Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Remko Proesmans is a roboticist at the forefront of deformable object manipulation, specializing in the intersection of robotics, smart textiles, and tactile sensing. His research tackles one of the most challenging problems in automation: enabling robots to reliably handle cloth and other non-rigid materials. Proesmans’ major contributions include the development of **UnfoldIR**, a dual-arm robotic system that leverages infrared sensing to unfold garments—a task previously dominated by visual feedback—garnering 13 citations since 2023. He also pioneered the use of **modular piezoresistive smart textiles** for state estimation of cloths, allowing robots to perceive fabric configurations through touch rather than sight alone. His work on **DIY smart textile technology** simplifies robotic learning for clothing manipulation, achieving 7 citations. Proesmans’ impact is further demonstrated by his competition-winning system at IROS 2022 and ICRA 2023, where his team secured first place in the folding track. With a growing portfolio that also explores emotional human-robot interaction through touch and sound, Proesmans is shaping a future where robots can seamlessly handle the soft, unpredictable materials that fill our daily lives.