Makoto Itami

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Makoto Itami is a robotics researcher whose work focuses on assistive mobility and infrastructure inspection. His key research areas include robotic wheelchair systems and aerial robotics for civil engineering applications. Itami’s major contribution lies in developing a “followed type” wheelchair that autonomously tracks a preceding wheelchair, enhancing safety, convenience, and reducing user operation load—a critical innovation for elderly or disabled populations requiring coordinated transport. His most-cited paper (2012, 4 citations) establishes the foundational control system for this following stability, addressing real-world challenges in human-robot interaction. Additionally, Itami has advanced bridge inspection robotics, proposing a flying robot designed to navigate complex structures without contact—a vital solution for Japan’s 700,000 bridges requiring biennial inspections. His 2014 work (2 citations) implements collision-avoidance control for aerial platforms, targeting the national need for efficient, expert-reducing inspection methods. Though his citation counts are modest, Itami’s research addresses pressing societal needs: aging populations and deteriorating infrastructure. His work exemplifies how robotics can directly improve quality of life and public safety, making him a thoughtful contributor to assistive and field robotics.