Naoki Maekawa

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Naoki Maekawa is a robotics researcher focused on advancing safety and efficiency in critical infrastructure maintenance, particularly through semi-autonomous robotic systems for power distribution lines. His work centers on developing robots that operate via high-level task instructions—such as “peel electric cable cover” or “insert the bolt”—enabling remote, semi-autonomous execution of hazardous manual tasks. Maekawa’s key contributions include designing compliance control strategies that allow robots to perform delicate operations like bolt insertion through adaptive “grope actions,” mimicking human dexterity under uncertain conditions. His foundational 2010 paper on simulating a semi-autonomous remote maintenance robot (4 citations) and his 2012 experimental study on task performance with compliance control (3 citations) demonstrate early, impactful efforts to replace direct human exposure to live power lines with intelligent robotic assistance. While citation counts reflect a niche but vital domain, Maekawa’s work directly addresses worker safety and operational efficiency in electrical utilities—a field where even incremental robotic autonomy can prevent life-threatening accidents. His research bridges robotics, human-robot interaction, and industrial automation, offering practical pathways toward safer, more reliable power grid maintenance.