Masahito Sano

About

Masahito Sano is a pioneering roboticist whose work focuses on developing assistive robots for aging societies, particularly in Japan. His key research areas include human-robot interaction, robotic transportation systems, and service robotics for daily living support. Sano’s most significant contribution is the development of a robotic transportation system for shopping assistance, which integrates environmental cameras with mobile robots—including a guidance robot and a cart robot—to provide seamless, autonomous support for customers. This work has garnered 20 citations and represents a practical solution for enhancing independence in elderly populations. He also created the guide dog robot Harunobu-5, which employs a mission planner and digital map to follow individuals, earning 13 citations for its innovative approach to mobility assistance. Additionally, Sano advanced interface robotics by incorporating RT middleware and RSNP network protocols, enabling reception services in elderly care facilities. His research emphasizes field trials to validate robot functionality in real-world settings, reflecting a commitment to user-centered design. With a career spanning over a decade, Sano’s contributions have laid foundational work for service robots that address societal challenges, making him a notable figure in assistive robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Development of robotic transportation system - Shopping support system collaborating with environmental cameras and mobile robots -

   20 citations · 2010
2. 2
   A guide dog robot Harunobu-5-following a person

   13 citations · 2002
3. 3
   Enhancement of interface robot using RT middleware and RSNP network protocol

   6 citations · 2015
4. 4
   Robotic transportation system for shopping support services

   4 citations · 2009
5. 5
   Response control of a communication robot depends on the position and velocity of the person

   2 citations · 2013

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links