Norihiro Kamamichi
Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo Denki University, Tokyo University of Technology
Papers
27
Total Citations
672
H-Index
12
About
Norihiro Kamamichi is a robotics researcher whose work spans two deeply interconnected domains: biped locomotion and soft actuator technologies, particularly ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC). His most influential contribution, a 2004 paper on energy-based gait generation for biped walking robots (167 citations), drew on the principles of passive dynamic walking to propose elegant, mechanically efficient control strategies that reshaped how researchers approached bipedal locomotion. Alongside this, Kamamichi has been a pioneering force in IPMC research, developing artificial muscle linear actuators and demonstrating their viability in compelling platforms such as a snake-like swimming robot (117 citations), which achieved smooth propulsion through carefully tuned periodic inputs. His investigations into doping effects and counter-ion selection advanced the understanding of how IPMC performance can be systematically optimized, while his work on integrated actuator/sensor design highlighted the material's dual functionality. More recently, Kamamichi has extended his soft actuator expertise into biomedical robotics, developing a flexible pneumatic tongue mechanism that faithfully replicates human tongue deformation. With a body of work accumulating hundreds of citations, he stands as a significant contributor to the fields of bio-inspired robotics and electroactive polymer engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2A snake-like swimming robot using IPMC actuator/sensor117 citations · 2006
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- 5Integrated design of IPMC actuator/sensor38 citations · 2006
- 6Control of Biped Walking Robot with IPMC Linear Actuator35 citations · 2005
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- 10Flexible Pneumatic Bending Actuator for a Robotic Tongue14 citations · 2020