Our Big 5 of the high-tech

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Big Five

Big five

We work together on providing solutions for the future, by combining our 'Big 5' of high-tech: robotics, metal 3D printing, remote sensing and big data, visual intelligence and renewable propulsion. A few examples:

  • A healthy living environment, through reneweble energy and smart solutions for reducing ‘fossil’ transport movements. Remote sensing and big data; remotely connecting devices, instruments and machines and collecting, transmitting, storing, analyzing and acting on data;
  • Healthy and safe food for all, by using sensors and big data to monitor and improve the quality of food and drink. Visual intelligence; unique combination of camera techniques, big data and neural networks;
  • Better healthcare, helping doctors to recognize diseases faster and better by using smart software.
  • A safer society, in which visual intelligence and big data help prevent child pornography and terrorist attacks.
  • Healthy working conditions, by making work cleaner, safer and easier with 3D printing and robots.

The result of our collaboration is more than 50 new product introductions per year worldwide. Which include saving lives, making the operation of complex systems child's play, making data accessible to improve the quality of food but also tailoring products better to the individual wants and needs of consumers.

Big data

Big Data within the ICD is all about creating a healthy and sustainable living environment. With renewable energy, smart technology and remote sensing, we connect systems remotely. We collect and analyze large amounts of data so we can optimize processes, predict maintenance and save energy.

3D Printing

3D printing makes it possible to quickly and accurately create prototypes, parts and custom products. By building materials layer by layer, we shorten development times, reduce waste and create flexible manufacturing processes that are ready for the future.

Robotics

Robotics focuses on smart, autonomous and collaborative robots that make work processes safer, faster and more efficient. From production to maintenance, robots support people in heavy, precise or repetitive work, thus strengthening quality and continuity within industry.

Visual Intelligence

Visual Intelligence combines image recognition, sensors and smart algorithms to understand situations automatically. Think pattern recognition, quality control, navigation and safety. This technology allows systems to look, interpret and respond instantly, making processes more reliable.

Renewable propulsion

Renewable Propulsion is all about clean and future-proof propulsion. We work on solutions based on renewable energy, such as hydrogen, electric propulsion and hybrid systems. With these we reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and strengthen the transition to a climate-neutral industry.

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An overview of

Our articles

An overview of

Our articles

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Erasmus exchange program visits ICD: International Mechanical Engineering students visit

HR Knowledge Circle ICD: performing well under pressure

From AI and robotics to an autonomous solution at sea: Damien Dufour talks about his EngD at AutoMooring Solutions

First Learning Day 3DPrintkompas 2030 brings 3D printing innovations together in Drachten

ICD member SRON to play key role in new NASA space telescope PRIMA

Smart and autonomous factories take center stage during roadmap session at Packsize in Drachten

North Netherlands provincial executives visit ICD: high-tech ambitions and cooperation central

High-tech manufacturing industry in Drachten: Trouw takes a look at Philips

ICD Knowledge Session High Tech Sensoring at Horus in Groningen: from 360-degree cameras to AI and autonomous systems

First Learning Day 3DPK 2030 brings latest developments in 3D printing to Drachten

From theory to practice: how an EngD accelerates innovation at Omnidots

Hilbrand Wijbenga and Roelof Jan Boer thanks for their years of dedication to the ICD

D66 parliamentary group visits Drachten: high-tech, accessibility, and broad prosperity take center stage

Hi!

Arjan Boerma thanks for more than two years of dedication to the ICD Safaris

Save the date: 1st Learning Day 3D Printkompas is coming!

ICD takes next step in sustainability with Environmental Impact Tool

Stijn Eikens and Stef Sillekens win ICD Student Award 2026 during inspiring final

AI is central to ICD's R&D knowledge session in Drachten

ICD celebrates 100th Steering Committee meeting at De Sluisfabriek

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