Papers
7
Total Citations
134
H-Index
6
About
Tomonari Yamamoto is a robotics researcher whose work centers on pneumatic actuation systems, in-pipe robotic locomotion, and disaster response robotics. His most significant contributions lie in developing innovative mechanisms that enable small robots to navigate the challenging constraints of narrow and complex pipeline networks with speed, flexibility, and reliability. Yamamoto's pioneering research on pneumatic hollow-shaft actuators, introduced in 2015 and refined through subsequent studies, established a foundation for high-speed in-pipe inspection robots — work that has collectively garnered over 95 citations. His 2020 duplex-chambered inchworm mechanism represents a particularly elegant solution, achieving high locomotion performance using only two air supply lines, earning 42 citations and advancing the field's understanding of minimalist yet effective designs. His 2017 work on self-locking expansion mechanisms further addressed critical practical challenges, including pipe-bending navigation and holding force. Beyond pipeline robotics, Yamamoto has contributed meaningfully to disaster response technology. His deployment of an active scope camera following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake demonstrated real-world impact, safely enabling inspection of collapsed structures. His research on omnidirectional bending mechanisms for continuum robots further reflects his commitment to developing versatile tools for complex, high-stakes environments.
Research Focus
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