Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hiroki Kondo is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of biomedical engineering and robotics, best known for his groundbreaking work in plasma oncology and humanoid musical robotics. His most impactful contribution is the discovery that nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma (NEAPP) can selectively induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells while sparing healthy fibroblasts—a finding published in 2012 that has garnered over 314 citations. This work opened new frontiers in targeted cancer therapy, demonstrating a non-thermal plasma’s ability to kill malignant cells through programmed cell death without harming surrounding tissue. Kondo’s research also extends to biomechatronics, where he led the development of the anthropomorphic flutist robot WF-3RII (Waseda Flutist No.3 Refined II), a sophisticated platform that reproduces human respiratory and articulatory functions to study the mechanics of flute playing. While the robotics work has fewer citations, it reflects his interdisciplinary breadth. Kondo’s achievements highlight a rare ability to bridge fundamental plasma physics with clinical oncology and robotics, making him a notable figure in both plasma medicine and humanoid engineering. His work continues to inspire researchers exploring non-invasive cancer treatments and biologically inspired robotics.