Masamitsu Watari
Nagoya Institute of Technology, Fukushima National College of Technology
Papers
7
Total Citations
114
H-Index
6
About
Masamitsu Watari is a robotics researcher whose work centers on bio-inspired locomotion and the development of novel elastic mechanisms for generating dynamic, creature-like movements in compact autonomous robots. His most significant contribution is the invention and systematic development of the **robotic catapult based on the closed elastica** — a bent elastic strip fixed at two rotational joints that harnesses snap-through buckling to produce powerful impulsive motions. This elegant mechanism mimics the explosive movements found in biological organisms and has proven remarkably versatile across multiple robotic applications. Watari's research has progressively refined this foundational concept, introducing asymmetric configurations to enable directional jumping, high-stiffness endpoint variants for aquatic propulsion in swimming robots, and anisotropic stiffness designs to achieve compact continuous jumping. His most-cited work from 2007 has accumulated 38 citations, with follow-up studies collectively demonstrating sustained interest from the robotics community. Across his publication record, his papers have garnered over 110 citations, reflecting meaningful influence within the field of mechanical and biomimetic robotics. His work stands as a compelling example of how insights drawn from elastic mechanics and biological locomotion can be translated into practical, miniaturized robotic systems with real-world task capabilities.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Asymmetric Robotic Catapults based on the Closed Elastica for Jumping Robot13 citations · 2008
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- 5A Jumping Robot based on the Closed Elastica8 citations · 2007
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