Katsumi HAMA

Future University Hakodate, National Institute of Technology, Hakodate College

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Katsumi Hama is a robotics researcher focused on disaster response and evacuation support systems. His work centers on developing robotic platforms and autonomous systems that can navigate complex, hazardous environments to aid in rescue operations. A key contribution is his design of a rescue robot that combines multi-leg locomotion with omni-directional wheels, allowing it to traverse both irregular surfaces—such as the interior of a collapsed building—and flat roads. This hybrid mobility addresses a critical gap in disaster robotics, where a single mechanism often fails in varied terrain. Hama’s research also extends to aerial systems, as seen in his work on an evacuation support system that uses cooperative drones. This system dynamically updates evacuation routes in real-time during disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, where pre-determined paths may become blocked. While his citation counts are modest (4 and 2 citations for his most-cited papers), his contributions are practically significant, targeting real-world challenges in Japan’s disaster-prone landscape. Hama’s work exemplifies applied robotics, bridging mechanical design and autonomous coordination to enhance safety and efficiency in emergency scenarios.