Masataka Okubo
Papers
2
Total Citations
10
H-Index
2
About
Masataka Okubo investigates the intersection of human-robot interaction and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on how physically embodied robots influence human perception and brain activity. His work centers on two key areas: the neural impact of humanoid communication on older adults, and the psychological mechanisms of body ownership and agency in android robots. In his 2018 study, Okubo demonstrated that face-to-face communication with a humanoid robot elicits frontal brain activity in older adults comparable to in-person human interaction, suggesting that physically embodied robots could serve as effective social partners for aging populations. His 2017 body-swapping experiment extended classic Rubber Hand Illusion paradigms to full-body android robots, revealing critical insights into how the brain integrates a sense of agency and ownership toward artificial bodies. Though his most-cited works currently hold 5 citations each, these foundational studies are gaining recognition for their innovative experimental designs and implications for assistive robotics and cognitive science. Okubo’s research bridges engineering and psychology, offering practical pathways for using humanoid robots in elder care and advancing our understanding of embodied cognition.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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