Kunihiko Nakamura
Papers
1
Total Citations
103
H-Index
1
About
Kunihiko Nakamura is a leading researcher in soft robotics and wearable technologies, with a particular focus on the development of novel fibre-based actuators. His most significant contribution is the invention of a power-efficient, low-temperature woven coiled fibre actuator, which leverages highly drawn linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) to achieve large strains and high specific power. This breakthrough, detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper (103 citations), directly addresses critical challenges in creating safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient wearable devices. By enabling actuation at lower temperatures with reduced power consumption, Nakamura’s work has opened new pathways for integrating robotic assistance directly into clothing, with profound implications for rehabilitation, assistive exoskeletons, and human augmentation. His research elegantly bridges materials science and mechanical engineering, demonstrating how fundamental polymer physics can be harnessed for practical, human-centered applications. Nakamura’s achievements have established him as a key innovator in the field, and his actuator designs continue to inspire a new generation of soft, wearable robotic systems.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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