Koki Tanaka

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Koki Tanaka is a robotics researcher whose work bridges soft robotics, adhesive technologies, and space applications. His primary research areas include soft robotic actuation, bio-inspired adhesives, and robotic grippers for extreme environments. Tanaka’s major contributions include pioneering a cable-driven jamming mechanism for boundary-constrained soft robots, enabling these compliant machines to achieve greater force and precision—a critical advancement for adaptive tasks in uncertain environments. His work on microstructured adhesives, inspired by gecko feet, has led to the development of self-cleaning robotic grippers that use ultrasonic and electrostatic techniques to maintain adhesion in dusty conditions. Notably, Tanaka co-designed a gecko-like/electrostatic gripper for free-flying perching robots, successfully tested in microgravity aboard the International Space Station as part of the Astrobee platform. With his most-cited papers accumulating over 35 citations, Tanaka’s research is shaping the future of robotic manipulation in challenging settings, from industrial automation to orbital servicing. His innovative integration of soft robotics and adhesive systems promises to expand the capabilities of robots in both terrestrial and space environments.