Hiroki Okubo
Okayama University, Waseda University, National Defence Academy
Papers
7
Total Citations
68
H-Index
4
About
Hiroki Okubo is a pioneering researcher whose work spans two distinct yet impactful domains: robot therapy for elderly dementia care and the mechanical design of jumping robots. In the realm of healthcare robotics, Okubo has been instrumental in demonstrating the quantitative benefits of pet-type robot interactions for elderly individuals with dementia. His seminal 2008 paper on robot therapy as recreation, with 32 citations, established a foundational link between robotic engagement and measurable improvements in cognitive and emotional well-being. Complementing this, his 2006 study on effective intervention methods in nursing homes, cited 10 times, provided practical guidelines for deploying these therapies. On the engineering side, Okubo has made notable contributions to robotic locomotion, particularly through his innovative work on self-energizing spring systems for jumping machines. His 1998 and 1992 papers, each with 10 and 9 citations respectively, introduced designs that enable robots to overcome obstacles using small actuators, a challenge that has long constrained the field. Okubo’s dual focus on compassionate care technology and mechanical ingenuity highlights a unique interdisciplinary approach, making his work a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in robotics for social good and advanced mechanical design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 4Design of Jumping Machine using Springs and Actuators.9 citations · 1992
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- 6Study of a Jumping Machine Using Self-energizing Spring. High Jump.2 citations · 2000
- 7Motion of Wheeled Mobile Robot with a Compliant Mechanism2 citations · 2005