Hiroki AKAI
Papers
6
Total Citations
43
H-Index
4
About
Hiroki Akai is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics, specializing in the development of haptic devices for upper limb motor recovery after stroke. His major contribution is the creation of the "Hybrid-PLEMO" system, an innovative active/passive force-feedback platform that uniquely combines actuator-based assistance with brake-based safety. This quasi-3DOF device was designed to quantify and train synergy movements—the abnormal muscle co-contractions common in stroke patients. Akai’s work directly addresses a critical gap in the field: most rehabilitation robots offered only 2DOF active motion, limiting their ability to train complex, multi-joint movements. His most-cited paper (13 citations) details initial clinical tests using the PLEMO system with a sensor grip device to assess these synergy patterns, demonstrating the system’s practical utility in a clinical setting. By integrating active assistive forces with passive, brake-controlled resistance, Akai’s Hybrid-PLEMO prioritizes both therapeutic efficacy and patient safety—a key concern in robot-mediated therapy. His research has laid foundational groundwork for safer, more effective neurorehabilitation technologies, influencing subsequent designs of haptic interfaces for stroke recovery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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