36 accepted papers
Various forms of biohybrid robots have been developed; however, creating robots with multiple degrees of freedom remains a challenging task. In this paper, we developed a multi-joint biohybrid robot by using skeletal muscle tissue. To achieve this, we first developed a modular bio-actuator actuated
This study proposed an innovative teleoperation system utilizing video conferencing applications to enhance availability and operability in mobile networks. The proposed system accomplished this by transmitting video through screen sharing and embedding control signals into audio signals by converti
This letter introduces a novel linear actuator with a high extension ratio, achieved through a unique planar transforming linkage mechanism (TLM) that serves as an articulated lead screw. This mechanism forms a rigid beam when extended and compactly coils when not in use, eliminating the need for an
This letter presents a novel approach to fabric manipulation through the development and optimization of a single-actuator-driven roller gripper. Focused on addressing the challenges inherent in handling fabrics with diverse thicknesses and materials, our gripper employs a passive adaptable mechanis
Large Language Models (LLMs) are gaining popularity in the field of robotics. However, LLM-based robots are limited to simple, repetitive motions due to the poor integration between language models, robots, and the environment. This letter proposes a novel approach to enhance the performance of LLM-
Intuitive teleoperation enables operators to embody remote robots, providing the sensation that the robot is part of their own body during control. The sense of agency (SoA), i.e., the feeling of controlling the robot, contributes to enhanced motivation and embodiment during teleoperation. However,
There has been an increasing demand for microscopic work using optical microscopes and micromanipulators for applications in various fields. However, microinjection requires skilled operators, and the considerable shortage of experts has become a recent challenge. We overcome this challenge by propo
Wearable robotic limbs support sit-to-stand (STS) transfer with increased stability while maintaining a compact size, as well as providing body weight support. This paper proposes a new robotic limb, Variable Grounding Flexible Limb (VGFL). The VGFL achieved a novel strategy in which its grounding p
In-hand pivoting is one of the important manipulation skills that leverage robot grippers' extrinsic dexterity to perform repositioning tasks to compensate for environmental uncertainties and imprecise motion execution. Although many researchers have been trying to solve pivoting problems using math…
In this paper, we fabricated a soft sensor based on PEDOT:PSS for thin film structure. The developed soft sensor can measure the contraction force at real time to be embedded in a modular bio-actuator [1]. The modular actuator generated contraction forces at 0.3 mN when applying electric pulse stimu…
The dynamic load attached to the load gravity imposes an excessive burden to human shoulders during load carriage, resulting in possible muscle injuries and additional physical exertion. This paper proposes an active suspension backpack, capable of transferring partial load from human shoulders to p…
In spite of recent high attention of the biohybrid robot system, the previous researches focused on actuation system depend on simple on/off control without feedback control. To solve this problem, we proposed a soft sensor for feedback control of a bio-actuator driven by skeletal muscle. The propos…
The microinjection technique, in which DNA is injected into cells, is widely applied in fields such as biology, medicine, and pharmacy. However, the implementation of the microinjection process requires skill and, thus, it is necessary to improve the operability. To this end, this study proposes a m
Microinjection technology is applied widely in biomedical research for the purposes of gene manipulation and microinsemination. Generally, microinjection is performed under an optical microscope environment through image presentation of the targets. To perform the microinjection process, it is neces…
In this paper, we have constructed actively perfusable multiple hepatic lobule-like vascular networks in a 3D cellular structure by using magnetic tweezers. Without well-organized channel networks, cells in a large 3D tissue cannot receive nutrients and oxygen from the channel, and therefore, the ce…
Robotic teleoperation with force feedback has been studied extensively since it was first developed in the 1940 s. Time delay is a common problem of bilateral teleoperation systems. Although many efforts on optimizing the control architectures have been made, there is always a trade-off between tran
In this letter, we introduce our approach to walking assistance for elderly adults through predictive optimization of gait assistive force. We focus on providing supportive interaction force to the user during walking with a robotic assistive device with an admittance controlled mobile base. Appropr
Using a rehabilitation robot to activate motion intention and reflex response simultaneously is an effective approach to aiding recovery from paralysis caused by neurological disorders. Mechanical motions supported by conventional robots are, however, not enough to activate reflex. In this paper, we…
