Assoc Prof Akira Kakugo

Dr. Akira Kakugo is an Associate Professor at Hokkaido University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science and Master’s degree in Polymer Science from Hokkaido University in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Later he obtained his Doctor of Science from Hokkaido University in 2003. During his master’s and doctoral studies, he developed the world’s smallest power unit that used chemical energy.

His research interests have included physics and dynamics of biomolecular motor systems as an active soft-matter, the development of molecular robots with biomolecular motors, and fabrication of artificial muscles from active matter. More recently, he has been investigating the swarming behavior of active matters, responsiveness of active matters, and swarms to various stimuli, which are key to unraveling the underlying mechanism behind the group behavior of living organisms.

Selected links:

• Swarm molecular robotics delivers cargo - Asia Research News, March 10, 2023

• Molecular robots work cooperatively in swarms - Science Daily, Apr 20 2022

• Deep-sea osmolyte finds applications in molecular machines - Asia Research News, April 7, 2022

• First evidence of microtubules' mechanosensitive behavior - Nagoya University, October 18, 2021 

• Cellular train track deformities shed light on neurological disease - Asia Research News, March 31, 2020

• Invention of swarming molecular robots and its infinite possibilities | Akira Kakugo | TEDxSapporo - TEDx Talks, January 10, 2019

• Scientists developed new DNA-assisted molecular robots that swarm like birds - Tech Explorist, January 31, 2018