Masaru Sakuma

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Masaru Sakuma is a leading researcher in the field of civil infrastructure monitoring and autonomous robotic inspection, with a particular focus on extending the service life of aging hard structures. His work addresses a critical global challenge: in developed nations, many bridges and piers have a life expectancy of roughly 50 years, creating an urgent need for efficient, large-scale assessment methods. Sakuma’s major contribution lies in pioneering the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for detailed structural mapping, most notably demonstrated in his highly cited 2016 paper, "Mapping of pier substructure using UAV." This work, which has garnered 7 citations, showcases how autonomous drones can dramatically reduce the manual workload and accelerate the inspection process for substructures like bridge piers. By integrating robotics with civil engineering, Sakuma’s research offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure, helping to prioritize repairs and replacements. His achievements highlight a practical, impactful approach to modernizing infrastructure management, making his work essential reading for students and researchers interested in the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and structural health monitoring.