Masatsugu Kidode

About

Masatsugu Kidode has made pioneering contributions at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on enabling robots to operate intelligently in unstructured, human-centered environments. His most influential work addresses the formidable challenge of teaching anthropomorphic robots to manipulate non-rigid materials—such as clothing and bandages—using reinforcement learning frameworks. His landmark 2013 paper on learning motor skills for wearing a T-shirt via topology coordinates (42 citations) and its companion 2011 study (9 citations) established novel quantitative methods for tasks that require delicate, adaptive physical interaction. In the domain of robot navigation, Kidode developed intuitive systems that allow robots to interpret sketch floor maps (32 citations) and navigate via human eye pointing (10 citations), significantly lowering the barrier for non-expert users. He also advanced the concept of “familiar behaviors” in robotic interfaces, blending practicality with social intelligence to create home robots that feel approachable (14 citations). His technical breadth extends to 3D vision hardware and high-speed image processing, exemplified by his early work on the TOSPIX processor for industrial inspection (1983). Through these contributions, Kidode has helped shape a vision of robotics that is both technically robust and socially attuned.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Reinforcement learning of a motor skill for wearing a T-shirt using topology coordinates

   42 citations · 2013
2. 2
   Robot navigation in corridor environments using a sketch floor map

   32 citations · 2004
3. 3
   Familiar Behaviors Evaluation for a Robotic Interface of Practicality and Familiarity

   14 citations · 2005
4. 4
   Robot Navigation by Eye Pointing

   10 citations · 2005
5. 5
   Learning motor skills with non-rigid materials by reinforcement learning

   9 citations · 2011
6. 6
   Topological Map Generation from Simplified Map for Mobile Robot Navigation

   8 citations · 2002
7. 7
   Human-Robot Interaction in the Home Ubiquitous Network Environment

   6 citations · 2007
8. 8
   Behavior fusion in a robotic interface for practicality and familiarity - approach by simultaneous imitations

   6 citations · 2005
9. 9
   Three-dimensional vision techniques for an advanced robot system

   5 citations · 2005
10. 10
    Robot vision implementation by high-speed image processor TOSPIX: Battery inspection

    4 citations · 1983

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links