Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hayato Hoshino is a pioneering researcher in the field of human-robot physical interaction, with a career dedicated to making robots safe and responsive in human environments. His core research focuses on **Physical Interference (PIF)**—a concept he comprehensively defined as the tactile contacts and collisions that occur when robots and humans physically share space. Hoshino’s major contributions lie in developing the hardware and control systems that allow robots to adapt to these interactions. He designed **force-detectable surface covers** for humanoid robots, integrating force-torque and touch sensors to create a whole-body haptic interface. This work enables robots to not only sense contact but also to compliantly follow human forces while still fulfilling given tasks. His most cited paper (38 citations) introduces the foundational PIF-adapting hardware system using the MIA arm, while his 2002 work on force-detectable surface covers (28 citations) provides the sensor architecture for natural physical interaction. Hoshino’s research is foundational for the development of **human symbiotic robots**—machines designed to work alongside people in homes and workplaces, where safe, intuitive physical cooperation is essential.