Toshinobu Matsumoto

Osaka Institute of Technology, Ōtani University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Toshinobu Matsumoto is a leading researcher in medical robotics, with a focused expertise in developing innovative robotic systems for minimally invasive surgery. His primary research areas include single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), master-slave robotic systems, and flexible forceps manipulators. Matsumoto's major contributions center on overcoming the operational difficulties of SILS, where he has pioneered locally operated, small surgical robots that enhance a surgeon's dexterity and precision. Notably, he developed a novel master-slave robot system that provides superior operability and visualization, addressing the technical challenges of single-port procedures. His work on bending forceps manipulators with offset distances has been crucial for creating a "third arm" that expands the field of view and working area during surgery. Additionally, Matsumoto engineered a flexible forceps manipulator with a diameter under 10 mm, featuring 5 degrees of freedom and an acting force of over 5 N, using a wire-driven, tiered mechanism. While his most-cited papers (2014-2016) have garnered modest citation counts, their impact is evident in the foundational role they play in advancing robotic assistance for safer, more accurate laparoscopic surgeries. Matsumoto's work represents a significant step toward making complex single-incision procedures more accessible and effective.