Yukinobu Nakanishi
Papers
4
Total Citations
28
H-Index
3
About
Yukinobu Nakanishi is a pioneering researcher in the field of bio-inspired robotics, with a primary focus on the development of small-scale fish robots designed for search-and-rescue operations. His work addresses the critical challenge of creating agile, miniaturized robots—roughly the size of a killifish (5 cm long)—capable of navigating narrow, flooded spaces to locate disaster victims. Nakanishi’s major contributions lie in advancing both the propulsion and power systems of these robots. He notably developed one of the first small fish robots powered by a small, ultra-light passive-type polymer electrolyte fuel cell, offering a higher energy density alternative to traditional rechargeable batteries. His systematic investigations into the effects of tail fin material, thickness, and flexibility on propulsive performance have provided foundational insights for improving swimming velocity and efficiency. Through the use of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and three-dimensional numerical analysis, he has also elucidated the complex water flow dynamics around these robots. While his citation counts (ranging from 2 to 12) reflect a specialized, early-stage field, his work has been instrumental in establishing the design principles for micro fish robots, including those moved by magnetic actuators and artificial muscles.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4