Kazunari Yoshida

About

Kazunari Yoshida is a pioneering researcher in soft-matter robotics, specializing in the design and fabrication of bio-inspired robots using advanced hydrogel materials. His work centers on developing soft actuators and locomotion systems that mimic natural organisms, addressing critical needs in hazardous environment exploration, healthcare, and oceanography. Yoshida’s major contributions include the creation of the first fully 3D-printed hydrogel actuator for jellyfish-inspired soft robots (62 citations), which demonstrated the feasibility of complex, all-gel structures for underwater propulsion. He also advanced inchworm robot locomotion by introducing active friction control using double-network (DN) gel on robot feet (17 and 11 citations), enabling adaptive movement across varied surfaces. His research on 3D printing for gel robotics (4 citations) and the development of a 32-joint robot hand using shape memory gel (2 citations) further showcase his innovative approach to soft robot design. Yoshida is an active member of the Soft-Matter Robotics Consortium (SOFUMO) at Yamagata University, where he continues to push the boundaries of what soft materials can achieve in robotics, making him a key figure in the emerging field of gel-based robotic systems.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Fully 3D-Printed Hydrogel Actuator for Jellyfish Soft Robots

   62 citations · 2021
2. 2
   Development of soft inchworm robot with friction control of feet using double-network gel

   17 citations · 2022
3. 3
   Sliding Walk With Friction Control of Double-Network Gel on Feet of Inchworm Robot

   11 citations · 2019
4. 4
   3D printing for gel robotics

   4 citations · 2018
5. 5
   Prototype of 32-Joint Robot Hand Using Shape Memory Gel and Tendon-Driven Mechanism

   2 citations · 2021

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links