Papers
9
Total Citations
105
H-Index
4
About
Shoji Yoshikawa is a pioneering researcher in space robotics, with a career focused on the dynamics and control of robotic systems for on-orbit operations. His key research areas include the capture of tumbling targets, impulsive control for angular momentum management, and the use of cyclic arm motion for spacecraft attitude control. Yoshikawa’s major contributions lie in modeling and mitigating the impulsive forces that occur when a space robot hand contacts a target—critical for preventing damage or uncontrolled tumbling. His most cited work, "Impact estimation of a space robot at capturing a target" (2002, 25 citations), established foundational relationships between initial relative velocities and resulting impulses. He further advanced the field with studies on arm path planning that leverage angular momentum to reduce attitude changes (1994, 23 citations) and feedback control using cyclic arm motions for large attitude adjustments (1997, 20 citations). His later work on applying repetitive impulse inputs to control tumbling spacecraft (2006, 23 citations) demonstrates a sustained focus on practical solutions for debris removal and satellite servicing. With over 100 total citations, Yoshikawa’s research remains essential reading for engineers developing autonomous space robots.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Impact estimation of a space robot at capturing a target25 citations · 2002
- 2Impulsive control for angular momentum management of tumbling spacecraft23 citations · 2006
- 3Arm path planning of a space robot with angular momentum23 citations · 1994
- 4Feedback Control of Space Robot Attitude by Cyclic Arm Motion20 citations · 1997
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- 7Motion Control of Tumbling Spacecraft by Repetitive Impulse Inputs2 citations · 2003
- 8Motion control of tumbling spacecraft by repetitive impulse inputs2 citations · 2003
- 9Angular Momentum Control of Tumbling Spacecraft by Repetitive Impulses2 citations · 2007