Yasufumi Wakabayashi

About

Yasufumi Wakabayashi is a leading figure in space robotics, best known for his foundational work on the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS). His research focuses on the design, control, and testing of robotic manipulators for in-orbit servicing and space station construction. Wakabayashi’s major contributions include the development of the JEMRMS, a complex system comprising a Main Arm and a Small Fine Arm, which he detailed in his most-cited paper (19 citations). He also advanced the field with a reconfigurable brachiating space robot (12 citations) and pioneered attitude control techniques for free-flying space robots using gravity gradient torque (7 citations). His work on the Berthing Dynamics Simulator (6 citations) provided critical experimental validation for capturing free-flying targets in space. Wakabayashi’s achievements have directly supported the International Space Station’s construction and maintenance, demonstrating the practical application of autonomous and teleoperated robotics in microgravity. His research remains essential reading for engineers and students developing next-generation space manipulators.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   JEMRMS Design Features and Topics from Testing

   19 citations · 2001
2. 2
   Ground testbed of a reconfigurable brachiating space robot

   12 citations · 2000
3. 3
   Attitude control for free-flying space robot using gravity gradient torque and manipulator posture

   7 citations · 2000
4. 4
   Evaluation of Space Robot Behavior Using Berthing Dynamics Simulator.

   6 citations · 1995
5. 5
   Reconfigurable Space Manipulator for In-Orbit Servicing

   4 citations · 2000
6. 6
   Control Aspect of Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System

   2 citations · 2001

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links