Ryoji Tokunaga

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Ryoji Tokunaga is a pioneering researcher in the field of robotic musical performance, with a specialized focus on traditional Thai wind instruments. His primary research areas encompass musical robotics, human-robot interaction, and the preservation of cultural heritage through technology. Tokunaga's most notable contribution is the development of a Thai flute (khlui)-playing robot, which aims to replicate the nuanced, natural sounds of traditional Thai music. His 2018 paper, "Refinement of a Thai Flute-Playing Robot in Thai Style," details the systematic refinement of the robot's blown air flow rate control, including sensor selection, to achieve authentic tonal quality. This work bridges engineering and ethnomusicology, offering a novel method for cultural preservation. Though his citation count (4) reflects the niche nature of his research, its impact is significant in the intersection of robotics and traditional arts. Tokunaga's achievements highlight the potential of technology to sustain intangible cultural heritage, inspiring future work in culturally-aware robotic systems.