Mascha C. van der Voort

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About

Mascha C. van der Voort is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotic engineering and clinical endoscopy, whose work has fundamentally advanced the design of flexible endoscopic systems. Her primary research areas encompass medical robotics, human-machine interaction, and user-centred system design for surgical instruments. Van der Voort’s most significant contribution is the development of an add-on robotic module for steering traditional flexible endoscopes—a breakthrough that directly addresses the longstanding challenges physicians face in manipulating these instruments. Her landmark 2012 paper, cited 54 times, introduced a robotic interface that enables a single physician to operate the endoscope with enhanced precision and reduced physical strain, effectively improving the ergonomics and efficiency of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This work was further validated in her 2013 study on robotic control for therapy (34 citations), demonstrating the system’s clinical utility. Notably, van der Voort championed a user-centred design approach, as highlighted in her 2013 paper (8 citations), arguing that incorporating end-user feedback from the outset is critical for creating truly valuable and user-friendly surgical robots. Her research has set a new standard for integrating robotic assistance into traditional endoscopy, paving the way for safer, more intuitive procedures.