Maarten Wijntjes

Utrecht University, University of Twente

Papers

Total Citations

113

H-Index

About

Maarten Wijntjes is a leading figure in the field of haptic perception and human-computer interaction, with a research focus that bridges psychophysics, robotics, and medical technology. His foundational work on haptic curvature discrimination, published in 2009 and cited over 100 times, demonstrated that local surface orientation is the dominant sensory cue for perceiving curvature through touch—both in static and dynamic conditions. This insight fundamentally advanced our understanding of how humans explore and interpret tactile information, with implications for virtual reality, prosthetics, and assistive technologies. Wijntjes’s contributions extend into biomedical engineering, where he has explored the use of teleoperated robotic systems for precision medical procedures. His 2023 study on MR-guided prostate brachytherapy validated the feasibility of using active steerable needles under robotic control, addressing critical challenges such as needle deflection and visualization limitations. This work showcases his ability to translate fundamental perceptual research into cutting-edge clinical applications. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Wijntjes has shaped how researchers and engineers think about touch, manipulation, and robotic interaction, making him a key figure in both haptics and medical robotics.