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About

Ryusuke Morita is a leading researcher in the field of hydraulic robotics, specializing in the development of high-power, compliant actuators for tough, real-world environments. His major contributions center on reimagining hydraulic systems for lightweight, resilient robots, moving beyond traditional metal-based actuators. Notably, his most-cited work (30 citations) proposes a novel rotational-compliant joint using oil-hydraulic McKibben artificial muscles, addressing the need for both strength and flexibility in robotic limbs. Morita further advanced the field by developing hydraulic tough motors with exceptional power density, successfully applying them to a 7-axis robotic arm—a breakthrough for disaster-response robots that require high impact resistance and backdrivability. His research on new hydraulic components for tough robots (7 citations) continues to push the boundaries of actuator design, aiming to replace conventional electric motor and speed reducer combinations. By overcoming the limitations of weight, rigidity, and fragility, Morita’s work is pivotal in creating robots capable of operating in hazardous environments, from construction sites to disaster zones, making him a key innovator in the next generation of robust, human-safe robotics.