Koki Yamaguchi

Waseda University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Koki Yamaguchi is a leading figure in the field of disaster robotics, specializing in the design and control of highly versatile, four-limbed robots. His most impactful work centers on the WAREC-1 platform, a groundbreaking robot engineered to navigate the most challenging and unpredictable environments found at disaster sites. This robot’s key innovation is its ability to seamlessly transition between diverse locomotion styles—including walking, crawling, and climbing vertical ladders—a feat that is critical for real-world search and rescue operations. The foundational paper on WAREC-1, published in 2017, has garnered 44 citations, underscoring its influence in the field. Yamaguchi’s contributions extend to the development of specialized end-effectors, such as a combined hook-and-finger design, which enables the robot to both move and perform simple tasks like grasping objects. Earlier in his career, he also advanced the understanding of bipedal walking control, proposing a PD control method for underactuated compass-type robots that eliminates the need for complex gait planning. Through his work, Yamaguchi is pushing the boundaries of what legged robots can achieve in the most hazardous conditions.