Hiroaki FUNABASHI
Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Papers
11
Total Citations
189
H-Index
6
About
Hiroaki Funabashi is a pioneering figure in the field of parallel robotics, whose work has fundamentally shaped the design, calibration, and control of in-parallel actuated mechanisms. His research focuses on three key areas: the dimensional synthesis of parallel manipulators for optimal motion transmissibility, the development of high-precision kinematic calibration methods, and the creation of novel robotic mechanisms. Funabashi’s most influential contribution is his groundbreaking method for kinematic calibration using a Double-Ball-Bar (DBB) system and Fourier series, a technique that dramatically improves the accuracy of parallel robots and is detailed in his highly cited works (with 48 and 46 citations). His seminal 1997 paper on spatial in-parallel actuated manipulators (54 citations) established a foundational approach to mechanism design that avoids singularities while maximizing performance. Beyond calibration, Funabashi has also contributed to the development of micro three-axial force sensors and the motion control of robots driven by pneumatic rubber muscles, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of innovation. His work on robotic pantograph mechanisms and energy-efficient motor selection further underscores his holistic approach to robotics. With a career spanning from the early 1990s to the 2000s, Funabashi’s research remains essential reading for anyone working in parallel kinematics, robot calibration, or advanced mechanism design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 6In-parallel actuated mechanisms as a new robotic mechanism6 citations · 1993
- 7Development of Three-Axial Force Sensors for Microrobots.5 citations · 1995
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- 10Motion Generation of a Casting Manipulator With a Large Working Space2 citations · 2002