Hiroto Sato
Papers
8
Total Citations
46
H-Index
4
About
Hiroto Sato is a leading researcher in the field of robotic pipeline inspection, specializing in pneumatically driven mobile robots for aging infrastructure. His work focuses on developing compact, efficient mechanisms for navigating and inspecting complex, narrow pipes, addressing critical safety issues in global plumbing and sewage systems. Sato’s major contributions include the invention of a compact pneumatic valve using rotational motion, enabling high flow rates for periodic pipe movement, and a wave propagation-type robot with a linear antagonistic mechanism that enhances traction force with fewer actuators. He also pioneered an antislip anchoring mechanism for low-friction environments, such as oil or sewage pipes, and a residual water removal system to capture clear inspection images. His impact is evidenced by citations across his top papers, with his 2021 valve paper leading at 15 citations. Notably, Sato advanced pipeline-shape measurement using IMU sensors and peristaltic motion, and proposed distributed robot deployment for long-distance inspections. He also applied deep learning to detect rust from pipe images, integrating AI into practical robotics. Sato’s innovative designs and systematic approach to in-pipe mobility and sensing make him a key figure in infrastructure robotics, offering solutions for safe, autonomous pipe maintenance.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 4Detection of Rust from Images in Pipes Using Deep Learning4 citations · 2021
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