2023 ■ OUTLINE

Mechanical Systems andUrban Innovation Sciencesof｜Department
Intelligent Mechanical Systems

Intelligent Systems Optimization
Our laboratory aims to develop basic theories andapplications of intelligent systems optimization methodologies
for supply chain management, scheduling, system science, andintelligent robotics. We are conducting research on new modeling,
new optimization methods, artificial intelligence methods, efficientalgorithms, modeling, analysis, and diagnosis for safe and optimized
operations of large-scale industrial systems.

Prof.
NISHI Tatsushi■ Research Themes
Systems optimization/artificial intelligence/
supply chain management /scheduling/robotics

Assoc. Prof.
SATO Haruo■ Research Themes
Radioactive waste
disposal/environmental
dynamics/radiation safety

Asst. Prof.
LIU Ziang■ Research ThemesGame theory/decision
making/inventory
management /computational
intelligence/machine learningIntelligent Adaptive and Learning System
In our research field, our aim is to achieve robots capableof performing complex tasks, and we conduct fundamental research on
advanced cognitive capabilities such as problem-solving, decision-making, andenvironment perception. Additionally, we strive for the social implementationof robots and engage in applied research in areas such as healthcare andrehabilitation.

Prof. MATSUNO
Takayuki■ Research Themes
Surgical assistive
robot/Manipulator
robot

Assoc. Prof.
TODA Yuuichirou

Asst. Prof.
SHIMOOKA So■ Research Themes
Soft computing■ Research Themes
Soft actuator

Production Intelligence
Research on problem modeling and model
solution methods for appropriate decision making undervarious uncertainties associated with production activities,
and research on designing human-machine systems basedon human behavior, psychological states, and physiologicalmeasures. Specifically, research on the decision of loading
and unloading positions in consideration of the order ofunloading at the time of package delivery, research on
mixed assembly
Assoc. Prof.
lines, and so on.
YANAGAWA Yoshinari
Further, studies on interface design have been conducted for a■ Research Themes
better communication between road users and automated vehicles
Decision Modeling, Production
considering various levels of driving automation as well as types ofManagement
road users – e.g., drivers or pedestrians.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

1Intelligent Mechanical Control
Control theory is one of the fundamental

technologies supporting the current society. Its application
field ranges widely from industrial apparatus to multi-agent
systems. We focus on both theoretical and applied researchon vast related topics including human-machine system likewalking assistance device.

Prof.
HIRATA Kentaro

Senior Asst. Prof.
NAKAMURA Yukinori■ Research Themes
control theory/
control engineering/machine learning/data science■ Research Themes
control theory/
control engineering/machine learning/data science

Asst. Prof.
Ikezaki Taichi■ Research Themes
control theory/
control engineering/machine learning/data science

Sysetm Integration
Our research is about actuators and device formechatronics and their system applications.
・A pplication of micro actuators and special
environmental mechanisms
・Microreactors and microfluidic devices
・H igh-performance smart pneumatic artificial muscles, soft mechanisms, andmedical and welfare equipment applications
・Research on actuators for extreme environments and devices for space probes
using film processing technology

Prof.
KANDA Takefumi

Assoc. Prof.
WAKIMOTO Shuichi

Asst. Prof.
YAMAGUCHI Daisuke■ Research Themes
actuator/sensor/mechatronics/
softmechanism/welfare device/microsystem/microreactor/specificenvironment/ultrasonics/piezoelectricity/
microchannel■ Research Themes
actuator/sensor/
mechatronics/softactuator/
softmechanism/medical device/welfare device■ Research Themes

actuator/sensor/mechatronics/
softactuator/softmechanism/microsystem/specific environment/
extreme environment/spacecraft/lunar
exploration/pneumatics/ultrasonics/
piezoelectricity

Mechatronic Systems
The Mechatronics Systems Laboratory is engaged increative and fundamental research and development of new sensors
and actuators, applied research and development of robot hands andmedical diagnosis and measurement devices using these technologies,
and research and development of peripheral technologies. In particular,
we focus on sensors and actuators based on the piezoelectric effect asa driving principle, and our research ranges from basic research such as
driving theory to design, development, and evaluation of new devices, aswell as applied research such as robot control using these devices.

