K. Tanie
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Intelligent Systems Research (United States), University of Tsukuba, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Sungkyunkwan University, Robotics Research (United States), Tokyo Metropolitan University, Cyberdyne (Japan), Ibaraki University, Toshiba (South Korea), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Waseda University, General Electric (Germany), Tsukuba University of Technology, Institute of Applied Biochemistry
Papers
190
Total Citations
7,031
H-Index
43
About
K. Tanie is a pioneering robotics researcher whose work spans two transformative domains: bipedal locomotion and human-robot interaction. His foundational contributions to biped robot motion planning, including his landmark 2001 paper "Planning Walking Patterns for a Biped Robot" (852 citations), established critical frameworks for enabling robots to navigate complex real-world environments such as rough terrain and slopes. Complementing this, his 2003 work on high-stability walking patterns further advanced the field's understanding of dynamic balance and smooth locomotion. Perhaps equally influential is Tanie's visionary research into therapeutic and social robotics. He pioneered the concept of "mental commit robots," leading the development of PARO, the therapeutic seal robot, whose psychological and social benefits for elderly populations he rigorously documented across multiple landmark studies totaling nearly 750 citations. These investigations demonstrated measurable improvements in wellbeing through sustained human-robot interaction, reshaping how the field conceptualizes robots as caregiving companions. Tanie's broader contributions extend to tactile sensing, tendon-drive transmission systems, and humanoid robotics platforms, reflecting remarkable interdisciplinary breadth. With over 2,300 citations across his most-cited works alone, his research has profoundly influenced both the engineering of capable robotic bodies and the humane application of robots within society.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Planning walking patterns for a biped robot852 citations · 2001
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- 4Mental commit robot and its application to therapy of children193 citations · 2002
- 5A high stability, smooth walking pattern for a biped robot172 citations · 2003
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- 8Humanoid robotics platforms developed in HRP138 citations · 2004
- 9Development of a finger-shaped tactile sensor and its evaluation by active touch137 citations · 2003
- 10Basic considerations on transmission characteristics for tendon drive robots134 citations · 1991