Collaboration Network Analysis in Robotics Academic Research

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the collaboration networks in Robotics Academic Research based on Bibliometrics. For this, using co-authorship data at the SCI papers in Robotics from 2000 to 2011, is presented the characteristics of knowledge production, structure and development of collaboration networks in South Korea. It is found that research activities are continuously increasing in Robotics Academic Research and dividing into many specialties such as humanoid, bio robotics, field robot, etc.Secondly, the productivity distribution of research organization is more uneven than that of individual researcher with a larger share held by few organizations and researchers. Thirdly, only a few researchers(organizations) have a role of the hub in the collaboration networks, meaning that the structure network is closer to than the core than the peripheral. Lastly, collaboration networks have an unstable structure from 2006-2008 because of new researchers who came from other academic areas. To make stable collaboration networks for the future, it is required collaboration programs between new researchers and existing researchers.In conclusion, collaborations between researchers are very important issue to make better R&D results specially in Robotics, so planners of science policy or researchers should establish a strategy to encourage collaborations.