Minoru Konno
Papers
7
Total Citations
98
H-Index
6
About
Minoru Konno is a robotics and automation researcher whose work centers on autonomous inspection systems for underground infrastructure, with a particular focus on pipeline and facility inspection robots. His most significant contributions lie in developing coordinated robot chain systems capable of navigating complex underground environments where conventional wireless communication fails. A hallmark of Konno's research is his pioneering application of visible light communication (VLC) as a reliable alternative to radio frequency signals within metallic pipelines, addressing one of the field's most persistent challenges: maintaining stable long-distance communication in electromagnetically hostile environments. His most cited work (34 citations) introduced a wheeled robot chain system for underground facility inspection using VLC and solar panel receivers, demonstrating a practical and energy-conscious solution to inspection range limitations. Complementary studies explored fuzzy logic-based navigation algorithms, RSSI-based localization methods, and tracked robot chains for gas pipeline maintenance, collectively amassing over 98 citations. These contributions have meaningfully advanced the state of autonomous pipeline inspection, reducing reliance on manual operation while improving safety and efficiency. Konno's body of work represents a coherent research vision: making critical infrastructure inspection smarter, more reliable, and capable of reaching previously inaccessible depths.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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