Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Nicky de Jonge is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of ophthalmology and robotics, whose work is redefining the limits of micro-surgical precision. His primary research areas include vitreoretinal surgery, human-robot interaction, and the ergonomic constraints of microsurgical systems. De Jonge’s most significant contribution is his investigation into how robotic assistance can overcome the inherent limitations of human vision and dexterity in delicate eye surgery. His landmark 2018 study, which has garnered 10 citations, systematically compared surgeon performance with and without a tele-operated robotic micromanipulator, revealing that visual feedback—whether from a microscope or video monitor—is a critical bottleneck in surgical accuracy. This work provides foundational evidence for designing next-generation surgical robots. De Jonge also authored a key 2015 use case analysis for European robotics in ophthalmologic micro-surgery, which, despite modest citations, serves as a seminal roadmap for applying robotic systems to the uniquely challenging environment of the retina. By quantifying how vision limits performance, de Jonge is not just advancing robotic tools; he is fundamentally reshaping our understanding of the surgeon-machine interface, paving the way for safer, more precise interventions on the eye’s most fragile tissues.