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About

Riichi Itakura is a leading researcher in space robotics and human-automation collaboration, whose work is shaping the future of crewed spaceflight operations. His primary research areas include intra-vehicular robotics, autonomous camera systems, and mobile manipulators for the International Space Station (ISS). Itakura’s major contributions focus on developing robotic systems that reduce astronaut workload by automating repetitive and time-critical tasks. His 2023 paper on ISS/JEM crew-task analysis (6 citations) provides a foundational framework for identifying which crew activities are best suited for automation, directly informing mission planning. He is also the principal designer of Int-Ball2 (2024, 5 citations), a free-flying internal camera robot that enhances ground-crew coordination and situational awareness aboard the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo." Most recently, Itakura has led the design of the PORTRS mission (2024, 2 citations), a mobile manipulator system intended to perform inspection, payload handling, and cargo transport—dramatically expanding the capabilities of crewed missions. His work is pivotal in transitioning from fully human-operated stations to human-robot teams, making him a key figure in next-generation space exploration.