Bubble collapse captured by high-speed imaging

Mechanics and Design Laboratory

Unleashing Creativity
for Everyone.

Creating Future Experiences through Smart Prototyping

Discover our story

Visualization of nasal spray application

BRAND STATEMENT

We visualize invisible phenomena, understand complex mechanics, and transform scientific discoveries into innovative systems through smart prototyping.

By integrating mechanics, design, and human-centered engineering, we aim to unleash creativity for everyone and create future experiences that contribute to society.

OUR RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

Visualize.
Design.
Prototype.
Iterate.

We reveal invisible phenomena, connect scientific understanding to design, and improve continuously through prototyping and validation.

Flow visualization image
01

Visualize

We reveal complex and otherwise hidden phenomena through visualization, measurement, and data analysis.

CAD model of design and prototyping
02

Design

We combine physical understanding with a human-centered perspective to conceive systems of meaningful value.

Lattice structure fabricated by metal additive manufacturing
03

Prototype

We turn ideas into testable forms through physical and digital prototypes.

Shape-memory polymer specimens
04

Iterate

We improve research outcomes and societal value through experimentation, feedback, and redesign.

OUR SIGNATURE METHODOLOGY

Smart Prototyping

Smart Prototyping is our signature approach that integrates visualization, mechanics, simulation, design, prototyping, and experimentation to shorten the path from discovery to societal value.

  1. 01Visualization
  2. 02Understanding
  3. 03Design
  4. 04Simulation
  5. 05Prototype
  6. 06Experiment
  7. 07Iterate
  8. 08Social Impact
Visualization of droplets sprayed from a nasal spray device
Visualization
Finite element analysis result of a structure
Simulation
Lattice structure produced by metal additive manufacturing
Prototype

FROM PHENOMENA TO IMPACT

01

Visualizing Complex Phenomena

We use advanced visualization and measurement to reveal fast, microscopic, and coupled phenomena that are otherwise difficult to capture.

02

Understanding Mechanics and Multiphysics

We investigate interactions among materials, fluids, structures, and interfaces through experiments, theory, numerical analysis, and data science.

03

Designing and Prototyping Systems

We translate scientific insight into design and explore new possibilities through physical and digital prototypes.

04

Creating Human and Societal Impact

Through co-creation in healthcare, industry, education, and society, we develop future experiences that are meaningful to people.

RESEARCH AREAS

Mechanics meets design.

Our subjects are diverse, but they share one approach: visualize phenomena, understand them through mechanics, and connect that understanding to design and prototyping.

High-speed imaging of bubble collapse
01

Multiphysics and
Fluid–Structure Interaction

We study problems in which multiple physical phenomena interact, including cavitation, water hammer, fluid–structure interaction, waves, and ultrasonics.

Research details →
Material surface damage caused by cavitation erosion
02

Materials, Fracture
and Impact

We investigate the reliability of materials and structures through fracture, impact, composites, adhesion, and damage assessment.

Research details →
Visualization of nasal spray atomization
03

Human-centered
Engineering

We combine mechanics with human-centered design to address medical devices and human experiences.

Research details →
3D-printed shape-memory polymer specimens
04

Smart Prototyping and
Engineering Design

We integrate visualization, simulation, AI, prototyping, and experimentation to accelerate progress from ideas to real-world implementation.

Research details →
Ply drop-off region in a CFRP laminate
CFRP / Ply drop-off
CAD model of design and prototyping
CAD / Engineering design
Finite element analysis result
FEM / Computational mechanics

OUR COMMUNITY

A diverse community united by curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

People from different countries, cultures, disciplines, and perspectives work together on complex challenges. We present our community through its research and practices rather than through portraits of students or faculty.

01

Visualize
the Invisible

02

Think Beyond
Boundaries

03

Prototype Early,
Learn Faster

04

Create
with People

05

Pursue
Meaningful Impact

People are at the heart of our research, but ideas, phenomena, and prototypes are at the heart of our visual identity.

EXPLORE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Find your entry point.

01

General Public & High School Students

Discover how our research connects with society and the future.

Discover → 02

University & Graduate Students

Explore our research areas, learning environment, and graduate study information.

Explore → 03

Companies & Professionals

Learn about technical consultation, joint research, and co-creation through Smart Prototyping.

Collaborate → 04

Researchers

Explore research themes, collaboration opportunities, and official researcher information.

Connect →

CONTACT

Let’s create
what comes next.

For inquiries about research, education, collaboration, or graduate study, please contact us at the email address below.

The address is displayed as an image to reduce automated harvesting. Select the image to open your email application.

Information on this site is limited to the university and campus level. Student information, portraits, room numbers, and other personal details are not published.

Institute of Science Tokyo →