Toyoharu Nakatake
Papers
11
Total Citations
102
H-Index
5
About
Toyoharu Nakatake is a pioneering roboticist specializing in bio-inspired excavation systems for extreme environments, with a focus on lunar and sub-seafloor exploration. His major contributions center on developing peristaltic crawling robots that mimic earthworm locomotion, enabling stable, efficient movement and excavation in soft, challenging terrains. Nakatake’s flagship robot, LEAVO (Lunar Earthworm-type Excavation Robot), demonstrated vertical excavation to depths of nearly one meter and advanced curving excavation techniques for targeted sample collection. His work on the SEAVO (Sub-Seafloor Excavation Robot) introduced propulsion units inspired by earthworm setae and water jetting methods to reduce drilling torque, addressing the complexities of seabed sediment sampling. With over 100 citations across his most-cited papers, Nakatake’s research has significantly impacted planetary science and marine resource exploration, offering cost-effective, scalable alternatives to traditional drilling. Notable achievements include the development of a both-ends supported flexible auger with dust-proofing for lunar missions and a soil-circulating system that enhances robot autonomy. His innovative, nature-inspired designs promise to unlock new frontiers in extraterrestrial and deep-sea subsurface investigation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Curved excavation by a sub-seafloor excavation robot24 citations · 2017
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- 6Soil-Circulating System for a Peristaltic-Type Lunar Excavation Robot5 citations · 2017
- 7DEVELOPMENT OF A FLEXIBLE PROPULSION UNIT FOR A SEABED EXCAVATION ROBOT3 citations · 2017
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