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About

Koji Ono is a pioneering researcher in aerial robotics and soft actuation, whose work bridges the gap between autonomous flight and physical interaction with the environment. His primary research areas include aerial manipulation, multi-robot docking systems, and advanced dielectric elastomer actuators. Ono’s most influential contribution is the development of a multirotor platform equipped with a three-axis vertical articulated robotic arm, enabling precise manipulation tasks at altitude—a breakthrough for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. His work on airborne docking, where two multi-rotor UAVs cooperate via a winch mechanism for transport and mobile manipulation, has garnered 32 citations and demonstrates a novel approach to collaborative aerial systems. In soft robotics, Ono contributed to the challenge of creating high-performance dielectric elastomers, achieving rapid, high-output actuation (lifting 4 kg at 97 m/sec with under 1 g of material). Earlier in his career, he explored intelligent robot systems integrating models of knowledge, emotion, and intention for welfare support, reflecting a long-standing commitment to human-friendly robotics. With over 87 citations across his key works, Ono’s research continues to inspire advances in aerial robotics and soft actuation for real-world applications.