Researchers at AMOLF , based at Amsterdam Science Park, have taken a major step forward in artificial heart technology. In collaboration with national and international partners, they have developed the first working prototype of a soft robotic artificial heart—a heart made from flexible materials that mimics the natural beating of the human heart. The so-called Hybrid Heart offers new hope for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure.
The project is led by Dr. Bas Overvelde, group leader of the Soft Robotic Matter group at AMOLF. In close cooperation with Erasmus MC and TU/e, his team created a system that functions without complex electronics, making it more reliable than many existing mechanical heart implants. The research was published in Nature Communications on June 3, 2025.
Bas Overvelde, Scientific Group leader Soft Robotic Matter group “What’s unique about the Hybrid Heart is the use of soft materials that contract and relax in a natural way—just like a real heart. This makes the design both safer and more durable ”
The artificial heart uses inflatable air chambers that mimic muscle contractions. A central “muscle,” inspired by the human heart’s septum, provides the main pumping action. A specially designed passive one-way valve—based on the mechanism of a ketchup bottle—ensures controlled blood flow without the need for software or active control systems.
Read the full article on the AMOLF website >>
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