Katsuhisa Furuta

About

Katsuhisa Furuta is a pioneering figure in robotics and control systems, whose work spans from fundamental control theory to innovative robot locomotion. His major contributions include the development of the "Capsubot," a capsule-type robot that moves without external legs or wheels, relying solely on internal forces and static friction—a concept detailed in his highly cited 2006 paper (123 citations). Furuta also advanced bipedal walking, notably bridging passive dynamic walking on slopes to active walking on level ground (2001, 26 citations), and proposed the Virtual Internal Model Following Control System for robot arm coordination (1988, 15 citations; 1991, 12 citations). His early work on robust control of manipulators with nonlinearities (1984, 22 citations) laid groundwork for modern robotic servo systems. Furuta's impact extends to humanitarian applications, such as evaluating ground-penetrating radar systems for landmine detection mounted on robotic vehicles (2005, 21 citations). With over 250 total citations across his top papers, Furuta's research is characterized by elegant, minimalistic designs—like the Capsubot's friction-based motion—and practical solutions for complex control challenges, making him a key influence in both theoretical and applied robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Motion Generation of the Capsubot Using Internal Force and Static Friction

   123 citations · 2006
2. 2
   From passive to active dynamic walking

   26 citations · 2001
3. 3
   Robust control of a robot manipulator with nonlinearity

   22 citations · 1984
4. 4
   Evaluation of Test Results of GPR-based Anti-personnel Landmine Detection Systems Mounted on Robotic Vehicles

   21 citations · 2005
5. 5
   Virtual Internal Model Following Control System

   15 citations · 1988
6. 6
   Coordinated Motion Control of Robot Arm Based on Virtual Internal Model

   12 citations · 1991
7. 7
   Biped walking robot using a stick on uneven ground

   11 citations · 2007
8. 8
   A Design of Learning Control System for Linear Multivariable Systems

   11 citations · 1986
9. 9
   Positioning control of a capsule robot using sliding mode control

   8 citations · 2009
10. 10
    Cellular Network Telecontrolled Robot Vehicle

    4 citations · 2004

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links