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About

Ken Tomiyama is a pioneering roboticist whose research bridges the technical engineering of humanoid robots with the nuanced, affective dimensions of human-robot interaction. His foundational work includes the design and construction of compact humanoid robots and the development of biped walk control strategies, a contribution that has garnered 82 citations and established a cornerstone for subsequent locomotion research. Tomiyama is perhaps best known for his innovative exploration of *KANSEI*—the Japanese concept encompassing emotion, feeling, and affective behavior—in robotics. He proposed the "Virtual KANSEI" engine, using Hidden Markov Models to generate human-like emotional transitions, and developed a "Surprise Generator" based on human surprise characteristics, aiming to make caregiver support robots more empathetic and effective in welfare settings. Beyond emotional modeling, Tomiyama has investigated the aesthetic and social impact of robot motion, notably studying the "Kawaii-ness" (cuteness) in the movement of robots like the Roomba. His commitment to education is evident in his development of the "f-palette" educational microcomputer kit and hands-on robotics instruction programs designed to foster creativity and practical skills in students at the Chiba Institute of Technology. Through this blend of technical rigor and human-centered design, Tomiyama has shaped both the hardware and the heart of modern robotics.