Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs

Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs is the proceedings of the final symposium of MEXT Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas: Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs, held in January 2010.Since the realization of next-generation actuators requires an interdisciplinary approach, the research has been organized according to a broad technological perspective that consists of: actuators for small motion of nano-meters, small-size actuators of micro-meters structures, intelligent actuators for functional motions, power actuators for large force/torque and actuators for special environments.Next-Generation Actuators Leading Breakthroughs also deals with common fundamental technologies for these actuators, such as intelligent materials, machining processes, control technologies, evaluation methods, and system integration. It provides cutting-edge research for researchers, postgraduates, and practitioners in mechanical, electrical, and materials industries.

Toshiro Higuchi is a professor at the Department of Precision Machinery Engineering at the University of Tokyo, Japan. His research interests include mechatronics; magnetic bearings; electrostatic actuators; MEMS; robotics; and manufacturing.Koichi Suzumori has been a professor at Okayama University, Japan, since 2001. He received his doctoral degree from Yokohama National University, and worked for Toshiba R&D Center and Micromachine Centre, Tokyo, before taking up his current position.Satoshi Tadokoro currently works for the Graduate School of Information Sciences at Tohoku University, Japan. His areas of research include intelligent mechanics/mechanical systems; perception information processing/intelligent robotics and; design engineering and machine functional elements/tribology.