Minoru Yokoyama

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About

Minoru Yokoyama is a robotics researcher focused on advancing the control systems that enable safe and adaptive human-robot interaction. His primary research areas include position/force control for multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) robotic systems and the development of smart actuating systems for service robots. In his highly cited 2020 paper, Yokoyama introduced a novel algorithm for simultaneous position and force control, allowing robots to seamlessly transition between free motion and constrained contact with their environment—a critical capability for tasks requiring both precision and compliance. This work has garnered 9 citations, establishing a foundation for more adaptable robotic manipulation. Building on this, his 2023 paper (6 citations) addresses the growing demands on service robots in everyday settings, proposing actuation systems with variable stiffness to ensure safe, gentle interaction with humans. By moving away from the rigid control paradigms of industrial robotics, Yokoyama’s contributions are shaping the next generation of robots that can work alongside people in homes, hospitals, and public spaces, making him a notable figure in the field of service robotics and human-safe automation.