Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Koji Shimatani is a researcher whose work sits at the compelling intersection of rehabilitation engineering, biomechanics, and assistive robotics. His research focuses on two primary areas: optimizing orthotic devices for improved gait function and developing intelligent robotic systems for upper-limb rehabilitation. In his most-cited work (7 citations), Shimatani investigated how ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness influences muscle force during walking, combining mechanical testing with gait simulation to generate clinically meaningful insights that could guide individualized AFO prescription — an area where evidence has historically been limited. Complementing this, his more recent research has advanced hybrid rehabilitation systems that leverage electromyography (EMG) signals to estimate and support upper-limb motion, offering promising technological pathways for patients recovering from paralysis. His 2023 and 2024 studies extend this framework by examining motor learning effects, demonstrating a commitment to understanding not just whether robotic assistance works, but how it reshapes neuromotor recovery over time. Though his citation profile reflects an early-to-mid career trajectory, Shimatani's integrated approach — bridging mechanical analysis, signal processing, and clinical rehabilitation — positions him as an emerging contributor to the field of rehabilitation science and biomedical engineering.