Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory
Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory

Yoshito Ikemata

Passive walking robots can walk gentle downhills only by gravity. It is energy efficient and is close to human walking.
In our laboratory, we are developing a walking robot based on the principle of passive walking. We are also analyzing the mechanism of human walking from the principle of passive walking. Recently, I am making robot parts using 3D printers and the like. If you are a student who likes manufacturing, please come visit us.

Basic Information

Faculty name/Affiliation Yoshito Ikemata / Department of Mechanical and Precision Systems Faculty of Science and Engineering
Specialized Fields Robotics
Research theme
  • Research on passive walking robots
  • Research on human gait mechanism
  • Development of walking support machine
  • Research on human running mechanism
Research keywords Walking robot, passive walking, walking principle, equilibrium point analysis, walking support machine
Faculty introduction URL https://www3.med.teikyo-u.ac.jp/profile/ja.10340e4e9df7cf76.html

Our Research

Development of a walking robot based on the passive walking principle
Walking robots represented by humanoids are the crystals of cutting-edge technology. At the heart of this is the ZMP (Zero Moment Point), which is a powerful tool for walking so that you do not fall. However, it is difficult to achieve high energy efficiency with the control method of ZMP norms, and its walking lacks naturalness. On the other hand, passive gait was proposed by T. McGeer in 1990, and forms the ideal natural gait only by the interaction between the dynamics of the pedestrian and the environment (here, the slope). In this research, we will develop a natural and highly efficient walking robot based on the passive walking principle.

Development of walking support machine based on passive walking principle
Conventional walking support machines have problems such as reduced safety due to motor drive, increased weight and cost due to the installation of drive system and control system, difficulty in generating natural movement, etc., until they are widely used. Has not been reached. In this research, we will solve these problems and develop a safe, secure, and inexpensive walking support machine by following the passive walking principle. The effectiveness of walking support machines is verified not only by attaching them to humans, but also by attaching them to passive walking robots. If enabled, the robot can walk on a horizontal surface or on a very low slope. It is a unique verification method and can be evaluated quantitatively.

Elucidation of human driving principle and development of driving support machine
Humans are running by skillfully utilizing mechanical phenomena such as "passive running", and the principle is not complicated and can be explained clearly from a mechanical point of view. In this project, we will build a simple model of human driving from the knowledge and experience cultivated in the research of passive driving. From the analysis of the same model (discrete model), the principles of a) generation of periodic motion of running and (b) stabilization of periodic motion of running will be clarified. Furthermore, using a continuous model (equation of motion), we will clarify the principles of c) leg movement during the ground contact period and (d) leg movement during the flight period. In addition, we will develop a driving support machine based on the knowledge obtained from the analysis of human driving. It is thought that the support aircraft will make it easier and faster to run.

Conference presentation

Conference presentation

Title Society name Laboratory Contents
Realization of ultra-high efficiency horizontal walking by passive walking machine Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail
Evaluation and analysis of the simplest walking support machine Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail

Title Society name Laboratory Contents
Development of the simplest walking support machine Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail
Mathematical model of human running Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail
Extreme speed running derived from a simple model of human running and its feasibility Society of Instrument and Control Engineers
System Integration Division Lecture
Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail

Title Society name Laboratory Contents
Experimental study of 3D rimless wheels
An Experimental Study for 3D Rimless Wheel
Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail
Theoretical limit of movement efficiency in walking on the flat Society of Instrument and Control Engineers
System Integration Division Lecture
Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail

Title Society name Laboratory Contents
Realization of 3D motion with a simple rimless wheel
Realization of 3D Motion of a Simple Rimless Wheel
Robotics and Mechatronics Lecture Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail
Hypothesis of human two-legged walking mechanism and hypothesis verification by two-legged passive walking
Hypothesis of 3D Human Walking, and Verification of the Hypothesis by 3D Passive Walking
Society of Instrument and Control Engineers
System Integration Division Lecture
Yoshito Ikemata Laboratory detail

Introducing the FacultyThis section introduces details about the research and the passionate thoughts around the research.

Introduction of Yoshito Ikemata Senior Assistant Professor

Discover the fascinating and untold stories behind the cutting-edge research being conducted by our esteemed professors. Get an in-depth look at the motivations and passions driving their work, and learn how their findings are making a real impact on society. Don't miss the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the amazing work being done right here at our laboratory!

Introduction of Yoshito Ikemata