Keita Watanabe

Papers

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About

Keita Watanabe is a researcher at the intersection of robotics, digital fabrication, and sports engineering. His work reimagines how we interact with machines, from the factory floor to the sports field. Most notably, his 2019 paper, "A 3D Printer Head as a Robotic Manipulator" (13 citations), pioneers a novel concept: repurposing a standard 3D printer head as a three-axis robotic arm. This allows for advanced, automated tasks like assembling separate printed parts, breaking away support material, and even actuating objects directly on the build plate—all without additional hardware. This work pushes the boundaries of desktop manufacturing, transforming a simple printer into a versatile fabrication tool. Beyond the lab, Watanabe applies robotics to enhance athletic training. His 2017 paper, "Development of a block machine for volleyball attack training" (3 citations), introduces a system of three robots that mimic the movements of elite volleyball blockers. Designed to help spikers improve their decision-making and spike accuracy through repetitive, realistic drills, this work demonstrates a tangible impact on sports science. By bridging the gap between mechanical engineering and human performance, Keita Watanabe is creating smarter, more adaptive machines that augment both creation and athletic skill.