Since our founding in 2018, we have focused on the aerospace industry. In 2026, we are expanding into the maritime, wind and offshore, and civil engineering. In addition, we are broadening our portfolio with new automated manufacturing processes such as drilling, milling, and cold spray.
As a key economic pillar, the European manufacturing industry is under pressure in several respects. Increasing competition, labour shortages, rapid digital developments that require new skills, and the urgent need for sustainable, circular solutions are all reshaping the industrial landscape. Whereas efficiency and cost reduction used to be the primary drivers of the manufacturing industry’s decisions, innovations will need to deliver parallel solutions over the coming years.
The market demands smart and fast methods for complex industrial processes. As a fieldlab, we bridge the gap between scientific research at TU Delft and other universities and manufacturing companies seeking to digitalise and automate their operations. Building on a proven track record in developing sustainable and intelligent robotics solutions for the aerospace industry, we are now, together with our partners, broadening our portfolio and expanding into new markets.
The Smart Advanced Manufacturing solutions we have developed in recent years for XL structures can be applied broadly across other industries. If we can manufacture an aircraft using smart robotics and innovative materials, this expertise can also be leveraged for a wide range of other large-scale applications.
For the period 2026-2030, we have therefore chosen to focus on the following sectors:
For all these sectors, we explore practical possibilities, seek new partnerships and knowledge sharing, and focus on strategic autonomy.
Rapid digital developments offer numerous new opportunities for industry. But where should companies invest? And what are reliable, sustainable and future-proof solutions? In response we apply our expertise to assist the industry as a neutral expert. In doing so, we focus on the added value that robots can provide. Think of dangerous work, heavy labor, tasks that are extremely time-consuming, or tasks that humans are simply unable to perform. Examples of applications with significant market interest include:
Thanks to grants and support from strategic partners, this overarching project makes it possible to accelerate the development of innovations. As a fieldlab, SAM XL focuses on the mid-TRL (technology readiness level) range. For companies, it is generally too risky to invest in an innovative technology over the long term. That is why governments support innovative hubs where companies, together with scientists from universities and other research institutions, can develop, test, and validate new applications. With the right expertise, the failure rate is significantly reduced, the right partners and suppliers are identified to advance the innovation, and valuable knowledge is shared—knowledge that is necessary to further scale up the company’s level of expertise.
This project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and made possible in part by the province of South Holland.
For more information, visit www.kvw3.kansenvoorwest.nl.
In this project we are developing an AFP system to manufacture a structural shell for a business aircraft seat, with autonomous processes, closed loop control and improved cognitive ergonomics for machine operators
The aim: to industrialise composite wrap joints as a disruptive alternative to welded steel nodes in offshore wind foundations, addressing Europe’s urgent need for cost-competitive, rapid, and sustainable manufacturing.
The next generation of aircraft will need to reduce their CO₂ emissions in many areas. In this project, we are focusing on improving the leading edge of aircraft wings.
We are developing a new technology to bond different types of composites together. This hybrid technology bonds thermoplastic composites with thermosets. The aim is to make aircraft and other large structures lighter and more sustainable.
SAM XL is advancing new technologies for continuous ultrasonic welding and – together with partners – thermoforming of thermoplastic composites so they can be applied in industrial manufacturing of large, lightweight aircraft structures.
SAM XL develops smart robotic solutions for welding ship panels together. This is currently mainly done manually.
SAM XL is developing future production technology using smart robots. These robots can be deployed flexibly: they adapt their operations quickly, without the need for additional programming. This makes variable production straightforward.
Robots need to learn to localize themselves and what is happening in their surroundings. This will enable them to operate more accurately and work together. SAM XL is developing a manufacturing testbed for post-production quality inspection, in combination with mobile manipulators.
