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About

Naoyuki Kurita is a robotics researcher specializing in whole-body force and tactile sensing for human-safe robots. His work focuses on enabling robots to detect contact forces and positions across their entire structure using minimal, simple sensor configurations. In his highly cited 2012 paper, Kurita pioneered a method for whole-body force sensation using a single force sensor with end-effectors of arbitrary shape, overcoming previous limitations with non-convex geometries. He extended this work in 2014 by introducing soft materials in contact areas, enhancing both sensing capability and safety—a critical step for robots operating near people. Kurita also explores the intersection of haptics and healthcare, proposing a rehabilitation database based on haptic signal processing to leverage big data for improved therapy outcomes. With over 16 citations across his key publications, his contributions are foundational for developing safer, more perceptive robots capable of intuitive physical interaction in human environments.