Frontier of Embodiment Informatics: ICT and Robotics, Top Global University ProjectWaseda University

Digital Cyborg

Social revolutions have accompanied innovation in views of the body. If we regard the information revolution as the establishment of a virtual society in contrast to the real society, it is necessary to design a new view of the body as a “Digital Cyborg,” which can adapt freely to the changes in social structure.
In this talk, we discuss how we understand basic knowledge about body editing for construction of the JIZAI body (Digital Cyborg) based on VR, AR and Robotics. Superhuman Sports: Applying Human Augmentation to Physical Exercise.
This talk will also present Superhuman Sports, a form of “Human-Computer Integration” to overcome the somatic and spatial limitations of humanity by merging technology with the body. In Tokyo, the official home of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, we hope to create a future of sports where everyone, strong or weak, young or old, non-disabled or disabled, can play and enjoy playing without being disadvantaged.

Musical Dynaformics

Over the centuries, the virtuosity of musicians has fascinated audiences worldwide. Because musical performance involves both coordinated and independent movements of a large number of joints, it has not been elucidated firstly what biomechanical principles govern such virtuosic motor skills, and secondly what neuroplastic mechanisms underlie acquisition, sophistication, loss, and restoration of the virtuosity. To resolve these issues, I have been not only utilizing the concepts and technologies of robotics but also combining them with neurophysiological knowledge and techniques called “musical dynaformics.” The present talk introduces four research areas probing musical expertise by means of robotics. First, inverse and forward dynamics of a rigid body model allows the uncovering of neuromuscular skills optimizing energetic efficiency of movements by skilled pianists. Second, the combined use of haptic devices with electroenpharogram and transcranial magnetic stimulation identified the somatosensory-motor integration mechanisms subserving the production of the fast and precise movements of skilled pianists. Third, a miniature haptic device that can be attached to a musical instrument demonstrated impairments of the somatosensory-motor integration mechanism (i.e. internal model) in pianists suffering from focal dystonia. Fourth, specialized ways of utilizing robotics such as a haptic device and hand exo-skeleton based on neuroscientific theories enable enhancement of both somatosensory perception and motor dexterity of skilled pianists. Through the talk, I would like to propose a novel viewpoint of robotics as a unique means of probing and boosting sensorimotor virtuosity.

Smooth, flexible and dexterous human movements

Smooth, flexible and dexterous human movements

Humans are capable of making quick and accurate movements with smoothness and flexibility. Even now, robots are not so good at doing this. Such human movements are achieved by the spring-like properties of the musculoskeletal system and neural mechanisms. I will introduce our research which attempts to elucidate how our brains learn and control dexterous movements.

To be announced

To be announced

An Athlete Support Approach Utilizing ICT and Data

Top level athletes are supported by highly expert staff, and the rapid advances in ICT over recent years have also had a major impact in the world of sport. Diverse initiatives have been implemented in many sports to look at how information can be utilized to win. This session will provide information on why sports analysts are now in demand in the world of sport, an example of a sports information strategy utilizing IT, and the prospects for the future.

Abstract

The use of virtual and augmented reality (XR) technology in both gaming and professional applications like sports, training, and design presents significant challenges at the intersection of engineering and creative endeavors. Both human and hardware limitations must be overcome through design and iteration in order to effectively develop XR applications. We present a series of learnings gained through observation, iteration, and empirical evidence, and develop a set of rules for creating deeply interactive applications in these mediums. These components of a larger developing grammar are borrowed from the respective grammars of previous media, such as games and film, but are evolved to leverage the strengths unique to XR. Through using case studies from consumer products like Robo Recall and Bullet Train, as well as examples from other media, we will show how we start with a theory of interaction, and refine it through a combination of observation and iteration towards something that is accessible and enjoyable by users. By adapting to the players’ experiences, we can also improve their performance at the task, which suggests that these same techniques can be leveraged for training in sports or other skill-based endeavors. Finally, we will highlight how technological tools can help democratize this iterative process, to allow cross-discipline team members to collaborate more quickly and effectively to achieve high-quality results.

POWERED LIFE: How to Create Active and Joyful Life Supported by Sports Related Technologies

Sports-related products can maximize our physical performance not only in sports but also in daily life. The project called “POWERED LIFE” is developing innovative technologies, products, and services which provide active and joyful lives for diverse people with adaptation of their physical abilities. As a Japanese all-around manufacturer for sports, we introduce applications of sports-related technologies and their social implementation focusing on hot topics such as the Golden Sports Years, active aging, human augmentation, and co-creation.

Using VR-based Systems in a Professional Baseball Team—Challenges and Perspectives

In baseball batting, batsmen predict the entire ball trajectory by observing the ball release at a glance and swing the bat toward the predicted impact point. Accurate visual perception of space and precise prediction of ball trajectory are essential for success in baseball batting. Recently, the VR technology is applied to assist batsmen to develop these skills and batting training systems have been developed. In this session, a baseball expert will talk about the usage of a VR-based system in a professional baseball team, the pros and cons of the current systems, and direction for future improvement.

Greeting

The Health and Sports Science Unit, which is a Top Global University Project education and research unit, aims to function as an international hub for education and research in health and sports science that draws outstanding human resources from around the world. In order to build a leading global university and an education system with an international interface that facilitates the free exchange of education and research, we have initiated new programs, including a system for acquiring a degree in English, a system for acquiring a degree through a double/joint degree program, short-term invitations for non-Japanese teaching staff through joint appointments, and overseas training for postgraduate students. We have also strengthened our international collaborations with top universities overseas in the sports science area and have been actively encouraging the hosting of outstanding foreign students and overseas study for the students of Waseda University. Moreover, in order to employ top teaching staff and researchers from around the world, we have created mechanisms for widely recruiting teaching staff who meet global standards from all over the world. Through these initiatives, we will create a place where outstanding researchers and teaching staff from all over the world in health and sports science can come and go freely in order to connect the world as one.

Greeting

The most up-to-date automobiles, aircraft, precision machinery, robots, and consumer appliances are systems in which mechanical engineering, computer science, and communications technology are integrated. People are connecting to these systems, giving rise to the new intelligent society. It can be said that IoT, the latest trend, is also part of this dynamic. In such an age, university engineering departments are required to foster human resources with the ability to innovate in the process of creating this society. To this end, the development of international and interdisciplinary education must be emphasized as well as promoting a spirit of challenge for opening up new areas of research.
At our unit, we not only promote joint research with foreign teaching staff and study abroad at leading research organizations, but we have also created multiple research supervision systems that include well-known overseas advisors. We will remain at the forefront with collaboration as our keyword, aiming to increase student motivation, arm them with foresight, and strengthen their research abilities.