Know the connection between research and SDGs. TEIKYO SDGs Report We will unravel how the research activities conducted by Teikyo University professors are linked to the SDGs. Know the connection between research and SDGs. TEIKYO SDGs Report We will unravel how the research activities conducted by Teikyo University professors are linked to the SDGs.

This teacher
This teacher

Department of Department of Mechanical and Precision Systems Faculty of Science and Engineering Engineering, Teikyo University
Associate Professor

Professor Yoshito Ikemata​

What kind of teacher?
What kind of teacher?

Completed doctoral course at Nagoya Institute of Technology Graduate Graduate School. From Graduate School, engaged in research on passive walking robots and became a specially appointed Assistant Professor at the same university. In 2009, a passive walking robot developed by the team achieved continuous walking for more than 13 hours and was certified as a Guinness World Record™. Appointed to current position in 2012.

WHAT ARE 17GOALS OF SDGs?
WHAT ARE 17GOALS OF SDGs?

Elucidation of the "principle" of walking is a hint for all kinds of evolution. Prof. Ikenata continues research on passive walking robots, which began research in Canada around 1980. At first, walking without power was limited to a few steps, but the professor's research team succeeded in developing a robot that could walk tens of thousands of steps. Elucidation of the principles of walking can provide not only physical support, but also a foundation for evolving existing techniques and ways of thinking.

Encounter with a passive walking robot that walks downhill without power

The passive walking robot was born by Dr. Tad McGear of Canada, who was an aeronautical engineering expert. It crumbled after a few steps, but the impact it had on the world was immeasurable, and Dr. Ikenamata was immersed in research to pursue the principle of bipedal locomotion after seeing the research video of Dr. Ikemata.

Two points derived from computer simulation

When a ball is rolled downhill, it accelerates, but humans try to "stabilize" it by controlling it so that it does not accelerate with each step so that it can walk at a constant speed. Dr. Ikenata deduced that the key to walking for a long period of time is to create an "equilibrium point" where you can keep moving your feet with a certain rhythm, and to "stabilize" this.

Break through the stray state by thinking simply

After that, he continued to be in a painful stray state, but he broke through the situation with the words "Don't think complicatedly, think simply" that he happened to see. Developed a robot that can walk hundreds of steps by constraining the stride length to be constant. In 2005, he succeeded in deriving the principle of generating and stabilizing an equilibrium point, and in 2009 he was recognized as a Guinness World Record for continuous walking for over 13 hours.

Analysis of primitive mechanisms leads to discoveries of great value

Dr. McGear, a pioneer, is also actively conducting analysis using simple structures, such as building a structure like a spinning wheel that rolls down a slope at a constant speed. The mechanism of the final robot is complicated, but if the principle is clarified, it will lead to the discovery of great value, and we can surely move forward.

Data and knowledge obtained in the process of pursuing principles advance civilization

Pursuing a principle also opens the door to the next principle. Professor Ikenata's research will also lead to the development of science, such as the development of walking support for the elderly and people with disabilities, and the development of walking support equipment. The same is true for the SDGs, which pursue 17 goals. The data and knowledge accumulated in the process of pursuing principles can be a powerful step forward for civilization.

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