2Prof. MASHIMO
Tomoaki

Assoc. Prof.
SHIBANOKI TaroAsst. Prof.
NAGAI Isaku■ Research Themes
Microrobotics/actuators/
sensors/ultrasonic motors■ Research Themes
Microrobotics/actuators/sensors/ultrasonic motors■ Research Themes
Microrobotics/actuators/sensors/ultrasonic motors

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Mechanical Systems andDepartment of Advanced Mechanics
Urban Innovation Sciences ｜Structural Materials Engineering
Our research focuses on metallic materials, composite materials,
and functional materials to create the required material properties bycontrolling their microstructures. With the motto “Seeing is believing,” weemphasize the importance of observing, thinking about, and modelingphenomena by ourselves. Laboratory students have access to a variety ofstate-of-the-art electron microscopy systems and are able to learn microsampling techniques, as well as observation and analysis techniques at theatomic level.

Prof. OKAYASU
Mitsuhiro

Assoc. Prof.
TAKEMOTO Yoshito■ Research Themes
Structural Materials/
Composites/Functional
Materials/Microstructures■ Research Themes
Structural Materials/
Composites/Functional
Materials/Microstructures

Asst. Prof.
ARAKAWA Jinta■ Research Themes
Structural Materials/
Composites/FunctionalMaterials/Microstructures

Applied Solid Mechanics
The target of our research is deformation, damage andfracture of various practical materials, including metallic and polymericmaterials. We conduct experimental observations of nonuniform

deformations for the materials and the corresponding numericalsimulations in various levels.

Prof.
TADA Naoya

Assoc. Prof.
UEMORI Takeshi

Asst. Prof.
SAKAMOTO Junji■ Research Themes
mechanical engineering/high safety/high reliability/strength of materials■ Research Themes
mechanical engineering/high safety/high reliability/strength of materials■ Research Themes
mechanical engineering/high safety/high reliability/
strength of materials

Machine Design and Tribology
In order to realize a carbon-neutral or decarbonizedsociety, mechanical systems are required to be highly efficient,

lightweight, and have a low environmental impact. At the mechanicaldesign laboratory, we apply cutting-edge surface modification

methods, coating methods and analysis methods to study technologies
that dramatically improve the life, efficiency, and functionality of powertransmission elements for EVs and various tribo-elements.

Prof. FUJII Masahiro

Assoc. Prof. SHIOTA Tadashi■ Research Themes
Mechanical element/Tribology/Gear/
Fatigue strength/Low friction andwear/Surface modification/Coating■ Research Themes
Mechanical element/Tribology/Gear/
Fatigue strength/Low friction andwear/Surface modification/Coating

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

3

Nontraditional Machining
Along with the rapid progress of industrial technology, various
new materials with excellent properties have been developed. Most of thesematerials are difficult to machine by the conventional mechanical methods,
and the demand for machining of fine complicated shapes has been
increased. Our laboratory is researching on high-performance and highfunctional nontraditional machining methods, such as Electron Discharge
Machining (EDM), Electron Beam Machining (EBM), and Laser Beam
Machining (LBM) with using electric, electronic, optical energies. In addition,
we are developing novel machining methods for the next generation.

Prof.
OKADA Akira■ Research Themes
Nontraditional
machining technology

Assoc. Prof.
OKAMOTO Yasuhiro

Asst. Prof.
SHINONAGA Togo

■ Research Themes
Electron beammachining/Laserbeam machining■ Research Themes
Laser beammachining/Electricaldischarge machining

Manufacturing Engineering
Studies on high efficiency, high precision, high quality,optimization, and intelligent automation of machining, which isthe basic technology of manufacturing, and its peripheral technologies
are carried out. In particular, advanced manufacturing technology forboth machine tool users and builders is being developed through studies
on not only grinding, cutting and abrasive finishing or their evaluation
technology, but also further development of AI / IoT technology
specialized in the field of manufacturing.

