FACULTY RESEARCH ACTIVITY 2014

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27A micro-robot walks autonomously (left) while a micro pin set moves through its environment (right), both using muscle tissue. An illustration (left) and overview (right) of how tissue could be fabricated from cells via magnetic elds BioengineeringYoshitake AkiyamaAssociate ProfessorCreating new bio-hybrid technologies for applications ranging from micro-robots to regenerative medicineDivision of Mechanical Engineering and RoboticsBy incorporating living organisms into man-made systems such as machine parts, I am working to develop new technologies that differ from existing machine systems. For example, I am currently attempting to create bio-hybrid robots with self-assembly and self-repair functions that do not require electricity or fossil fuels by incorporating muscles into systems instead of motors. At the same time, I am also developing technologies for operating cells via magnetic fields and systems for fabricating biological tissue that can be transplanted from cells.After completing a graduate program at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Associate Professor Akiyama worked at JEOL Ltd., at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology as a specially appointed assistant professor, and at Osaka University as a senior assistant professor before coming to his current position in 2014. His elds of specialization include biotechnology, micromachining, regenerative medicine, and the integration of the same.Modern society is dependent on fossil fuels, but experts only expect those resources to last for about 150 more years. If muscles could be used to power robots, our energy problems could be resolved. Additionally, the ability to grow three-dimensional tissue that can be transplanted from iPS cells, which are able to dierentiate into all cell types, would contribute greatly to the development of regenerative medicine.Outlook for researchI have not mentored any graduates yet in my current position, but graduates whom I mentored in my previous position have been employed by medical equipment and precision equipment manufacturers.Outlook for students after graduationWe use a pressure board̶a pressure measurement sensor array with a resolution of 5 mm and 200 Hz̶to investigate mechanical characteristics of walking behavior of humans and animals.Foot problems cause over 50% of all deaths among elephants living in zoos.The pattern of pressure on people's feet is unique and can be used for individual identication.BioengineeringTodd PatakyAssociate ProfessorUtilizing dynamic loading in applications ranging from elephant developmental health assessment to biometric identificationDivision of Mechanical Engineering and RoboticsMy lab is developing techniques for statistically analyzing complex patterns of dynamic loading, especially with regard to gait and posture applications. Through a variety of research collaborations we are applying these techniques to real-world problems. Current research collaborations include: in-shoe and wearable sensor development (Nike Inc., USA), elephant and other large-animal developmental assessments (Royal Veterinary College, London), and biometric identification via dynamic foot loading patterns (University of Münster, Germany).After earning his Ph.D. in kinesiology and mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University, Associate Professor Pataky pursued postdoctoral opportunities at ATR International (Kyoto, Japan) and the University of Liverpool before coming to Shinshu University in 2009. His elds of specialization include biomechanics and statistics.Since we interact constantly with the physical world, a deeper understanding of dynamic human body loading will lead to improvements in designs of shoes, clothing, wheelchairs, and prosthetics. Through dynamic loading research I hope to create more comfortable, reduced-risk environments for all.Outlook for researchGraduates can pursue opportunities in a wide range of applications, including sports and rehabilitation science, biofeedback, and shoe development and design.Outlook for students after graduation

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