Kunihiko Mabuchi
Tokyo University of Information Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Papers
11
Total Citations
501
H-Index
6
About
Kunihiko Mabuchi is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, human-machine interfaces, and neural engineering, whose work spans tactile sensing, brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), and surgical robotics. His most celebrated contribution — a flexible tactile sensor sheet utilizing pressure-conductive rubber with stitched electrical wires — has garnered over 420 citations since 2004, establishing a foundational technology for robotic hands capable of sensing contact across complex three-dimensional surfaces. Alongside this, Mabuchi advanced the frontier of sensory feedback by developing systems that electrically stimulate sensory nerve fibers to relay tactile information from robot hands to human operators, a bold step toward true human-robot sensory integration. His work in surgical robotics produced a master-slave manipulation system with force feedback for endoscopic procedures, enhancing precision in minimally invasive surgery. Perhaps most ambitiously, Mabuchi developed the "RatCar," a neuro-robotic platform enabling rats to control a vehicle via motor cortex signals — a compelling proof-of-concept for future neuroprosthetics. His more recent research applies EEG-based BMIs and delay-time prediction algorithms to robotic rehabilitation systems for paraplegic patients. Across these diverse yet interconnected domains, Mabuchi's career represents a sustained commitment to bridging biological and mechanical systems in service of human health and capability.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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