Papers
12
Total Citations
1,338
H-Index
12
About
H. Kurokawa is a pioneering figure in modular and self-reconfigurable robotics, best known for creating the M-TRAN (Modular Transformer) system. His research focuses on distributed robotic modules that can autonomously change their shape and locomotion—bridging the gap between static structures and dynamic motion. Kurokawa’s major contributions include the hardware design of homogeneous modules with multiple degrees of freedom, enabling both lattice-type and string-type configurations. His 2002 paper on M-TRAN has garnered over 568 citations, establishing a foundational framework for the field. He also developed automatic locomotion design methods (222 citations) and scalable docking systems using onboard cameras and LEDs, which improved module alignment and error correction. Notably, his work on self-reconfiguration control and motion planning addresses the computational challenges of coordinating large numbers of modules in parallel. Kurokawa’s innovations have inspired advances in adaptive robotics, from search-and-rescue to space exploration, and his M-TRAN platform remains a benchmark for modular robot design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1M-TRAN: self-reconfigurable modular robotic system568 citations · 2002
- 2Automatic Locomotion Design and Experiments for a Modular Robotic System222 citations · 2005
- 3Hardware design of modular robotic system136 citations · 2002
- 4
- 5Toward a scalable modular robotic system68 citations · 2007
- 6A motion planning method for a self-reconfigurable modular robot64 citations · 2002
- 7Self-reconfigurable M-TRAN structures and walker generation52 citations · 2005
- 8Get back in shape! [SMA self-reconfigurable microrobots]37 citations · 2002
- 9Distributed self-reconfiguration control of modular robot M-TRAN30 citations · 2006
- 10Self-reconfigurable modular robot (M-TRAN) and its motion design29 citations · 2004