Naoki Tomita

Kobe University, Nagoya University, Tottori University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Naoki Tomita is a pioneering roboticist whose research spans multi-robot systems, soft robotics, and human-assistive legged locomotion. His most influential work, "Re-formation of mobile robots using genetic algorithm and reinforcement learning" (2003, 15 citations), introduced a novel hybrid algorithm that seamlessly switches between GA-based formation control and RL-based obstacle avoidance, enabling robot teams to dynamically re-establish their formation in complex environments—a foundational contribution to adaptive multi-robot coordination. In soft robotics, Tomita led the development of a fully IPMC-bodied quadruped robot (2011, 11 citations), demonstrating how patterned electrodes on a single ionic polymer-metal composite sheet can create a soft, body-integrated actuator, eliminating traditional joints and paving the way for compliant, lightweight robots. His work on legged mobility (2008, 3 citations) advanced human-carrying robots for inaccessible environments, proposing a virtual impedance control method that allows obstacle avoidance without physical contact. Tomita’s research uniquely bridges algorithmic intelligence and novel materials, earning recognition for pushing the boundaries of autonomous, adaptive, and soft robotic systems.