Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Makoto Sasaki has dedicated his career to restoring human mobility through robotics, pioneering assistive exoskeleton technologies for the elderly and physically disabled. His primary research areas span rehabilitation robotics, human motion assist, and neuro-fuzzy control systems. Sasaki’s most impactful contribution is the development of a 3-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) mobile exoskeleton robot for upper-limb motion assistance, detailed in his 2007 paper (178 citations). This work directly addresses the needs of individuals affected by geriatric disorders, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and occupational injuries, enabling them to regain critical daily functions. To refine control, he integrated skin surface electromyography (EMG) signals with neuro-fuzzy logic, allowing the exoskeleton to interpret end-effector force vectors and respond intuitively to user intent (33 citations). Earlier, Sasaki explored the fundamental mechanics of upper-limb manipulation, using six-dimensional ellipsoids to model how asymmetric joint torque affects hand force capability. His career also includes a notable foray into construction robotics, co-developing a three-dimensional marking robot for tunnel driving. With over 200 cumulative citations, Sasaki’s work remains a foundational reference for researchers developing intuitive, human-centered exoskeletons that bridge the gap between robotic precision and natural human movement.