Koya Narumi

About

Koya Narumi is a leading researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and human-computer interaction, renowned for pioneering printable, planar actuators that transform how we think about shape-changing interfaces and untethered robots. His major contributions center on liquid-to-gas phase change actuation, introducing the "Liquid Pouch Motor" (75 citations) and "Laser Pouch Motor" (39 citations), which enable thin, flexible, and wirelessly controlled soft actuators without bulky tubes or pumps. By integrating inkjet-printed circuits with phase-change materials, Narumi has made electric actuator prototyping simpler and more accessible, as demonstrated in his highly cited 2017 work (52 citations). His research extends to origami-inspired bistable structures for agile, compact robots and inter-connected pouch motors for complex 3D shapes, pushing the boundaries of printable robotics. Notably, his early work on "Phones on Wheels" (2016) explored kinetic smartphone interactions, foreshadowing his sustained focus on merging computation with physical motion. With a growing citation impact and innovations that bridge fabrication, actuation, and control, Narumi is shaping the future of soft, printable, and interactive robotic systems.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Liquid Pouch Motors: Printable Planar Actuators Driven by Liquid-to-Gas Phase Change for Shape-Changing Interfaces

   75 citations · 2020
2. 2
   Electric phase-change actuator with inkjet printed flexible circuit for printable and integrated robot prototyping

   52 citations · 2017
3. 3
   Laser Pouch Motors: Selective and Wireless Activation of Soft Actuators by Laser-Powered Liquid-to-Gas Phase Change

   39 citations · 2020
4. 4
   Printable Origami Bistable Structures for Foldable Jumpers

   10 citations · 2022
5. 5
   Folding Angle Control of Inter-Connected Pouch Motors

   6 citations · 2024
6. 6
   Phones on Wheels

   4 citations · 2016

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links