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About

Kenji Kanemasu is a robotics engineer specializing in the tribology and mechanical design of lightweight, durable joint systems for humanoid robots. His research focuses on the wear behavior and transmission performance of polymer-based components, particularly poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) bushes, in high-torque robot joints. Kanemasu’s major contributions include systematic investigations of how wear and thermal deformation affect machined PEEK bushes sliding against titanium crankshafts and 7075 aluminum alloy cam plates, providing critical data for optimizing joint longevity and precision. His work on transmission error and backlash measurement under varying loads has directly informed the design of compact, resilient joints for tall bipedal robots. With a cumulative citation count of 29 across his most-cited papers, Kanemasu’s studies are foundational for researchers developing polymer-based transmission parts. Notably, he was part of the CIT Brains team that won the Best Humanoid Award at RoboCup 2014, demonstrating the real-world application of his joint design principles in award-winning robotics. His research bridges materials science and mechanical engineering, offering practical solutions for reducing weight and improving reliability in humanoid locomotion systems.