Akihiko Hanafusa

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Polytechnic University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Akihiko Hanafusa is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics, with a focus on developing assistive technologies that restore independence and dignity to individuals with severe motor impairments. His primary research areas include self-aided manipulator systems for bed-ridden patients and hand exoskeleton control for stroke survivors. Hanafusa’s major contribution lies in designing robotic systems that generate natural, psychologically comfortable motion—a critical factor often overlooked in assistive devices. His 2009 study on a self-aided manipulator system (8 citations) pioneered motion generation algorithms that minimize patient discomfort, evaluating the psychological impact of approach motions. More recently, his 2021 work on a hand exoskeleton (3 citations) advanced intention-based control, enabling stroke patients to regain hand function for activities of daily living. Though his citation counts are modest, Hanafusa’s work is notable for its human-centered design philosophy, bridging engineering and patient psychology. His research has practical implications for improving quality of life in rehabilitation settings, and his approach motion generation method remains a reference for developers of bedside assistive robots.