Toshihiro YUKAWA

About

Toshihiro Yukawa’s research bridges the gap between robotic manipulation and real-world infrastructure maintenance, with a focus on flexible object handling and pipe inspection robotics. His early work on cooperative control of flexible objects by rigid-arm robots—including vibration suppression and constrained-object handling—laid foundational insights for robotic interaction with deformable materials, earning over 60 combined citations. Yukawa’s most impactful contributions, however, lie in autonomous pipe-surface inspection. He designed novel magnetic-wheeled robots capable of navigating complex industrial piping—including vertical runs, curves, and flanges—with papers from 2006 accumulating over 65 citations. His designs for magnetic elements and wheel mechanisms enabled reliable adhesion and mobility on ferrous surfaces, addressing critical safety and accessibility challenges in hazardous environments. Beyond inspection, Yukawa developed an integrated assistance system for bedridden patients, combining an electric wheelchair, portable bath, lift, and mobile robot with a toilet to reduce nursing-care burdens. This work reflects his broader commitment to socially impactful robotics. With a career spanning manipulation, inspection, and assistive technology, Yukawa’s research continues to influence both industrial automation and healthcare robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Stability of control system in handling of a flexible object by rigid arm robots

   35 citations · 2002
2. 2
   Mechanisms of Autonomous Pipe-Surface Inspection Robot with Magnetic Elements

   34 citations · 2006
3. 3
   Design of Magnetic Wheels in Pipe Inspection Robot

   23 citations · 2006
4. 4
   Handling of a constrained flexible object by a robot

   15 citations · 2002
5. 5
   Assistance system for bedridden patients to reduce the burden of nursing care (first report — Development of a multifunctional electric wheelchair, portable bath, lift, and mobile robot with portable toilet)

   12 citations · 2010
6. 6
   Cooperative control of a vibrating flexible object by a rigid dual-arm robot

   12 citations · 2002
7. 7
   Magnetic Part Design of Pipe-Surface Inspection Robot

   8 citations · 2006
8. 8
   Autonomous control of care and welfare robot

   4 citations · 2005
9. 9
   Development of a Mechanism of a Piping Inspection Robot

   3 citations · 2005
10. 10
    Development of a Mechanism of Pipe-Surface Inspection Robot

    2 citations · 2007

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links