President of IEEE Robotics and Automation Society 2004-2005

Members of the Robotics and Automation Society were saddened to learn of the death of Professor Tanie on June 9.

RAS members are invited to post their tributes below, which will be presented to Professor Tanie's family.

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Toshio Fukuda (Nagoya Univ.) Shigeki Sugano (Waseda Univ.)

Dr. Kazuo Tanie was a respected alumnus of Waseda University.

I, Toshio Fukuda, belonged to the medical control engineering laboratory in Waseda University, but worked together with Kazuo in the same research laboratory of the National Railways as undergraduates outside of the university in 1971, traveling together all round in Japan and the world even after graduation with IEEE TAB activities. When I joined Kazuo's team in Mechanical Engineering Laboratory in Tsukuba (now, AIST) after my PhD, I began my career as a researcher of Robotics by following Kazuo's strong suggestion and leadership. Because of this cooperation and collaboration, we jointly started to publish our papers domestically and internationally. Kazuo gave me a lot of advice for research topics and even for lifestyle as a research scientist and helped me, from both academic and administrative viewpoints, to organize, many conferences in Japan, including the creation of the IROS conference in 1988 and hosting the ICRA conference in 1995. In particular, our team tried to organize the ICRA 1995 conference in Nagoya headed by Prof. Ichiro Kato as the organizing chair of the conference, who unfortunately passed away in 1994. Kazuo encouraged and helped me to go ahead as General Chair of the conference, which was so successful due to Kazuo’s contributions and devotion.

I, Shigeki Sugano, belonged to the same laboratory of the late Prof. Ichiro Kato with Kazuo, although I am 12 years junior to Kazuo. When I was in the doctoral course, Prof. Kato was very busy because he served many important positions such as Dean of Waseda University, President of the Robotics Society Japan, and other public positions. Then, instead of Prof. Kato, Kazuo, who was the only alumnus with a doctoral degree attended Kato’s laboratory meetings, led serious discussions on robotics and gave us all thought provoking and useful advice. Especially, I learned important basic things for a researcher such as how to plan a project, how to write research papers, and basic knowledge about Robotics. Kazuo and I kept this good relationship for long time even after I became a faculty member of Waseda University. I always enjoyed discussion on Robotics with Kazuo and was enlightened by him.

Now, we, Toshio and Shigeki feel deep sorrow. We cannot have such a chance to listen to Kazuo, who always talked about Robotics with enthusiasm and a smile. The best thing for us, we believe, is to contribute developing the Robotics field and IEEE RAS with the cherished desire of Kazuo.

May Kazuo's soul rest in peace.

Gassho - Join our hands in prayer

I am deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of a friend and a great leader for the robotics community. He was a leader of great vision as well as a man of kindness, friendship and hospitality. His vision of promoting industrial activities within our society for the future of our society has been materialized in the form of the creation of the Industrial Activity Board. A long and enthusiastic discussion with him about the business model related to service robotics during my visit to his lab. and subsequently over the dinner was truly unforgettable. I truly miss him. I fully agree that we should do something in honor of him. Please, give my deepest condolence to his surviving family.

Sukhan Lee, Ph.D. Professor, School of Information and Communication Director, Intelligent Systems Research Center Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California Georgia Institute of Technology Vice President, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Fellow, IEEE and Korea National Academy of Science Lsh@ece.skku.ac.kr, Lsh1@ieee.org, +82-31-290-7150

With deepest sympathy. Please know that Prof. Tanie will be very much missed. His professionalism will always remain a guide and an inspiration for us all.
Guy M. Nicoletti, Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Greensburg, Pa. 15601
nicolett@pitt.edu

My sympathies to Prof. Tanie's family and friends. Tanie-sensei was my host when I visited MEL (now AIST) for several months as a graduate student in 1998. His hospitality was just as much appreciated as his excellent research and career advice. He will be truly missed.
Allison M. Okamura, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21218
aokamura@jhu.edu

This is a very sad news, the death of the Professor Kazuo Tanie who was a great icon for the RAS community. My sincere condolences to the family of the Professor and to all the members of the RAS society.

WALDER Andre, Ph.D Candidate
NanoRobotics Laboratory
Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal
Département de Genie informatique
Pavillon Lassonde, local M-4505
2500, chemin de Polytechnique
Montreal, Qc, Canada
H3T 1J4

Kazuo Tanie was a gentleman, a mentor, a leader in our field, and a great friend. He worked too hard, but he always seemed to find time to have a beer and discuss robotics or Japanese culture. I learned a tremendous amount from him. We will all miss his good humor, generosity, leadership, and genuine concern for others. This is a terrible loss for our society.

I would like to send my heartfelt wishes to his family, Kazuko and Tomoki, to find peace and strength during this difficult time. Please know that there are many of us around the world who owe a great deal to Tanie-san. Do not hesitate to call on us if we can be of any assistance.

Kevin Lynch, Ph.D.
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
2145 Sheridan Rd.
Evanston, IL 60208 USA
+1 847-467-5451
kmlynch@northwestern.edu

I served as the Vice President for Finance during Kazuo's term as President. I always found him to be supportive of his officers, and a very fair and wise President. He was always very enthusiastic about his robotics work.

I was deeply saddened to learn of his death. His good humor and personal enjoyment will be sorely missed. My condolences go to his family, friends, and co-workers. May you be blessed with comfort in your time of sorrow.

Professor David Orin
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio 43210 USA

Kazuo was a good scientist and a really fine gentlemen. We will certainly miss him. He was the one who appointed me as Editor in Chief of RAM and I am still grateful to him for this honor.

Professor Stefano Stramigioli
University of Twente
The Netherlands

I am deeply saddened to hear the very sad news that Professor Tanie has passed away.

Professor Tanie was one of those extraordinary people who would never be forgotten. I worked with Professor Tanie at Mechanical Engineering Laboratory from November 1996 to October 1999. At that period of time, he had offered me very important guidance and advices not only on my research work, but also and most importantly on how to be a decent man. The significant influence of his strong personality has been and will continue to benefit me in my career as well as in my life. I own him dearly in this regard. When I returned to China, he visited my university and research lab many times to show his strong support to my efforts, even when his schedule was heavily booked.

Professor Tanie had been a great advisor, a valued colleague and a true friend of mine. I, together with my family and my students, will always remember his kindness, diligence and inspiration, as well as his warmth and sense of fun in so many social gatherings.

My deepest condolences to Professor Tanie's family.

Qiang Huang,

Professor
Director of Intelligent Robotics Institute
Department of Aerospace Science and Engineering
Beijing Institute of Technology
Beijing, China 100081