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About

Masashi Yamaguchi is a pioneering researcher whose work spans the frontiers of laser propulsion and human-robot interaction. His most significant contributions lie in the development of laser-driven vehicles, where he has explored both fundamental mechanisms and practical applications. In his highly cited 2002 and 2003 papers, Yamaguchi experimentally demonstrated laser-supported propulsion of a micro-airplane using a water-covered ablator, and introduced a repetitive overlay structure with a specially-designed water supply. To optimize performance, he employed a CIP-based hydrodynamic code to investigate various transparent overlays, achieving a total of 35 citations for these foundational studies. Beyond aerospace, Yamaguchi has also made notable advances in robotics, proposing a multimodal gesture recognition method for mascot robot systems. His 2011 work fuses camera and 3D accelerometer data using the Choquet integral, optimizing fuzzy measures to achieve robust recognition. This interdisciplinary approach—bridging high-energy laser physics with intelligent robotic systems—showcases Yamaguchi’s versatility and impact. His research continues to inspire innovations in both space propulsion and interactive robotics, making him a distinctive figure in applied physics and engineering.