Prof. OHASHI Kazuhito■ Research Themes
Manufacturing Engineering/Grinding/Machining (Cutting)/Abrasive
Machining

Senior Asst. Prof.
KODAMA Hiroyuki■ Research Themes
Manufacturing Engineering/Machining (Cutting)/Grinding/Abrasive
Machining/Data Mining

Fluid Dynamics
Understanding and controlling the forces that an object
receives from the air plays an important role in industrial
products such as automobiles and airplanes. The Fluid Dynamics
Laboratory conducts research on fluid dynamics with the aim ofcontributing to the improvement of the performance of current
industrial products and the development of new products. The
Fluid Dynamics Laboratory conducts research on relatively slow
flows, such as those assumed for wind turbines and automobiles
used in wind power generation, to fast flows that reproduce theflight environment of airplanes and rockets, based on experiments,
numerical calculations, and AI techniques.

Prof.
KOUCHI Toshinori■ Research Themes
Aerodynamics/
Aerospace Engineering/
Mechanical engineering

4Assoc. Prof.
SUZUKI Hiroki■ Research Themes
Aerodynamics/
Aerospace Engineering/
Mechanical engineering

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Asst. Prof.
TANAKA Kento■ Research Themes
Aerodynamics/
Aerospace Engineering/
Mechanical engineering

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Heat Transfer Engineering
The Heat Transfer Engineering Laboratory conducts research onunderstanding the basic phenomena of heat and mass transfer for the effective
use of thermal energy and developing products with industrial needs. Specifically,
we are conducting a wide range of research such as thermal energy transportand storage using latent heat, development of a new desiccant air conditioning
system, investigations of droplet condensation, evaporation and freezing behavior
with controlling the surface properties of an object, microcapsules containing
latent heat storage materials, and numerical analysis of absorption and reflection
by generation and functional thermal radiation films.

Prof.
HORIBE Akihiko■ Research Themes
latent heat storage/
heat transport/polymer
sorbent /microcapsule/droplet /surface properties/thermal radiation

Senior Asst. Prof.
YAMADA Yutaka■ Research Themes
latent heat storage/
heat transport/polymer
sorbent /microcapsule/droplet /surface properties/thermal radiation

Asst. Prof.
ISOBE Kazuma■ Research Themes
latent heat storage/heat transport/polymers o r b e n t /m i c r o c a p s u l e/d r o p l e t /surface properties/thermal radiation

Heat Power Engineering
Heat Power Engineering Laboratory focuses on combustion research
for improving thermal efficiency and reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Incylinder gas flow, spray and combustion processes are measured with ultra
high-speed imaging, spectroscopy of emissions from chemical reactions, andlasers. Furthermore, CFD simulations are performed to predict and to elucidate
those processes. Effective use of hydrogen, e-fuels and bio-fuels that contributeto carbon neutrality are also targeted.

Prof. KAWAHARA
Nobuyuki■ Research Themes
Thermal Engineering/Internal Combustion
Engine/C o m bu s tio n / L as er
Diagnostic/Numerical Simulation

Assoc. Prof.
KOBASHI Yoshimitsu■ Research Themes
Thermal Engineering/Internal Combustion
Engine/Combustion/Fuel/
Compression Ignition

Asst. Prof.
TSUBOI Kazuya■ Research Themes
Thermal Engineering/
Combustion Engineering& Science/Computational Fluid
Dynamics

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

5Mechanical Systems andUrban Innovation Sciences

Department of｜Urban
Environment Development

Aseismic Design of Structures
Wind Resistance GroupWind and tidal power generation are being developed by applying
flow-induced oscillations in structures such as bridges caused bywind and water currents.

