Papers
87
Total Citations
1,365
H-Index
21
About
Hiroyuki Nabae is a pioneering robotics researcher whose work centers on soft robotics, artificial muscles, and biologically inspired mechanical systems. He is best known for his innovative application of thin McKibben muscles — compliant, flexible pneumatic actuators — across a remarkably diverse range of robotic platforms. His most cited work, "Musculoskeletal lower-limb robot driven by multifilament muscles" (2016, 145 citations), established his reputation by demonstrating how human anatomical principles could be faithfully replicated in a redundant robotic system. Nabae has since extended this philosophy into tensegrity-based robot hands, soft amphibious quadrupeds, and active textiles that integrate McKibben muscles directly into woven structures, reflecting both his technical creativity and breadth of vision. His unconventional "Giacometti arm" research explored ultra-long, balloon-bodied manipulators, showcasing a willingness to challenge conventional robot design paradigms. More recently, his development of electrically driven soft fluidic actuators and space-exploring tensegrity robots demonstrates continued innovation at the frontier of wearable and adaptive robotics. With over 600 cumulative citations across his top works, Nabae's research has significantly shaped how the robotics community approaches softness, compliance, and biomimicry in machine design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Musculoskeletal lower-limb robot driven by multifilament muscles145 citations · 2016
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Development of Giacometti Arm With Balloon Body49 citations · 2017
- 6Active Textile Braided in Three Strands with Thin McKibben Muscle46 citations · 2019
- 7
- 8Soft-amphibious robot using thin and soft McKibben actuator43 citations · 2017
- 9Braiding Thin McKibben Muscles to Enhance Their Contracting Abilities43 citations · 2018
- 10