Shinji Hiraiwa

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Shinji Hiraiwa is a robotics researcher whose work bridges micro-manipulation and human-robot interaction. His early, highly-cited contribution, "Miniature robot with micro capillary capturing probe" (2002, 11 citations), introduced an innovative micro-manipulation technique that harnesses surface tension. The probe, featuring a glass capillary and a micro magnetic piston, enables precise capture and release of microscopic objects—a foundational method for micro-assembly and biomedical handling. This work demonstrates Hiraiwa’s talent for miniaturizing complex mechanisms into elegant, functional tools. In a significant shift toward social robotics, Hiraiwa developed the PMR-5 mobile robot, detailed in "Development of Mobile Robot with Preliminary-announcement and Display Function of Forthcoming Motion using Projection Equipment" (2007, 7 citations). This robot projects its intended path onto the floor, proactively communicating its movements to nearby humans. This design addresses a critical challenge in human-robot coexistence: predictability. By making robot intentions visible, Hiraiwa enhances safety and trust in shared spaces, a principle now central to autonomous vehicle and collaborative robot design. Though his citation counts are modest, his work on micro-capturing probes and projection-based communication reveals a researcher dedicated to solving fundamental interaction problems—whether at the microscopic scale or in the human environment.