Earthquake Resistance Group

Our research is a combination of analytical simulation, earthquake
damage surveys, and structural experiments in order to evaluate
and improve the seismic performance of buildings for disaster mitigation andearthquake-resistant cities. Focusing on sustainability, we explore innovative
earthquake-resistant structural systems, such as hybrid designs featuring CLT
timber walls and reinforced concrete.

Prof. HIEJIMA Shinji■ Research Themes
Wind engineering/Vibration engineering/
Wind power generation/Tidal current
power generation

Assoc. Prof.
ALWASHALI Hamood■ Research Themes

Seismic evaluation of buildings/seismic
retrofit/performance assessment design/building structure/seismic disaster mitigation

Design of Steel Structures
Research and education are conducted on the advanced methods ofconstruction and maintenance of civil infrastructures. The types of infrastructuresof our interest include railway, road, river, port, and soil structures such astunnels, bridges, dams, banks. In terms of research topics, particular focuses
are placed on the development of the state-of-the-art structural monitoring andnondestructive inspection techniques for the infrastructures under operation. To
this end, we are developing physio-chemical models of structures, materials, andmeasurements, and validate the models and the monitoring/testing techniques
built on them through computer simulations and experiments.

Prof. NISHIYAMA Satoshi

Assoc. Prof. KIMOTO Kazushi■ Research Themes
infrastructure/construction/maintenance/
steel structure/monitoring/nondestructiveinspection■ Research Themes
infrastructure/construction/maintenance/steel structure/monitoring/nondestructive
inspection

Design of Timber Structures
Research and development of timber technologies

and structural design methods for middle and high-rise timberstructures.

Structural design utilizing the latest wood materials such as
CLT and fire-resistant timber.

Assoc. Prof.
FUKUMOTO Kouji■ Research Themes
Timber Structure/Timber
Construction/Hybrid Structure/Strucuture Design

6

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Hydraulic Engineering
We have conducted education and research onwater flow analysis and hydraulic design methods for various
hydraulic structures in rivers and coastal areas, which are

related to the creation of diverse aquatic environments thatcan coexist with nature.

Assoc. Prof.
YOSHIDA Keisuke

Assoc. Prof.
AKOH Ryosuke■ Research Themes
Hydraulic Engineering■ Research Themes

Social Infrastructure(CivilEngineering/Architecture/Disaster Prevention)/Hydroengineering

Geotechnical and Groundwater Engineering
Study on Prediction of Slope Failure
during Heavy Rainfall

Development of Monitoring and Numerical

Modeling Methods for Safety Assessment of River
Levees against Seepage

Prof. KOMATSU Mitsuru■ Research Themes
unsaturated soils/analysis ofseepage flow/soil moisture

Assoc. Prof.
FURUKAWA Zentaro■ Research Themes
unsaturated soils

Architectural Design and Theory
Development and Design Technical

Practices of Design for Environmental
Sustainability

Assoc. Prof.
KAWANISHI Atsushi■ Research Themes
Architectural Design/
Architectural Theory/Design/
Architectural Planning/Urban
Planning

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

7

Wood-Based Materials
Since wood, which is a natural material, fluctuates more than iron andconcrete, I am developing the design of strength based on probability
theory for high-reliability laminated lumber (Glulam), LVL and CLT and also
developing simulation software for that purpose. In addition, based on thematerial of wood, I am developing a wood bonding method that has neverbeen thought so far, and a wood joint with high rigidity and high yieldstrength. Furthermore, with the aim of decarbonizing, I am developing woodmaterials and structuresthat are easy to tear down,
Prof. (Special Appointment)
reuse, recycle, and use
NAKAMURA Noboru
in cascade, and I am also
developing a wood module■ Research Themes
construction method that
Wood-Based Materoals/Timberis excellent in labor saving
Engineering/Timber Constructionand energy saving.

