About

Akinari Kobayashi is a leading researcher in robotic manipulation, specializing in automating complex, traditionally manual tasks in garment manufacturing. His work centers on the design of novel end-effectors and control systems for handling deformable objects, particularly fabrics. Kobayashi’s major contributions include the development of the uGRIPP (underactuated gripper for power and precision grasp), which advanced dual-arm manipulation by enabling both power and precision grips. He has also pioneered fixture-free sewing systems using dual-arm manipulators, eliminating the need for specialized jigs and enabling flexible automation. His research on compactly folding parallel grippers with wide strokes and passive actuator-less grippers (PALGRIP) for fabric pick-and-place addresses critical challenges in industrial automation. With over 70 citations across his most-cited works, Kobayashi’s impact is evident in his practical solutions for fabric folding, edge detection, and collision avoidance. His recent work on time-scaling control for robotic sewing and automated straight-line sewing of stretchable fabrics demonstrates his ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotic dexterity and adaptability in manufacturing.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

6
H-Index
10
Papers
72
Total Citations
7
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Design and Development of Compactly Folding Parallel Open-Close Gripper with Wide Stroke
14 citations · 2019
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2025 (4 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 19
🏛 Institutions: Tohoku University, University of Hong Kong, SPX Transformer Solutions (United States), Hong Kong Design Centre, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 12 days ago