Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Masayoshi Kohda is a robotics researcher dedicated to developing practical, accessible assistive technologies and educational tools. His primary research areas include humanoid robotics, inverse pendulum control for wheeled mobility aids, and service robots for healthcare environments. Kohda’s most significant contribution is the design of a robotic wheelchair that uses inverse pendulum control to raise its front wheels, enabling users to climb steps up to 8 cm high without a helper’s assistance—a breakthrough for wheelchair-bound individuals navigating urban obstacles. His work uniquely integrates human emotion and psychological comfort into control design, as seen in studies on rider “flutter” and advance warning systems. Kohda also pioneered a simple, low-cost humanoid biped robot built with a PIC microcomputer, explicitly created as teaching material for university students to fabricate and understand intelligent robotics step-by-step. While his citation counts (e.g., 12 for his educational robot paper, 7 for the wheelchair step-climbing study) reflect a focused, applied impact, his contributions are notable for their direct translation to real-world independence and engineering education.