Alberto Comoretto finding answers at MIT

People typically think of robots as hard, metallic objects, but soft robots are on the rise offering many advantages, such as their ability to adapt to the human body and the environment. Alberto Comoretto is a PhD student in the group of Bas Overvelde (Soft Robotic Matter). He shares his experiences of working as a visiting researcher at MIT in Boston for four months.

Alberto Comoretto and his insect-like soft robot in the lab. Photo credit: Paul Ducarme

With a background in engineering, Alberto is an expert in embodied intelligence and unconventional mechanics. He investigates how to make robots autonomous using their ‘body’ and the physical interaction with their surroundings. Hence, more like a natural system than a computer. His counterpart at MIT, PhD student Samuel Gollob, is an engineer who knows how to steer chemical reactions that ultimately provide the gases to inflate the robot and make it move effectively. Alberto notes: “it was so nice to have new interactions with somebody who has been on a different trajectory, but with the same topic in mind. Taking the time for knowledge exchange was extremely useful.”

Alberto is proud to have kicked off a collaboration between AMOLF and MIT. He looks back at a time full of new encounters and new insights. “MIT is so much bigger than AMOLF and it is a great location to meet new people. But, it took some time to get used to this, so at first it felt overwhelming. I think that was also the time when I really missed the AMOLF support departments, like our lab technician Niels Commandeur. Quickly, the collaborative environments of the labs led by Ellen Roche and Kaitlyn Becker made me feel welcome, and I fully enjoyed the fun and exciting science that was going on there.”

The autonomous soft device developed by Alberto at MIT. Photo credit: Alberto Comoretto

Back at AMOLF, he is happy to again take part in the frequent interactions with AMOLF researchers at, for instance the Autonomous Matter theme meetings. “The scale at AMOLF is different, but the system allows for plenty of fruitful interactions with researchers in other fields.”

Want to learn more about this group?
Visit the Soft Robotic Matter page

What's happening

Most recent news items

All news items

Research highlights

Natural phenomena ‘hyperuniform disorder’ enables highly efficient, thin silicon solar cells

Silicon solar panels are rigid and heavy, and many rooftops cannot support them. This creates a need for thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into building materials. However, making silicon solar cells thinner makes it harder to trap light inside the material. Researchers in the 3D Photovoltaics group found a fascinating way to overcome this challenge using a phenomenon called hyperuniform disorder. They publish their findings in the journal ACS Photonics.

The researchers were able to make highly efficient silicon solar cell materials that are 30 times thinner than conventional ones. They managed to do this by integrating a layer of nanometer sized structures on top of the material. Up close, this pattern looks random, but it is remarkably when you step back: no clumps, no gaps, and no repeating pattern. This is called hyperuniform disorder (or HUD).

Read news item

People and recognition

Off Road grant for a better understanding of intestinal cells that communicate with the immune system

AMOLF postdoc Dr. Susanna Eli received an Off Road grant from ZonMw to investigate cells known as M cells in the gut lining that connect the intestine to the immune system. Understanding how M cells develop could ultimately contribute to better treatments for intestinal and immune-related diseases. The grant amounts to 100,000 euros.

Read news item

Events and outreach

Science for all ages at Wetenschapsdag 2026

Each year during the national Weekend of Science, AMOLF opens its doors to visitors of all ages to share our enthusiasm for science. AMOLF organizes Wetenschapsdag together with four other research organizations at Amsterdam Science Park: ARCNL, Nikhef, CWI, and University of Amsterdam.

Read news item

About AMOLF

Annual AMOLF Diversity Day focuses on Impostor Phenomenon

Once a year, the AMOLF Inclusion and Diversity team organizes Diversity Day for all AMOLF employees. On October 1, this year’s event took place with the theme Beyond Impostor Phenomenon – More Than Just Luck.

Read news item