Naoki Shinohara

Kyoto Bunkyo University, Kyoto University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Naoki Shinohara is a researcher specializing in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, with a focused and innovative body of work centered on enabling autonomous robotic inspection of gas pipelines. His research addresses a critical real-world challenge: extending the operational range of in-line inspection (ILI) robots beyond the constraints imposed by conventional battery limitations. Shinohara's most notable contributions involve the theoretical and practical development of microwave-based wireless power transfer within pipeline environments. Recognizing that cylindrical gas pipelines function analogously to circular waveguides, his foundational 2018 study applied electromagnetic waveguide theory to calculate cutoff frequencies and attenuation coefficients for various propagation modes — establishing the theoretical groundwork for the entire research program. Subsequent work refined antenna designs optimized for this constrained propagation environment, and later investigated rectifier circuit architectures to efficiently convert received microwave energy into usable power for robotic systems. While his citation counts remain modest — reflecting the highly specialized and emerging nature of this field — the coherence and progression of his research portfolio suggest meaningful pioneering contributions to an underexplored intersection of robotics, microwave engineering, and infrastructure safety. His work offers promising implications for the future of autonomous pipeline maintenance worldwide.