Papers
19
Total Citations
254
H-Index
8
About
Shigeki Toyama is a pioneering robotics and mechatronics researcher whose work spans agricultural robotics, ultrasonic motor development, humanoid hand engineering, and infrastructure inspection systems. Perhaps his most distinctive contribution is the invention and refinement of the spherical ultrasonic motor (SUSM), a technology he began developing in the mid-1990s that enables multi-degree-of-freedom actuation in compact form — work that has since driven advances in robotic manipulators, camera actuators, and pipe inspection systems. His 2009 pipe inspection robot utilizing the SUSM garnered 35 citations, demonstrating the real-world applicability of this foundational technology. Toyama has also made significant strides in agricultural robotics, developing a wearable agri-robot to reduce physical strain on aging farmers — a timely innovation given Japan's demographic challenges — earning 44 citations as his most recognized work. His multidisciplinary reach extends to humanoid hand design, with a five-fingered dexterous hand developed in collaboration with Karlsruhe that collected 32 citations, and to underwater dam inspection systems addressing Japan's aging infrastructure. Across these diverse domains, Toyama's research consistently bridges fundamental engineering innovation with urgent societal needs, making him a notable figure in applied robotics research.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Development of an In-pipe micro mobile robot using peristalsis motion39 citations · 2010
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- 6Development of Spherical Ultrasonic Motor13 citations · 1996
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- 9Robotic Arm with 9 DOF Driven by Spherical Ultrasonic Motors7 citations · 2003
- 10Design of a Humanoid Hand for Human Friendly Robotics Applications6 citations · 2001