Urban and Building Environmental Engineering
Energy is essential for maintaining human activity. However, consuming energy not only causes
global environmental issues such as global warming and energy resource depletion, but also causes local(urban) environmental issues such as heat island phenomenon and air pollution. We have been researchingin our laboratory to clarify the way urban structures and the related energy systems should be built in thenear future in order to realize a comfortable urban environment while maintaining a sustainable earth.

Prof. NARUMI Daisuke■ Research Themes
Sustainable Urban andArchitectural Design/Carbon
Neutral/Energy System/HeatIsland

Architecture and Urban Spatial Planning
A mechanism for inheriting a housing as a good stock from aprevious eneration as a living housing for future generations, handing down
the culture and the community or the characteristics in the district, andhow to use them, how to control new development, We are proceeding withresearch, keeping in mind these ideas. So far, We are doing research on fromthe design control method of individual architecture to architectural planning/ planning history and urban patial planning, history related to architecture
and planning / legal system and ts implementation, in both Japan andoverseas cities.

Assoc. Prof. HORI Hirofumi■ Research Themes
Architecture and urban spatialplanning/Architecture and urban
design policies/Architecture and urban
landscape/Area based management/
Business improvement district

8

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

Senior Asst. Prof.
HASHIDA Ryohei■ Research Themesarchitectural plan/
housing theory/modern history

2023 ■ OUTLINE

Design of Concrete Structures
Concrete is the foundation of social infrastructurethat supports this substance civilization. However, the actof building a structure with concrete, or the act of building
concrete itself is an act that destroys the natural environment. I
want to own a car, I want to travel abroad, I want to live with aflush toilet, a TV, a cooler, but I also want to protect the naturalenvironment. Developing a sustainable society may be theanswer to this contradiction of humanity. In this laboratory, weaddress the goals of a sustainable
society from the concrete
perspective.

Prof.
AYANO Toshiki

Assoc. Prof.
FUJII Takashi■ Research Themes
Construction material/
Concrete engineering■ Research Themes
Construction material/
Concrete engineering

Urban and Transport Planning
Realizing Sustainable Cities: In Japan, Sustainable cities are required in a declining birthrate andaging society. To realize safe, secure, and vibrant cities and transportation, we are researchingefficient urban and transportation planning that takes into consideration the environment andpeople's lives.
Specifically, We are conducting research on the following topics.
1 ) traffic safety 2 ) public transportation plannin 3 ) barrier-free transportation planning4) c larification of the actual situation of the spongification phenomenon that occurs in the processof population decline5 ) compact city planning 6 ) landscape-oriented city planning7 ) measures for city planning in line with the history of historical and cultural civil engineering
heritage that take advantage of the uniqueness of the region.

Prof.
HASHIMOTO Seiji■ Research Themes
Urban Transportation
Planning/Community Development
by Transportation Policy/TrafficCalming

Assoc. Prof.
HIGUCHI Teruhisa■ Research Themes
Civil Engineering
History/Historical
Structures Preser vationand Utilization/ Visual Town
Planning/Disaster Prevention

Assoc. Prof.
UJIHARA Takehito■ Research Themes
Urban Planning/
Urban Environment/Urban Transportation

Water Environment and Sanitation“Water” is essential for our lives and livelihoods,
and also works as a medium of transporting substances onboth local and global scales. Therefore, the sustainabilityof our life and ecosystem can be easily threatened by theexcess usage and pollution of water resources.We aredoing education and researches on “water quality controltechnology (water treatment)” and “relationship between
material transport and aquatic ecosystems” to solve or prevent such issues for water resources. We hopeto make our society safe, comfortable, and sustainable.

Prof. NAGARE Hideaki

Asst. Prof.HASHIGUCHI Ayumi■ Research Themes
water environment/water treatment/
resource recovery/chemical substances■ Research Themes
water environment/water treatment/
resource recovery/chemical substances

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL, LIFE, NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY

9