Student Voices: Studying new and inspiring technologies for assistive robotics research
Tue, Sep 6, 2016From Thailand
- Name: SOMLOR, Sophon
- Graduated from: Asian Institute of Technology
- Affiliation: Department of Modern Mechanical Engineering (Doctoral)
- Awards: Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (University Recommendation)
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Why did you choose Waseda University?
When I was in my master’s degree course in Thailand, my advisor, who had studied in Japan as MEXT scholarship student, recommended me to study in Japan for the doctoral course. And my wish was to study about robots, especially nursery robots; they can help people such as handicapped people. Waseda developed a nursery robot, TWENDY-ONE, so, that is my topic. At the Japan Educational Fair in Thailand, I went to the Waseda booth to ask about scholarship programs. After that, I continuously contacted the person in charge and got information from website, too.
How is your life in Japan?
This is my first time to come to Japan. My first impression is that there are a lot of trains in Japan. I was surprised at the train’s big network! It seemed to be complicated for me, but it is actually really convenient. The trains go fast and reach destinations almost on time.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
I may have been a little worried about language. Before coming to Japan, I studied Japanese language for two months on my own, and in Japan, I took Japanese language class, too. But in the dormitory, most of the students are Japanese with some International students; Singaporean, Chinese, and Korean. They seemed to speak Japanese well, so I thought that I would have some difficulties. But, they speak English, and that helps me a lot. About the weather, I feel more comfortable here compared in Thailand. When I saw snow falling for the first time, I made a snowman. I went to Niigata and Nagano to go snowboarding with friends. It was very fun!
What are your supervisor and lab members like?
My supervisor, Sugano sensei (sensei means teacher in Japanese), is very kind. He gives me consultation once a month, even when he is very busy, and he suggests me to find originality in my study. In my specific lab team, there are students from Nepal, China and a doctor from Austria. There are also many Japanese bachelors and master’s degree students in the lab. So, we have lunch together. I think I have good company in the laboratory.
What is your research about?
My current research is on the study of the human-like robotic hand. Since nursery robots will live together with humans and we will need help from robots in doing many activities in the future, robots with human-like hands seem to be the most promising step towards a real nursery robot. My study will focus on the finger tip first since human fingers consist of many characteristics. It will improve the ability of the robot’s hand, making it more advanced and more useful so that it can be used in real-life situations. After I finish my doctoral degree, I wish to become a researcher about nursing care robot. In the future, I will come back to my country to continue my research, and I wish to become an instructor or a professor.
What do you do in your free time?
Most of my free time, I spend in my room reading some manga. I can’t read much Kanji but I like Japanese manga, ‘One Piece’ and ‘NARUTO’ the most. And every Sunday, I play soccer with my Thai friends in Japan. I like listening to music, and playing the ukulele sometimes.
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
in English
Waseda University is full of many new technologies that encourage students to learn a lot of new things and to broaden their perspectives. Moreover, Waseda University also provide chances and scholarships for international students to study or do research in the field that they are interested in. Finally, everybody, especially faculties, classmates, and lab mates, also gave me a warm welcome. I’m very proud that I became a Waseda student.
in Thai
มหาวิทยาลัยวาเซดะเป็นมหาวิทยาลัยที่มีเทคโนโลยีใหม่ๆ ที่ส่งเสริมให้นักศึกษาได้เรียนรู้ได้เปิดโลกทัศน์ให้กว้างมากขึ้น แล้วก็เปิดโอกาสและให้ทุนการศึกษาให้นักศึกษาต่างชาติได้มีโอการเข้ามาศึกษาหรือทำงานวิจัยต่อในด้านที่ตัวเองสนใจที่มหาวิทยาลัยวาเซดะ นอกจากนี้ทั้งอาจารย์เพื่อนร่วมคณะและเพื่อนร่วมแลปก็ให้การต้อนรับเป็นอย่างดี และผมก็ดีใจที่ได้เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของมหาวิทยาลัยวาเซดะ
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