Maaike van der Horst
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Maaike van der Horst is a pioneering scholar at the intersection of queer theory, psychoanalysis, and human-robot interaction. Her research critically examines how emerging technologies, particularly sex robots, are designed within heteronormative and misogynistic frameworks, and she proposes radical alternatives for queering these artifacts. In her most cited work, "Queering Sex Robots Beyond Diversifying Design? Insights from Queer Lacanian Psychoanalysis and New Materialism" (2026, 3 citations), van der Horst moves beyond simple diversification of robot appearances to explore deeper structural transformations informed by queer Lacanian psychoanalysis and new materialism. This contribution challenges the field to reconsider not just what sex robots look like, but how they are conceptualized, desired, and embodied. Her work is notable for bridging high theory with applied design ethics, offering a sophisticated critique that resonates with scholars in gender studies, robotics, and critical technology studies. Though early in her career, van der Horst’s incisive analysis positions her as a vital voice in debates about intimacy, identity, and the politics of artificial companions.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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