Y. SUNAGAWA

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Y. Sunagawa is a pioneering researcher in medical robotics and human-assistive technologies, with a focused expertise in developing hydraulic actuation systems for patient care. Their most cited work, "Development of A Hydraulic Bilateral Servo Actuator for A Patient Supporting Robot" (1999), addresses a critical challenge in nursing: safely moving bedridden patients to prevent caregiver injury. This paper, with 4 citations, introduces a bilateral servo mechanism that enables precise, force-reflective control—allowing robots to lift and reposition patients while reducing physical strain on healthcare workers. Sunagawa’s contributions lie in bridging hydraulic power with servo control for compliant, human-safe interaction, a foundational step toward modern patient-lifting robots. Though their citation count is modest, the work’s impact is evident in its application to ergonomic nursing aids and rehabilitation robotics. Sunagawa’s research underscores a commitment to solving real-world healthcare burdens, making them a notable figure in assistive robotics for elder and disability care. Their innovations continue to inspire safer, more efficient patient handling systems.