Yuki Funabora
Papers
19
Total Citations
188
H-Index
6
About
Yuki Funabora is a robotics researcher whose work spans soft robotics, wearable assistive devices, haptic systems, and human-robot interaction. Based at the intersection of biomechanics and engineering, Funabora has made significant contributions to the design and control of flexible, biologically inspired robotic systems. Their landmark work, the Funabot-Sleeve — a wearable haptic device utilizing McKibben artificial muscles — has already garnered 37 citations since 2025, demonstrating rapid recognition within the field. Funabora's research into peristaltic and inchworm-inspired soft robots, with 36 and 21 citations respectively, reflects a sustained commitment to nature-inspired locomotion and transport mechanisms. A particularly innovative contribution involves modeling fabric-type actuators using deep learning and point clouds, earning 31 citations and addressing the longstanding challenge of capturing nonlinear, viscoelastic behavior in flexible materials. Earlier work on pressure-distribution-based impedance control for wearable power-assist robots laid important groundwork for safer human-robot physical interaction. More recently, Funabora has expanded into underwater robotics with a crab-inspired robot employing dielectric elastomer actuators. Collectively, their research demonstrates a cohesive vision: creating adaptive, safe, and biologically informed robotic systems that meaningfully enhance human capability and autonomy.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2Controlling a peristaltic robot inspired by inchworms36 citations · 2024
- 3Modeling Fabric-Type Actuator Using Point Clouds by Deep Learning31 citations · 2022
- 4Peristaltic transporting device inspired by large intestine structure21 citations · 2023
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