Hiroto Tanaka

Hiroto Tanaka is a distinguished Associate Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology), where he leads groundbreaking research in biomechanics and fluid dynamics. His academic journey includes degrees from The University of Tokyo, followed by a JSPS Research Fellowship and postdoctoral work at Harvard SEAS. Currently heading the Aero/Aqua Biomimetics Lab, he specializes in studying flying and swimming animals to develop innovative biomimetic robots. His teaching portfolio includes the renowned "Monozukuri: Making Things" MOOC course on edX, where he introduces fundamental engineering concepts including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and machinery dynamics. His research has garnered significant attention in the field of biomimetics, with notable publications on insect flight systems, programmable matter, and robotic wing mechanisms. Tanaka's expertise extends to teaching specialized courses in biomechanics, fluid dynamics, and biomimetic design, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications in robotics and engineering. His work has contributed significantly to understanding animal locomotion and its applications in robotic systems, particularly in the development of flapping-wing robots and penguin-inspired swimming mechanisms