Hiroyuki Aihara

About

Hiroyuki Aihara is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of therapeutic endoscopy and surgical robotics, with a focus on advancing minimally invasive techniques for colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. His work centers on endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), robotic-assisted endoscopy, and the development of smart instrumentation to improve procedural safety and efficacy. Aihara's most influential contribution — a randomized pilot study comparing robot-assisted ESD to conventional ESD (92 citations) — demonstrated the transformative potential of robotics in democratizing complex endoscopic procedures, even for clinicians without prior ESD experience. This landmark work helped establish robotic endoscopy as a credible clinical frontier. Complementing this, his development of a novel clip-band traction device and snap-on robotic wrist modules reflects a pragmatic approach to enhancing existing endoscopic tools rather than replacing them entirely. More recently, Aihara has championed next-generation sensory technologies, including soft robotic colonoscopy sleeves, haptic feedback gloves, and bleeding detection sensors, collectively accumulating nearly 80 citations and addressing long-standing gaps in procedural feedback. His 2022 forward-looking review on AI, 3D imaging, and NOTES further cements his role as a thought leader shaping the future of endoluminal surgery. His body of work represents a comprehensive vision for safer, smarter gastrointestinal care.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Robot-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection versus conventional ESD for colorectal lesions: outcomes of a randomized pilot study in endoscopists without prior ESD experience (with video)

   92 citations · 2019
2. 2
   A Soft Robotic Sleeve for Safer Colonoscopy Procedures

   41 citations · 2021
3. 3
   Robotic-assisted surgical endoscopy: a new era for endoluminal therapies

   29 citations · 2019
4. 4
   A novel clip-band traction device to facilitate colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection and defect closure

   28 citations · 2020
5. 5
   Snap-on robotic wrist module for enhanced dexterity in endoscopic surgery

   19 citations · 2016
6. 6
   A Soft Robotic Haptic Feedback Glove for Colonoscopy Procedures

   18 citations · 2022
7. 7
   Future Directions for Robotic Endoscopy–Artificial Intelligence (AI), Three-Dimensional (3D) Imaging, and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)

   8 citations · 2022
8. 8
   A Soft Sensor for Bleeding Detection in Colonoscopies

   7 citations · 2022
9. 9
   A soft robotic “Add-on” for colonoscopy: increasing safety and comfort through force monitoring

   5 citations · 2025
10. 10
    Distal Proprioceptive Sensor for Motion Feedback in Endoscope-Based Modular Robotic Systems

    5 citations · 2017

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links