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Toshiro Ono is a pioneering researcher in biomimetic speech synthesis, whose work sits at the intersection of robotics, linguistics, and soft actuation. His primary research areas include mechanical speech synthesis, biomimetic tongue robotics, and soft machine design. Ono’s major contribution is the development of the Mechanical Speech Synthesizer (MSS), a system that replicates human speech production not through software or electronics, but through physical, soft mechanisms. Central to this is his creation of BERO (Biomimetic Tongue Robot), a soft actuator-based device designed to mimic the complex, fluid motions of the human tongue during articulation. Unlike rigid robotic systems, BERO is composed entirely of soft, deformable materials, offering a novel approach to natural-sounding speech. While his most-cited paper, "For the Realization of Mechanical Speech Synthesizer" (1998), has garnered 14 citations, his work is notable for its conceptual boldness and long-term vision. Ono’s research challenges conventional speech synthesis paradigms, proposing a future where humanoid robots speak through physically embodied, human-like vocal tracts. His work remains a touchstone for researchers exploring soft robotics and bio-inspired vocalization.