Takafumi Matsumaru
Toshiba (Japan), Shizuoka University, Graduate School USA, Waseda University
Papers
52
Total Citations
541
H-Index
11
About
Takafumi Matsumaru is a robotics researcher whose work spans modular robotic systems, human-robot interaction, and teleoperation technologies. His early landmark contribution, the TOMMS modular manipulator system (2002, 89 citations), demonstrated how reconfigurable joint and link modules could enable flexible, task-adaptable robotic arms — a foundational advance in modular robotics design and control. Matsumaru subsequently turned his attention to socially aware mobile robots, pioneering the use of projection-based communication systems that display a robot's intended movements to nearby humans before they occur. This innovative "preliminary-announcement" concept, explored across several influential papers (2005–2006, accumulating over 100 combined citations), addressed a critical challenge in human-robot coexistence: making robot behavior legible and predictable to bystanders. He further extended this vision through the Step-On Interface, allowing users to intuitively direct mobile robots by stepping on projected floor buttons. In parallel, Matsumaru made meaningful contributions to networked teleoperation, tackling time-delay challenges in multi-operator, multi-robot systems for applications in surgery and industrial maintenance. His later work on laser-range-sensor-based human detection underscores a sustained commitment to building robots that safely and intelligently operate alongside people.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Design and control of the modular robot system: TOMMS89 citations · 2002
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- 4Step-On Interface on Mobile Robot to Operate by Stepping on Projected Button26 citations · 2009
- 5Remote collaboration through time delay in multiple teleoperation24 citations · 2003
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- 7Functions of Mobile-Robot Step-On Interface18 citations · 2009
- 8Human Detecting and Following Mobile Robot Using a Laser Range Sensor17 citations · 2014
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