FACULTY RESEARCH ACTIVITY 2014

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Kojiro IizukaAssociate ProfessorFunctional Machinery and MechanicsDeveloping a lunar probe by exploring movement over uneven and soft groundDivision of Mechanical Engineering and RoboticsMy research focuses on lunar probe robots. Robots used in extraterrestrial applications are mainly of the autonomous-moving type. To that end, my lab proposes numerous types of movement mechanisms to aid in the development of highly reliable robots that can move autonomously on the moon’s surface. Further, I am analyzing travel over unstable ground mathematically and physically to develop new wheel types and movement mechanisms.This robot can move without becoming stuck in sand. The surface in contact with the ground is at, and a pin is inserted deep into the ground to support the probe's weight.Wheels for lunar probe robots are made from metallic materials. However, when such wheels run over soft ground, they can become stuck in the sand.Associate Professor Iizuka took his current position in 2013 after working at Seiko Epson and Chuo University and as an assistant professor for the Shinshu University Young Researchers Empowerment Project. His areas of research include aerospace robotics, machine design, and sports engineering.My work focuses on uneven and unstable ground. While the surface of the moon is one such area, I plan to expand my research to include mud ats (for applications involving animal protection), snow-covered surfaces (for applications involving rescue operations), and elds and paddies (for applications involving agricultural products).Outlook for researchGraduates are active in a wide range of elds, from plant design to energy.Outlook for students after graduation22Ick Soo KimAssociate ProfessorFunctional Machinery and MechanicsPushing the envelope in fiber thinness and bringing abundance to the world with nanofiberDivision of Mechanical Engineering and RoboticsNanofiber is fiber with a diameter of several dozen to several hundred nanometers, and it has qualities that are completely different from existing fibers. Benefits that can be expected from minimizing the thinness of the fiber include filtering or purification of foreign objects in ways not previously possible, improving the performance of fuel cells by improving the efficiency of electrical response, and improving efficiency in medical areas such as high-speed cell cultivation.The world's rst successful device for mass-producing nanober (left) A nanober separator (upper right) and a high-performance mask capable of ltering out PM 2.5 particles (lower right)Associate Professor Kim took his current position in 2005 after working as a researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. and as a research professor at Chonbuk National University. His principal areas of research are nanober and material design. He was the rst researcher to achieve mass-production of nanober, and he was a leading performer in the nanober industry in 2011.I have succeeded in developing numerous nano-scale products such as high-performance lters, moisture-permeable waterproof jackets, nano-wipers for clean rooms, separators, and masks, as well as in developing a mass-production plant. In the near future, nanobers will likely play a role in many familiar products.Outlook for researchGraduates are active not only in the ber industry, but also in the electronics, medicine, semiconductors, and machinery industries. Some students even hope to start their own business.Outlook for students after graduationThis moisture-permeable, waterproof jacket oers excellent breathability and waterproong.Nano-wipers for clean rooms catch even the most minuscule pieces of dirt.

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