Sayako Sakama

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Micron (Japan)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Sayako Sakama is a robotics researcher specializing in micro-robotics and soft actuation systems, with a focus on locomotion mechanisms for confined spaces. Her most impactful contribution is the development of a pneumatic duplex-chambered inchworm mechanism for narrow pipes, published in 2020 and cited 42 times. This work addresses the critical challenge of robotic inspection in small-diameter pipes by achieving high locomotion performance through a compact, flexible design driven by only two air supply lines—a significant advancement in in-pipe robotics. Sakama also explored the integration of smart materials in robotics, designing and fabricating an electro-rheological fluid (ERF) braking device for micromouse competition robots in 2015. This innovation demonstrated the potential of soft, controllable braking systems for high-speed autonomous micro-robots navigating complex mazes. Her research bridges practical industrial needs—such as pipe inspection—with cutting-edge soft robotics and material science, showcasing her ability to solve real-world problems with elegant, minimalist mechanisms. Sakama’s work continues to inspire advancements in micro-locomotion and adaptive robotic systems.