Masei Akagawa
Papers
1
Total Citations
25
H-Index
1
About
Masei Akagawa is a leading researcher in agricultural ergonomics and human-robot interaction, with a focus on reducing physical strain in specialty crop farming. His work centers on adapting wearable robotic assistive technologies—originally designed for healthcare—to the unique demands of agriculture. In his highly cited 2012 study, Akagawa conducted a systematic workload assessment using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) in Japanese vineyards, specifically targeting pruning and berry thinning operations. By surveying farmers in Yamanashi Prefecture, he identified that grape berry thinning imposed the heaviest physical burden, providing critical data for the adaptation of a robotic suit to support these tasks. This research, which has garnered 25 citations, bridges the gap between human care robotics and agricultural labor, offering practical solutions to mitigate musculoskeletal disorders among farmworkers. Akagawa’s contributions are pivotal for advancing sustainable farming practices and improving worker well-being, establishing him as a key figure in the emerging field of agricultural exoskeleton design.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1