Maki Nakahara
Papers
1
Total Citations
16
H-Index
1
About
Maki Nakahara is a pioneering researcher in the field of soft robotics and advanced materials, with a primary focus on the development of high-performance polyurethane-based tactile sensors. Her most cited work, "Relationship between Photoelasticity of Polyurethane and Dielectric Anisotropy of Diisocyanate, and Application of High-Photoelasticity Polyurethane to Tactile Sensor for Robot Hands" (2020, 16 citations), represents a significant breakthrough in understanding the molecular origins of photoelasticity. By synthesizing eight types of polyurethane from seven different diisocyanates, Nakahara demonstrated that the elasto-optical constant is directly governed by the concentration of diisocyanate groups per unit volume and the dielectric anisotropy of these groups. This fundamental insight enabled her to engineer polyurethanes with exceptionally high photoelasticity, which she then applied to create innovative tactile sensors for robot hands—a critical advancement for improving robotic dexterity and human-robot interaction. Her work bridges materials chemistry and robotics, offering a principled design strategy for next-generation soft sensors. With growing recognition, Nakahara’s research continues to inspire new approaches in haptic sensing and smart materials.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1