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About

Mami Tanaka is a pioneer in the field of tactile sensing and haptic engineering, with a career dedicated to bridging the gap between artificial sensor systems and human tactile perception. Her research focuses on developing sensor technologies that can collect, measure, and evaluate tactile information, with significant applications in robotics, material science, and human-machine interaction. Tanaka’s most influential work, "Development of a sensor system for collecting tactile information" (2006), has garnered 28 citations, establishing a foundational framework for active tactile sensing using PVDF films. Her 2007 study on measuring tactile sensation through paired comparison and factor analysis further advanced the quantification of fabric feel, while her 2002 work on a two-finger active sensing system demonstrated how artificial systems can replicate human touch for material discrimination. Though her citation counts are modest, Tanaka’s contributions are notable for their interdisciplinary impact, merging engineering, psychophysics, and materials science. Her achievements include pioneering the use of piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects in tactile sensors, offering a pathway to more nuanced robotic touch. For students and researchers, Tanaka’s work underscores the importance of systematic sensor design in unlocking the complexities of tactile perception.