Tatsuo Nakamura
Papers
11
Total Citations
80
H-Index
5
About
Tatsuo Nakamura is a robotics and medical engineering researcher whose work centers on the design and development of minimally invasive surgical robotics, particularly locally operated manipulator systems for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. His research has consistently addressed one of the field's most pressing challenges: enabling a single surgeon to perform complex procedures safely without requiring remote operation or additional surgical staff. Nakamura's most influential contribution is his pioneering work on the Locally Operated Detachable End-effector Manipulator (LODEM), a robotic "third arm" that collaborates alongside surgeons in sterile environments to expand the operative field of view and improve organ traction — capabilities previously unavailable in locally operated systems. His 2014 paper on a foot-movement-based hands-free interface (22 citations) demonstrated an elegant solution to intraoperative control, using pressure sensors to translate subtle weight-shifting into robotic commands. Complementary work on spherical-coordinate rail mechanisms, gimbal-mounted parallel linkages, and rack gear systems reflects a sustained commitment to compact, mechanically innovative designs. Collectively accumulating nearly 80 citations, Nakamura's body of work represents a coherent and evolving research program pushing laparoscopic solo surgery toward greater autonomy, safety, and practical clinical integration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Hands-free interface for surgical procedures based on foot movement patterns22 citations · 2014
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