Minoru Takagi
Papers
2
Total Citations
28
H-Index
2
About
Minoru Takagi is a pioneer in soft-matter robotics, specializing in bio-inspired locomotion and active material control. His research centers on the design and modeling of soft robots that mimic biological movement, with a particular focus on inchworm-inspired systems. Takagi’s major contribution lies in the innovative use of double-network hydrogels (DN gels) to achieve dynamic friction control on robotic feet—a breakthrough that enables soft robots to adapt their grip and slide in real time during locomotion. His most-cited work, “Development of soft inchworm robot with friction control of feet using double-network gel” (2022, 17 citations), demonstrates a novel inchworm robot whose feet actively modulate friction via DN gel, allowing for efficient, adaptive crawling. Building on this, his 2019 study “Sliding Walk With Friction Control of Double-Network Gel on Feet of Inchworm Robot” (11 citations) further explores how soft materials can overcome the limitations of rigid-body dynamics, enabling robots to traverse complex, unstructured environments. Takagi’s research is foundational for advancing soft robotics toward real-world applications in search-and-rescue, medical devices, and exploration, where flexibility and adaptability are paramount.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2