Masahiro Ikeda

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Masahiro Ikeda is a robotics researcher whose work sits at the intersection of bio-inspired design, soft robotics, and underactuated mechanisms. He is best known for developing the **Robostrich Arm** (2022), a wire-driven, high-degree-of-freedom manipulator modeled after the flexible neck of an ostrich. This innovative design allows the robot to perform delicate tasks—such as picking up small feed from the ground—by colliding with and conforming to objects, rather than requiring precise pre-grasp planning. The arm’s 18 serial rigid bodies connected by free rotational joints demonstrate a novel approach to underactuated manipulation, achieving remarkable dexterity with minimal control complexity. Ikeda has also contributed to soft robotics fabrication, proposing a new manufacturing method for passive elastic joints using silicone molds (2022). His work addresses the practical challenges of molding soft robots, offering a more accessible and adjustable process for creating compliant structures. With his most-cited paper accumulating 13 citations, Ikeda’s research is gaining traction for its potential to simplify and expand the capabilities of robotic manipulators, particularly in unstructured environments. His bio-inspired and fabrication-focused contributions are paving the way for more adaptable, resilient, and manufacturable robotic systems.