Ken‐ichi Nakahara
Papers
3
Total Citations
166
H-Index
3
About
Ken-ichi Nakahara is pioneering the next generation of soft robotics through innovative phase-change actuation. His research centers on developing printable, untethered soft actuators that overcome the limitations of conventional pneumatic systems. Nakahara’s major contributions include the invention of **Liquid Pouch Motors**, a family of planar actuators driven by liquid-to-gas phase change, which enable shape-changing interfaces without bulky tubes or pumps. His work on **electric phase-change actuators** integrates inkjet-printed flexible circuits directly into robot bodies, simplifying prototyping and enabling fully printable robotic systems. Additionally, his **Laser Pouch Motors** achieve selective, wireless activation of multiple soft actuators using laser power, a breakthrough for untethered control in dynamic environments. With his most-cited papers garnering 75, 52, and 39 citations respectively, Nakahara’s research has significantly impacted the fields of soft robotics, printable electronics, and human-machine interfaces. His achievements demonstrate a clear trajectory toward scalable, integrated, and wirelessly controlled soft robotic systems, making him a key figure in advancing practical, deployable soft robotics for real-world applications.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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