In recent years, vision-based analysis systems of micro-objects in a microchannel have been actively developed. However, it is difficult to focus on high-speed micro-objects in a microchannel because the general height of a microchannel is approximately 10-100 μm, whereas the depth of focus of the o…
In this paper, we introduce a walking load control strategy with a cane-type robot for gait training. The population of elderly people is increasing in most of the developed countries, and there is a growing demand for caregivers. Assistive robots are expected as a solution to provide aid in order t…
This study presents the high-precision microinjection of fluorescent micro-gel beads into Caenorhabditis elegans trapped in a suction microchannel. In our previous works, we demonstrated survival microinjection by a conventional micromanipulation technique. However, the focal planes differed between…
In this letter, we conducted a new method to fabricate channels inside cell structures for tissue engineering applications. A cell-embedded hydrogel is locally melted to fabricate channels inside cell structures. The fabricated channels can be used as vascular-like networks to supply nutrition and o
In this research, we fabricated movable toroidal cell structures inside a microfluidic device for tissue engineering applications. A photo-crosslinkable biodegradable hydrogel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) was employed to encapsulate biological cells for assembling cell structures. The UV light power…
Constructing 3D cell module with certain shape and high cell density is a very important issue for artificial tissue engineering. In this letter, we present a novel method of fabricating compact microtissue with gear-like shape by electrodepositing of Ca <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/M
This paper presents a novel In situ nanomanipulation integrated with scanning electron microscope- computed tomography (SEM-CT) imaging system for 3D nanomanipulation. In our previous works, a nanorobotic manipulation system was established inside an environmental-SEM (E-SEM) for water-contained sam
This paper proposes a quasi-passive dynamic autonomous control (Q-PDAC) for a three-dimensional (3-D) bipedal gait of humanoid robots from start points to goal points. The major approach for 3-D traveling is currently footstep planning by a constantly stable gait with an emphasis on its accurate and…
In this paper, we propose a new method to assemble microstructures with biological cells towards in vitro 3D cellular structures. The proposed assembly method uses self-assembly process of magnetized toroidal microstructures. Biocompatible toroidal hydrogel microstructures are prepared by electrodep…
Conventional humanoids have achieved walking and running by independent controllers, even though a transition between these independent motions should be added to connect them while ensuring stability. In contrast, human selects walking/running at low/high speed in terms of energy efficiency, and tr
This paper proposes a finger-mounted walk controller for a complete paraplegic patient wearing a powered exoskeleton. The wearable controller mounted on both hands of the patient compensates impaired efferent and afferent nerves of the patient through healthy index fingers. The user controls his hip…
In this study, cell-laden alginate-poly-L-lysine (PLL) hydrogel structures with arbitrary shapes were constructed based on electrodeposition method. Electrolysis of water in alginate solutions with calcium carbonate particles induced alginate gelation on micro-patterned anode electrode, and cell-lad…
In this paper, we conducted a new method to assemble microstructures inside a droplet named “Lab in a Droplet (LiD)”. The method can realize the assembly of micro-nano structures inside a droplet size. The surface tension is used to assemble microstructures automatically. Micro-scale or nano-scale o…
This paper describes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility assessment of our lower-extremity motion simulator called LoMS which provides gait-like motion for a wearer within his/her lying posture during functional MRI (fMRI) imaging. We confirmed that the existence and the movement of LoM…
Walking capability composed of stability and efficiency is one of the most important issues in the field of humanoid robots. An effective swing of the arms is expected to enhance the walking capability under the constraints from the limited body. We propose an arm-swing method to enhance the stabili…
This study presents the survival microinjection into Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) with in vivo observation based on micromanipulation. The microinjections were achieved with micro-gel beads which are enable to encapsulate chemicals for injection. In this study, a fluorescent material was used…
Fall prevention is one of the most important functions of walking assistance devices for user's safety. It is preferable that these devices obviates factors which induce falling over rather than helping them recovering from falling motion. Tandem stance, where both legs form a line along walking dir…
This paper proposes a new thin fixture that improves comfortableness and makes it easy for a user to wear a grasping support exoskeleton. Easiness of wear is one of important factors for the system performance improvement in addition to physical support functions of the system. The fixture consists…