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About

Masamichi Sakaguchi’s research career bridges two seemingly distinct worlds: the precision mechanics of industrial robotics and the perceptual frontiers of human-robot interaction. His foundational work centers on vibration suppression and precise position control of robot arms using homogeneous-type electrorheological (ER) fluids—smart materials that change viscosity in an electric field. By integrating variable ER dampers into robotic drive systems, Sakaguchi demonstrated how to dramatically reduce torsional vibrations caused by harmonic drive elasticity, enabling faster, more accurate motion control. His papers on this topic, including his most-cited work from 2000 (53 citations), remain essential references for engineers tackling resonance in flexible-joint robots. Sakaguchi also pioneered the application of ER actuators in rehabilitation training systems and force-feedback displays, merging robotics with virtual reality to create quantitative, engaging therapy tools. In a striking departure, he contributed to cognitive neuroscience with the “Robotically Enhanced Rubber Hand Illusion” (2014, 35 citations), using robotic stroking to deepen the classic multisensory illusion of body ownership. This work opened new avenues for studying embodiment and prosthetic integration. With over 230 citations across his portfolio, Sakaguchi’s legacy lies in his ability to turn a single smart material—the ER fluid—into a versatile tool for both industrial precision and human-centered robotics.