IoT and Haptics, "Simple" yet "Tinkerable"
What is Moonshot?

Stophe Pomeroy (SP): Dr. Hirata, I understand you set up the Smart Robots Design Lab because you believe that appropriate design alters the acceptability of advanced technology by society?

Dr. Hirata (HY): Yes. The design of a robot includes the design of its hardware as well as that of the software for controlling the movements in its entirety. I believe robots should have a shape and form fitting comfortably into society, while also behaving appropriately to support humans. In order to achieve this, we need to conduct interdisciplinary research not only in terms of engineering, but also with various researchers in psychology, sociology, ethics and law, matching the needs of modern times.

SP: What is your current area of specific research interest?

HY: I am particularly focused on Passive Robotics. Basically, it involves using passive elements like braking mechanisms. Unlike motor-driven and thus, if gone awry, potentially dangerous devices, it is the human, the individual, taking the initiative… not a powerful and unfeeling actuator making the body move. Speaking of "beyond" I look past human-robot interaction [although ergonomics is central to user-friendliness] from the passive robotics stance to note that my research encourages humans to move actively in the field, from object handling to human guidance/sports coaching, all the while enabling higher safety generally along with lower costs.

SP: Yes, indeed matching the needs of our times - and truly, time flies like an arrow. Before we noticed, ten years have passed since the 2011 disaster and before we know, the next world expo will again be hosted by Japan to showcase our changed world. Many drastic changes ahead… .

HY: Talking of global showcases I think our Lab can be equated to a global showcase, an international as well as intercultural endeavor with participants from the world over working at the cutting edge of research, in addition to the color added by the unique team we have assembled here. As for myself I hope to concentrate on robot systems interface with humans in a real setting, plus robot interaction/cooperation, not to mention assistive robotics technology. We do have a cross-section of the globe here, with my colleagues covering wide-ranging areas including ethical and socioeconomic concerns, and we are well attuned to major changes at the international level.