Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Tohru Ide is a leading researcher in power soft robotics and hydraulic actuation systems, focusing on creating robots that combine high strength with safe, flexible interaction. His major contributions include the development of power soft robots driven by hydraulic artificial muscles, which overcome the load capacity limitations of traditional soft robots while maintaining compliance. His 2021 work on safety-enhanced control strategies for these robots has garnered 21 citations, establishing foundational principles for the field. Ide also pioneered the vine-like power soft gripper based on Euler's belt theory (2024, 8 citations), enabling manipulation of irregular heavy objects for disaster response. His experimental validation of a 1.5-meter, 7-DOF power soft robot using 29 McKibben hydraulic muscles (2024, 8 citations) demonstrates unprecedented scale and dexterity in soft robotics. Beyond soft robots, Ide has advanced tough robotics through super-low friction hydraulic cylinders using magnesium alloys (2018, 7 citations) and ergonomic exoskeletons for stair ascent assistance (2023, 6 citations). His work bridges the gap between powerful industrial robots and adaptable soft systems, with applications ranging from search-and-rescue to assistive devices.