Tom Bekkers

I have a broad skill set, with a focus on electronics, system design, and project management. My specialty is high-end motion control. 

Project management

I have experience coordinating diverse teams, maintaining structure in complex projects. I'm able to bridge an artist’s vision with its technical execution, and communicate fluently with both artists and engineers. This enables me to work with tight deadlines.

Electronics

I offer end-to-end electronics capabilities, from concept to robust, real-world application:

• Electronics system design—selecting the best strategy to complete the project

• Custom PCB design

• Industrial-grade ruggedization—for high quality artworks built to last

• Extensive experience as an electrician in industrial settings, ensuring safe electrical installation

Motion

Through my specialization in kinetic art, I have worked with a wide range of motion systems, from tiny DC motors and powerful three-phase motors to high-resolution servo systems and robotic arms. This broad experience allows me to select and implement the most suitable solution for each project’s technical and artistic requirements. See 'Econario project example' for an illustration.

Coding

I have advanced coding skills in the following languages:

• C++

• Python

• IEC61131-3 (industrial 'PLC' languages, allowing me to use high-end motion control systems that offer capabilities that can't be found in consumer equipment.)

• Touchdesigner

• HTML/CSS

Fabrication

In my workshop in Zaandam I am well-equipped to fabricate medium-sized artworks. I have all the tools and materials needed to execute a design. Since my studio is part of a large community, I have direct contact with people using all different fabrication techniques, from CNC machining to jewellery making, all under the same roof. This allows me to form teams and realize projects requiring various techniques of fabrication. 

Rapid learning and custom solutions

When your idea calls for custom solutions, I’m quick to learn and adapt. Whether it’s a new programming environment, hardware platform, or fabrication technique, I’m comfortable exploring and mastering niche skills for a project. For example, I once developed a buffered water pump system from scratch for an artwork—designing both the hardware and control logic to meet specific performance and aesthetic requirements. My adaptability allows me to design and implement custom solutions—even when starting from scratch. 

For kinetic artist Zoro Feigl, I recently realized an artwork for Stedelijk Museum Schiedam. My role covered the full technical trajectory: from scaling up the artist's prototype to final production of a two-meter-diameter, slow-motion 'moon'.

The project began with a 3D model of the intended sculpture, developed in close collaboration with the artist to refine the form. To achieve the desired visual effect, the work required extensive custom electronics. I designed a high-speed LED controller for 46 high-power LEDs and a custom signal generator for 16 transducers—both implemented on a custom PCB using mixed-signal design principles to minimize noise in the transducers.

The physical build was executed entirely in my studio, involving 3D design and printing, CNC machining, and metal fabrication.

The sculpture autonomously varies its speed and sound parameters. To give the artist intuitive control over its behavior, I built a custom web portal, allowing real-time adjustments and live feedback.

For artist Thijs Biersteker, I was involved in the realization of Econario—a robotic seedling capable of growing into a five-meter-tall plant, with movements that mimic natural, plant-like growth.

Brought in during the early stages of the project, I contributed to key decisions around the robotic control architecture, parts selection, control strategy, and software design. I worked closely with both the hardware engineering team and the artist to navigate technical limitations and help bring the concept to life.

I developed the motion control software for the high-end EtherCat servo system. This included designing a control structure to safely manage the robot's states and movements, as well as a visual interface for monitoring and adjusting parameters. The sculpture is data-driven, so I also oversaw development of the interface to connect the robot’s movements to a live database.

I programmed the motion paths in close collaboration with the artist, meeting the challenge of making the robotic movements feel organic and lifelike.

Econario premiered at COP15 in Montreal. Since then, I’ve continued to accompany the sculpture to exhibitions around the world.