Yuki Okane

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About

Yuki Okane is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), biomimetic robotics, and neuromorphic engineering. Their work focuses on creating insect-scale autonomous robots, where they have made foundational contributions by integrating artificial neural networks directly onto millimeter-sized platforms. Okane’s most influential work, the 2016 paper "Insect-type MEMS microrobot with mountable bare chip IC of artificial neural networks" (13 citations), demonstrates a fully functional 4.0 mm × 2.7 mm robot that carries a dedicated neural network integrated circuit (NNIC) as its onboard brain. This achievement, building on their earlier NNIC design (2014, 10 citations), represents a paradigm shift from tethered or externally controlled microrobots to truly autonomous micro-agents. In a related breakthrough (2014, 9 citations), Okane developed a piezoelectric impact-type rotary actuator controlled by a hardware neuron model, enabling precise locomotion in a millimetre-sized robot fabricated using standard silicon MEMS processes. With a cumulative impact of over 30 citations across these core papers, Okane’s work is a cornerstone in the quest for autonomous, insect-inspired microrobots capable of navigating confined spaces for medical and industrial applications.