Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Junji Sone is at the forefront of human-robot interaction and tactile sensing, pioneering technologies that bridge the gap between machines and human sensory experience. His core research focuses on developing miniaturized tactile sensation devices using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), with a particular emphasis on haptic feedback for robotic fingers. Sone’s major contributions include the creation of a MEMS-based tactile sensation device integrated into haptic robots, enabling more nuanced and realistic touch interactions. His work on piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) with amplified interfaces further advances compact, high-resolution tactile feedback systems. Beyond hardware, Sone explores the psychological dimensions of robotics, investigating how robot eye color influences academic emotions in lecture settings—a novel contribution to socially adaptive robotics. With over 14 citations across his most influential papers, Sone’s research is gaining traction in both engineering and human-robot interaction communities. His interdisciplinary approach, combining tactile engineering with affective computing, positions him as a rising innovator in creating robots that not only sense but also respond to human emotional and physical cues.