Leading University in Innovation, Research, and Education in Asia

Our research topics are spacecraft, airplane and moon and planetary probe control, dynamics, and navigation. We also research about the control theory which is a basis of such control problem.
Current Focus Areas
Dynamics and control for airplane and spacecraft
1) Study on Evaluation of Social Acceptability for the "Aerial Industrial Revolution"
Focuses on evaluating the social acceptability of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). Since conducting experiments with actual UAMs is difficult, this study utilizes real and CG drones, a simplified electroencephalograph (Kansei Analyzer), and subjective questionnaires. It evaluates differences in human sensitivity between real and CG drones, supporting the development of a simulator for social acceptability evaluation.
Simulated experiments for sensibility evaluation using an actual drone
2) Seamless Switching Between Manual and Autonomous Navigation and Longitudinal and Turning Power Assist Control for Autonomous Mobile Robots
Aims to introduce Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) into aircraft manufacturing facilities, where complex working environments require both autonomous and manual operation. The research develops seamless switching between autonomous navigation and manual control, along with power-assist control for longitudinal and turning operations, enabling workers to efficiently maneuver the robots when needed.



3) Moon and Planetary Landing Dynamics and Control
Research shock absorption, energy conversion, and overturning-prevention mechanisms for lunar and planetary landers operating on steep and challenging terrains. By focusing on momentum exchange and energy conversion during landing, the research develops landing mechanisms and control methods to absorb impact and prevent lander overturning upon touchdown.


4) Research on Multicopter Landing Mechanisms
Develops emergency landing mechanisms for multirotor UAVs falling from various heights. The system uses a serially connected spring-damper mechanism with a lockable mechanical switch and plastic deformation material to mitigate landing impact and suppress rebound. Depending on the falling height, the plastic deformation mechanism is activated when the spring reaches a predefined threshold, providing additional impact mitigation for higher falls.

5) Mid-Air Retrieval of Low-Speed-Descent Objects by Fixed-Wing UAVs
Proposes mid-air retrieval of low-speed-descent objects, such as radiosonde balloons and failed drones, using fixed-wing UAVs. The research focuses on developing control methods to safely retrieve these objects before they reach the ground, addressing the difficulty of controlling their landing points and reducing the risk of insufficient deceleration and ground impacts.

International Collaboration: Expanded into an international student flying-robot design program collaborating with North Carolina State University (NC State) and Gifu University.
NC State ECE Feature Article— Competing Across Continents: Students from NC State and Universities in Japan Team Up on ‘Robot Gliders’
Official X Video— NC State Team Championship Flight Video
6) Study on Stabilization Control of Motorcycles
Conducted in collaboration with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. using the MOTOROiD platform, this research focuses on self-stabilization control of motorcycles during stationary and low-speed conditions. By combining mathematical modeling with Bayesian optimization, the study identifies optimal control parameters and designs robust feedback control systems against external wind disturbances, with future work extending control to drive torque.

7) Establishment of a Remote Experimentation System for Inverted Pendulum Control
Establishes an internet-connected remote experimentation platform for simultaneous stabilization of two inverted pendulums located at Nagoya University and Gifu University, approximately 50 km apart. Utilizing hierarchical optimal control, the system balances individual stability and coordination between the two pendulums while enhancing robustness against communication delays and system uncertainties. The platform is designed for remote student experiments and can also be applied to remote product demonstrations.
8) Visual Based Tracking System in Asteroid Flyby
Develops high-speed and high-precision line-of-sight target tracking systems using steering mirrors for small satellite asteroid flyby missions. The research addresses modeling errors, temperature-dependent actuator variations, image processing delays, and optical conditions to enable accurate tracking during close approaches.


9) Space-use Actuator System
Researches Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-based holding and release mechanisms for spacecraft as an alternative to conventional pyrotechnic systems. By developing mathematical models of SMA actuators and suitable control systems, the research aims to achieve safe, reusable, and low-shock deployment mechanisms for space applications.

Previous Research Topics
1) Aircraft Control
Research on dynamic modeling, trajectory generation, and flight control systems for fixed-wing aircraft and flight vehicles

2) Study on Motion Control of Electric Vehicles
Investigation into dynamic behavior, traction/stability control, and optimized motion control strategies for electric vehicles (EVs).

3) Study on Settling Control of Horizontal Moving Body
Development of motion and vibration control techniques to achieve rapid settling and precise positioning for horizontally moving mechanisms.


4) Study on a Trajectory Optimization of Spacecraft for Asteroid Deflection Exploiting Impact Geometry Map
Research on orbital trajectory design and optimization using impact geometry mapping to deflect hazardous Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) effectively.


5) Autonomous Spacecraft Operation with Efficient On-board Operation Planning System
Development of autonomous decision-making and on-board mission planning algorithms to enable self-sufficient spacecraft operation during complex missions.


6) Autonomous Navigation of UAVs
Research on autonomous path planning, obstacle avoidance, and robust flight navigation control for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).


Special Focus:
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Metaverse & Student Innovation
Educational Innovation & Interactive Digital Twins: Winner of Apple Swift Student Challenge 2026
NU CSEL integrates control theory with digital tools. Student initiatives include the development of 「AirCraft」, an interactive App Playground built using Swift, SwiftUI, and 3D/AR frameworks (RealityKit/SceneKit). The app serves as a digital twin sandbox allowing users to adjust aircraft geometries and simulate flight dynamics (lift, drag, and stability) in real time.
Winner of Apple Swift Student Challenge 2026: Nagoya University Official News Article
Metaverse Game presented at the Osaka-Kansai Expo
Development of the Tokai Climax Series Metaverse Game presented at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Metaverse Showcase: NU CESL Official X Post
Contact:
Graduate School of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Email: hara.susumu.c4@f.mail.nagoya-u.ac.jp



