Yasushi Morikawa

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Yasushi Morikawa is a pioneering researcher in the field of personal robotics, with a focus on developing flexible, bio-inspired locomotion systems for human-robot interaction. His key research areas include quadrupedal and wheeled hybrid mobility, stereo vision–based navigation, and assistive robotics for indoor environments. Morikawa’s most notable contribution is the design and control of a four-wheeled, four-legged flexible personal robot capable of step-over motion—a critical capability for navigating cluttered human spaces. In his landmark 2009 paper, he introduced a tri-camera stereo vision system that enables the robot to detect and stride over obstacles, bridging the gap between wheeled efficiency and legged adaptability. This work has garnered 6 citations and laid foundational concepts for versatile service robots that can follow and assist people indoors. Morikawa’s research is particularly impactful for its emphasis on practical, everyday assistance, envisioning robots that serve a variety of personal and communal needs. His achievements highlight a commitment to making robots not just functional, but seamlessly integrated into human environments.