Atsushi Sawai

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About

Atsushi Sawai is a leading scholar in the sociotechnical study of robotics, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of aged care robots in Japan. His work critically examines how these technologies are shaped not only by engineering but by cultural, political, and economic forces. In his most-cited paper, "The development of aged care robots in Japan as a varied process" (2020, 18 citations), Sawai challenges simplistic narratives of technological progress, revealing instead a complex, contested landscape where diverse actors—from policymakers to caregivers—negotiate the meaning and purpose of robotic assistance. This contribution has been instrumental in shifting the discourse from techno-solutionism to a more nuanced understanding of innovation as a socially embedded process. Beyond this key work, Sawai’s research continues to explore the ethical and practical implications of robotics in aging societies, making him a vital voice in conversations about technology, care, and the future of work. His insights are essential for students and researchers seeking to understand how robots are—and are not—transforming elder care in Japan and beyond.