Masaharu Takano

About

Masaharu Takano is a robotics researcher whose work spans several decades and encompasses some of the most fundamental challenges in autonomous and intelligent robotic systems. His research focuses on mobile robot navigation, robot kinematics and dynamics, motion control, and human-assistive robotics. Takano's most influential contribution, his general theory of kinematics and dynamics for wheeled mobile robots (1990), laid foundational groundwork for understanding complex multi-robot and multi-wheeled systems. His development of STS (State to State) control through trajectory planning represents a significant advancement in precision robotic arm motion, enabling faster and more reliable task execution. Takano has also made notable strides in multifingered robotic hand manipulation using B-spline surface modeling, redundant robot obstacle avoidance, and indoor localization using ultrasonic beacons and SLAM-based vision systems. His work on the RECS (Robot-Environment Compromise System) concept and stair-climbing mobile robots like TO-ROVER III reflects a deep commitment to practical, real-world robotic deployment. Perhaps most humanistically compelling is his early development of an intelligent wheelchair for visually impaired users. With cumulative citations across a diverse portfolio, Takano's career reflects sustained, wide-ranging contributions to both theoretical and applied robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Proposal of Realizing Method of STS Control Based on Trajectory Planning and Trajectory Update and Experimental Verification of Its Effectiveness by Employing an Open Architecture Robot.

   11 citations · 2001
2. 2
   Study on general theory of kinematics and dynamics of wheeled mobile robots.

   10 citations · 1990
3. 3
   Kinematics of grasping and manipulation of aB-spline surface object by a multifingered robot hand

   9 citations · 1999
4. 4
   Positioning System for Indoor Mobile Robot Using Active Ultrasonic Beacons

   8 citations · 1998
5. 5
   Development of Indoor Mobile Robot System Based on RECS Concept.

   8 citations · 1996
6. 6
   Development of an Intelligent Wheelchair Using Computer Graphics Animation and Simulation

   7 citations · 1991
7. 7
   Object Detection and Recognition Using Template Matching with SIFT Features Assisted by Invisible Floor Marks

   6 citations · 2009
8. 8
   Development of mobile robot TO-ROVER III going up and down stairs.

   6 citations · 1994
9. 9
   Development of Indoor Mobile Robot Navigation System Using Ultrasonic Sensors

   6 citations · 1998
10. 10
    Development of redundant robot simulator for Avoiding arbitrary obstacles based on semi-analytical method of solving inverse kinematics

    5 citations · 2007

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links