Yukio Ando

About

Yukio Ando is a pioneering roboticist whose work spans autonomous navigation, dexterous manipulation, and bio-inspired underwater robotics. His most influential research addresses fundamental challenges in mobile robotics: his 2002 paper on wall-following for autonomous robots using sonar rings (45 citations) established a robust algorithm enabling robots to navigate complex environments like square and circular walls, a cornerstone for indoor service robots. Ando also advanced home service robotics with his 2012 study on picking up thin objects (42 citations), where he developed a two-fingered parallel soft gripper capable of handling papers or plastic cards—a task requiring exceptional dexterity. Beyond terrestrial applications, he contributed to underwater robotics with flexible pectoral fin actuators and precision maneuvering systems (2005, 3 citations each), demonstrating how oscillating fins can guide robots to dock in water currents. His work on line trace robots for mechatronics education (2004) further reflects a commitment to accessible teaching tools. With over 97 citations across his key papers, Ando’s innovations in sensor-based navigation, soft gripping, and bio-inspired propulsion have left a lasting impact on both practical robotics and educational methodologies.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Following a wall by an autonomous mobile robot with a sonar-ring

   45 citations · 2002
2. 2
   Picking up operation of thin objects by robot arm with two-fingered parallel soft gripper

   42 citations · 2012
3. 3
   Development of the Line Trace Robot as Teaching Materials for Mechatronics Education : The Line Trace Robot that Applied the New PIC CPU Board

   4 citations · 2004
4. 4
   Flexible and functional pectoral fin actuator for underwater robots

   3 citations · 2005
5. 5
   Precision maneuvering of underwater robot by mechanical pectoral fins

   3 citations · 2005

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links