Tatsunari Aoki

Papers

Total Citations

152

H-Index

About

Tatsunari Aoki is a leading figure in rehabilitation robotics, with a focused expertise in assistive devices that restore motor function. His most impactful work centers on the development of a hand motion assist robot for rehabilitation therapy, a pioneering exoskeleton system with 18 degrees of freedom. Aoki’s key contribution is the introduction of a self-motion control mechanism, which enables a patient’s impaired hand to be driven by their own healthy hand on the opposite side. This innovative approach empowers patients to actively participate in their own recovery, moving beyond passive therapy. This seminal 2007 paper has garnered 152 citations, underscoring its influence on the field. By designing a robot that leverages the patient’s own voluntary control, Aoki has advanced the integration of human intent with robotic assistance, offering a more intuitive and effective path to motor rehabilitation. His work continues to inspire new generations of assistive technologies that prioritize patient agency and neuroplasticity.