Tomohiro OKA
Papers
2
Total Citations
15
H-Index
2
About
Tomohiro Oka is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on assistive technologies for the elderly, particularly through innovative meal-assistance robots. His key research areas include underactuated gripper mechanisms, adaptive robotic manipulation, and human–robot interaction for healthcare. Oka’s major contribution is the development of a chopstick-type gripper that can adapt its shape and contact force to the size and elasticity of various foods, enabling frail elderly individuals to eat more independently. His most-cited paper, "Kineto-Elasto-Static Design of Underactuated Chopstick-Type Gripper Mechanism for Meal-Assistance Robot" (2020, 13 citations), presents a detailed design methodology that balances kinematic, elastic, and static properties to achieve safe and effective grasping. This work is notable for its practical application of underactuation principles to create a compliant, yet precise, gripping system. Oka’s research has direct implications for improving quality of life and autonomy in aging populations, and his designs represent a thoughtful integration of mechanical engineering and user-centered assistive robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2