Graduate School of
Science and Engineering

Rhythmic phenomena, characterized as regular recurrence of pattern in time, are observed in a variety of systems in nature. Examples include rhythms in speech communications, rhythms in music plays, rhythmic walking, rhythmic heart beat, 24 hours biological rhythm, rhythmic flashing of fireflies, firing patterns of neuronal activities, planetary motion, and many others. Ensemble of such rhythmic elements leads to a rich collective behavior such as synchronization. In mechanical engineering, development of mechanical oscillators that can generate stable and precise rhythms provides one of the most fundamental technologies. In our laboratory, we construct mathematical models and experimental devices for rhythmic systems. Our aim is to develop basic theories and advanced applications in science and engineering. Our subjects cover a broad range of research fields from mechanics, robotics, computer science, neuroscience, and circadian rhythm to acoustics and music.