Masaki Niwa

Doshisha University, Fukui University of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Masaki Niwa’s research bridges robotics, precision manufacturing, and ecological psychology, with a focus on developing intelligent, environmentally conscious systems. His most cited work, “Influence of Polishing and Pressing Force on the Material Removal Rate in Fixed Abrasive Polishing with Compact Robot” (2012, 5 citations), addresses the environmental impact of abrasive polishing by integrating a compact, five-joint closed-link robot with fixed-abrasive diamond stones. By systematically measuring polishing pressure and material removal rates, Niwa demonstrated how robotic precision can reduce waste and improve efficiency in glass plate finishing—a contribution with clear implications for sustainable industrial automation. Earlier, in “A perceptual system for vision-based evolutionary robotics” (2003, 3 citations), Niwa explored how mobile robots can extract perceptual information through the lens of ecological psychology, emphasizing the perceiving-acting cycle. This work laid groundwork for robots that adaptively interact with their environments using minimal computational resources. Though his citation counts are modest, Niwa’s interdisciplinary approach—combining mechanical design, control theory, and cognitive principles—offers a unique perspective on robotics. His research is particularly valuable for students interested in eco-friendly manufacturing and bio-inspired robotic perception, showcasing how even small-scale studies can inform broader engineering challenges.