Seita Kayukawa

Waseda University, IBM Research - Tokyo

Papers

6

Total Citations

125

H-Index

5

About

Seita Kayukawa is a pioneering researcher in assistive technology and human-robot interaction, with a specialized focus on navigation systems for blind and visually impaired individuals. His work addresses a critical gap in accessibility research: enabling independent mobility in complex, unfamiliar environments without relying on costly prebuilt infrastructure. Kayukawa's most impactful contribution, "PathFinder" (2023, 41 citations), introduced a groundbreaking map-less indoor navigation system that dramatically reduces the barriers to deployment in real-world settings. Complementing this, his "BlindPilot" system (2020, 27 citations) tackled nuanced local navigation challenges such as locating and occupying seats in crowded public spaces. His museum exploration robot (2023, 27 citations) extends these principles into cultural accessibility, prioritizing not just navigation but visitor autonomy and enjoyment. Notably, Kayukawa goes beyond technical innovation to examine the social dimensions of assistive robotics. His 2022 study (21 citations) investigates how users, bystanders, and facility managers perceive navigation robots, while his recent work challenges the "omakase" model of robot-led navigation, advocating for meaningful shared control between users and autonomous systems. His research collectively shapes a more inclusive, user-centered future for assistive mobility technology.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

5
H-Index
6
Papers
125
Total Citations
21
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
PathFinder: Designing a Map-less Navigation System for Blind People in Unfamiliar Buildings
41 citations · 2023
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2023 (2 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 15
🏛 Institutions: Waseda University, IBM Research - Tokyo

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 14 days ago