Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Yuta Sugiura is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and ubiquitous computing, whose work seamlessly blends robotics with everyday life. His major contributions span interactive cooking systems, soft robotic interfaces, and tangible user interfaces that make technology more accessible and engaging. Sugiura pioneered the concept of domestic robotics with his highly cited "Cooking with robots" (72 citations), which proposed a system capable of autonomously preparing meals in open environments by manipulating ingredients and adjusting heat—a foundational step toward practical home robots. He also developed PINOKY (43 citations), a wireless ring-like device that transforms any plush toy into an animatable soft robot, allowing users to remotely control or program movements, democratizing robotic interaction. His thin, stretchable interface for tangential force measurement (35 citations) introduced a skin-like sensor for detecting pinching and dragging on curved surfaces, advancing wearable input technology. Sugiura’s work on RoboJockey and graphical instruction for home robots further demonstrates his commitment to intuitive, user-friendly control systems. With over 250 total citations, his research continues to inspire innovations in assistive and entertainment robotics, making him a pivotal figure in shaping how humans and robots collaborate seamlessly.