries out what has been pre-programmed. An autonomous system must be able to handle changes in its environment, interpret information from sources such as sensors and cameras, and then respond to them independently. As a result, AI, robotics, sensor technology, data, software, and computing are becoming increasingly intertwined.

Internationally, there is also increasing discussion in this context of “Physical AI”: artificial intelligence that not only processes information but actually operates in the physical world through machines, robots, or vehicles.

This creates new opportunities for the industry. At the same time, technological challenges are becoming more complex.

This tension is the focus of the article “How the Northern Netherlands Is Building an Autonomous Industry.” In it, the Drachten Innovation Cluster and the University of Groningen, among others, discuss the development of autonomous systems, collaboration between companies and research institutions, and the Engineering Doctorate in Autonomous Systems.

In it, Professor Bayu Jayawardhana aptly describes the difference between automation and autonomy. Whereas an automated process must be reprogrammed when circumstances change, AI makes it possible for systems to handle new situations much more flexibly.

But that, in our view, is precisely where the key point lies: the development of autonomous technology is not just a technological issue. Above all, it is also a matter of application.

An algorithm, robot, or autonomous system only has economic value if a company can use it to solve a specific problem. To achieve this, technological capabilities must be linked to processes, knowledge, people, investments, and a compelling business case.

The Engineering Doctorate in Autonomous Systems at the University of Groningen is a good example of how that connection can be made.

As part of this two-year program, engineers work on specific technological challenges posed by companies. The program combines disciplines such as software and systems engineering, robotics, AI, systems & control, and mechatronics. Rather than focusing exclusively on academic research, the program centers on developing practical solutions for companies.

EDIH NN has therefore long viewed EngD as a valuable addition to the opportunities we can offer companies. Through our business developers and Technology Portfolio, companies facing complex technological challenges can be connected to knowledge, expertise, and research and development capabilities.

And that is precisely what becomes more important as systems become more autonomous. No SME needs to have all the necessary expertise in AI, robotics, control systems, sensors, data, and software in-house. What’s far more important is that companies know where to turn with their questions and how to move from an initial idea to a working application.

That same idea is behind Infinitech: the Northern Netherlands’ high-tech ecosystem focused on autonomous systems. Infinitech brings together industry, research institutions, and government, and focuses explicitly not only on technology development but also on adoption and the transition from research to application.

EDIH NN is actively contributing to this. 

Our colleagues Marten de Jong, Business Developer at HTSM / Autonomous Systems, and Jasper Zuidervaart, Technology Portfolio Officer, are contributing to this development through EDIH NN. In September, for example, they were part of the preparatory and coordinating team working on the development of a joint Business & Technology Roadmap for autonomous systems and autonomous factories. This initiative stems from a collaboration between, among others, ICD, the University of Groningen, AI-hub Northern Netherlands, TNO, and EDIH NN, and is being further developed under the banner of Infinitech.

That’s an important role for us. It’s not about adding yet another isolated initiative to the landscape, but about ensuring that knowledge, technology, and concrete business needs are better aligned.

The article shows that more and more building blocks are coming together in the Northern Netherlands: companies developing technology, knowledge institutions building expertise, educational programs such as the EngD, and an ecosystem that connects these parties.

The next challenge is to foster the development of more applications within companies.

This is also a key part of EDIH NN’s mission. Within the program, companies can, among other things, further refine their needs, research and test technology, find expertise, train employees, explore financing options, and connect with knowledge institutions and technology providers. That path—from identifying needs to testing, learning, financing, and implementation—also forms the core of EDIH NN’s current positioning.

After all, the development of autonomous systems is ultimately determined not by how much is said about them, but by what is actually built with them.

Are you working on a product, machine, or process in which AI, robotics, sensors, or autonomous technology could play a role? Or do you want to explore where autonomy can add value within your company? We’ll help you clarify your question and find the right path to knowledge, testing, and implementation.