Ikuo Awai

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About

Ikuo Awai is a pioneering researcher in wireless power transfer (WPT), with a particular focus on powering autonomous underwater and robotic systems. His work addresses the critical challenge of delivering energy to moving, untethered devices—such as ornamental robot fish and articulated arm robots—without physical connectors. Awai’s major contributions include designing coupled resonator WPT systems that overcome dielectric interference in underwater environments, where frequency shifts and power loss are common obstacles. He also developed a contactless power transfer module for robotic joints using electric coupling through rotating disk capacitors, improving efficiency and power factor. His most cited paper, "Wireless power transfer to moving ornamental robot fish in aquarium" (2014, 15 citations), demonstrates a practical application of WPT for aquatic robotics. Notably, Awai framed this work as a precursor to medical devices, such as capsule endoscopes, highlighting the translational potential of his engineering. With over 26 citations across his top papers, Awai’s research is foundational for advancing safe, efficient, and secure wireless energy delivery in dynamic environments—bridging robotics, biomedical engineering, and power electronics.