Humihiko Kanazawa

National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Humihiko Kanazawa is a pioneering figure in construction robotics, best known for his foundational work on autonomous hydraulic excavators. His key research areas span intelligent construction machinery, human-robot collaboration in civil engineering, and the automation of heavy equipment for hazardous environments. Kanazawa’s most cited paper, “Basic Technology toward Autonomous Hydraulic Excavator” (2009, 23 citations), laid critical groundwork for transforming dangerous and unpleasant construction tasks into safer, more efficient processes. This work addresses the industry’s slow adoption of information technology by proposing core technologies for autonomous excavation, including sensing, planning, and control systems. While his citation count reflects a niche but impactful field, Kanazawa’s contributions are notable for their practical implications: he directly tackles the urgent need to enhance worker safety and improve the general working environment in civil engineering. His research has influenced subsequent developments in construction automation, earning him recognition as a key innovator in making heavy machinery smarter and more responsive to human operators. For students and researchers, Kanazawa’s work exemplifies how targeted engineering solutions can address real-world industrial challenges, bridging the gap between robotics theory and on-site construction practice.