Manabu Okui
Papers
24
Total Citations
201
H-Index
9
About
Manabu Okui is a robotics researcher whose work spans soft robotics, human-robot interaction, and autonomous exploration systems. He is best known for pioneering variable viscoelastic joint systems that combine antagonized artificial muscles with magneto-rheological fluid brakes, enabling robotic exoskeletons and handshake manipulators to mimic the natural compliance of human joints — work that has collectively garnered over 45 citations and represents a significant advance in safe physical human-robot interaction. Okui's contributions extend well beyond wearable robotics. His investigations into pneumatic artificial muscles, including straight-fiber-type actuators and dielectric elastomer actuators, have strengthened the mechanical foundations of soft robotics, while his novel approach to prolonging rubber fatigue life through strain-induced crystallization addresses a critical durability challenge in the field. He has also made notable contributions to autonomous exploration, developing seabed drilling robots capable of deep soil excavation and earthworm-inspired lunar excavation systems for subsurface investigation. In pipeline robotics, Okui has advanced both inspection and navigation capabilities, designing in-pipe robots with active propulsion mechanisms and compact pneumatic valves, alongside IMU-based pipeline mapping methods. Across these diverse domains, his research consistently bridges materials science, mechanical design, and applied robotics, making him a versatile and impactful figure in next-generation robotic systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Variable viscoelastic joint system and its application to exoskeleton28 citations · 2017
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- 5Straight-Fiber-Type Artificial Muscle Deformation Under Pressurization16 citations · 2019
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