Yutaka Yamagata

Papers

Total Citations

126

H-Index

About

Yutaka Yamagata is a pioneering researcher in the field of micro-robotics and precision engineering, with foundational contributions to piezoelectric actuation and nanoscale positioning systems. His most recognized work centers on the development of innovative driving mechanisms that harness the rapid deformations of piezoelectric elements to achieve extraordinarily precise motion control at the micro and nanometer scale. Yamagata's most cited contribution, "Precise positioning mechanism utilizing rapid deformations of piezoelectric elements" (2002, 109 citations), introduced a elegant yet effective approach to micro-positioning that exploits the interplay between inertial forces and friction. This mechanism enables step-like movements ranging from several nanometers to several micrometers, with an unlimited movable range — a significant breakthrough for miniaturized systems where conventional actuators fall short. His earlier work in 1991 on micro robot arms applying these same piezoelectric principles helped lay the conceptual groundwork for an entire generation of micro-robotic devices. Together, these publications demonstrate a sustained research vision focused on bridging the gap between macro-scale robotics and nanoscale precision engineering. Yamagata's work remains highly relevant to researchers developing MEMS devices, optical alignment systems, and precision instrumentation.