Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Michitaka Hirose is a pioneering researcher in virtual reality (VR), human-computer interaction, and telepresence, with a career spanning from foundational haptics to cutting-edge social robotics. His most influential contribution is the concept of **virtual co-embodiment**, introduced in a 2020 paper (104 citations), which allows two individuals to share control of a single virtual avatar, fundamentally rethinking agency and collaboration in immersive environments. Earlier, his 1995 work on force feedback in VR (38 citations) helped establish the importance of haptic sensation for realistic object manipulation, a cornerstone of modern VR systems. Hirose has also applied his expertise to socially impactful domains, including telepresence robots for senior communities (2017) and augmented communication platforms to support aging workforces (2016). His innovative systems like **Transgazer** (2017) explore gaze direction in one-to-many robot communication, while **TeleParallax** (2021) tackles motion blur in stereoscopic telepresence. Across his career, Hirose’s work bridges technical VR breakthroughs with human-centered design, demonstrating how shared virtual bodies and robotic avatars can enhance remote collaboration, empathy, and accessibility. His research continues to shape how we interact with digital and robotic agents, making him a key figure in the evolution of immersive and assistive technologies.