Papers
29
Total Citations
204
H-Index
8
About
Yoshihiro Nakata is a robotics researcher whose work spans biomechanically inspired actuation, human-robot interaction, and expressive robotic systems. His research draws deeply from biological principles, exploring how animal-like musculoskeletal structures — particularly biarticular muscle configurations — can enable robots to achieve dynamic, adaptive locomotion. His early work on monopedal hopping robots demonstrated how compliant electromagnetic linear actuators can replicate the structural stability found in living organisms, while his HUMA platform extended these insights into a full human-like musculoskeletal robot designed for physical interaction studies. Nakata has made significant contributions to force-controllable actuation, including magnetic lead-screw systems (25 citations) and novel hybrid linear actuators that balance thrust force density with back-drivability. Beyond mechanics, he has explored the emotional and communicative dimensions of robotics, investigating how gait-induced upper body motion can convey emotion in mobile humanoid robots — work that has accumulated nearly 30 citations across related studies. His more recent investigations venture into unconventional territory, including pneumatically driven edible robots and lifelike cybernetic avatars, reflecting a broad commitment to understanding how humans perceive and interact with increasingly sophisticated robotic systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2Force Estimation Method for a Magnetic Lead-Screw-Driven Linear Actuator25 citations · 2018
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- 4Fusion Hybrid Linear Actuator: Concept and Disturbance Resistance Evaluation12 citations · 2023
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- 10Characteristics analysis of a helical teethed linear actuator7 citations · 2016