Riichiro Tadakuma
Yamagata University Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Yamagata University, Harvard University Press, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Laboratoire d'Analyse et d'Architecture des Systèmes, Tokyo University of Information Sciences, Bunkyo University, University of Shiga Prefecture
Papers
32
Total Citations
640
H-Index
16
About
Riichiro Tadakuma is a pioneering robotics engineer whose research spans mobile robot locomotion, novel joint mechanisms, and human-robot interaction. Based at the intersection of mechanical design and robotic systems, Tadakuma has made lasting contributions to how robots move through complex environments and interact with humans. His most celebrated work focuses on hybrid locomotion systems, particularly wheel-leg robots capable of overcoming substantial obstacles. His 2010 paper on the Wheel-Leg hybrid mobile robot (95 citations) introduced a mechanism achieving significantly larger effective wheel diameters than previous designs, while the armadillo-inspired retractable module demonstrated his flair for nature-driven engineering solutions. Complementing these, his "Omni-Ball" spherical wheel design (56 citations) enabled omnidirectional movement with impressive step-climbing capability, addressing a critical limitation of conventional omniwheels. Tadakuma also broke new ground in joint design with ABENICS (57 citations), an active ball joint mechanism delivering three rotational degrees of freedom through spherical gear meshings — a mechanically elegant solution with broad applications. His earlier work on optical torque sensors (63 citations) and master-slave teleoperation arms (53 citations) demonstrated equally strong contributions to humanoid robotics and remote manipulation. With over 400 cumulative citations, Tadakuma's body of work reflects a consistent ability to translate innovative mechanical concepts into functional, impactful robotic systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 9Enhanced Teleoperation Through Virtual Reality Techniques22 citations · 2007
- 10Armadillo-inspired wheel-leg retractable module21 citations · 2009