Genki Shikada | First-year Master’s Student, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
- Duration of Visit: September 2023 – December 2023
- Host University: Technical University of Munich
- Location: Munich, Germany
Genki Shikada, a first-year master’s student at the School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, embarked on a study abroad journey to Munich, Germany, where he attended the Technical University of Munich (TUM). This enriching experience was made possible through the support of Waseda University’s Top Global University project known as “Waseda Goes Global” (TGU).
Overview of the Study Program
Within the framework of the TGU initiative, Genki Shikada dedicated three months to working in Prof. Gordon Cheng’s laboratory at TUM, Germany. The focus of his research involved utilizing deep learning for robot motion generation. His interest in this field was sparked during a previous collaboration with doctoral students from Prof. Gordon Cheng’s lab the previous summer. This exposure showcased the advanced research and implementation capabilities of international students, motivating Genki to pursue further studies abroad.
During his time at TUM, Genki actively engaged in research activities, benefiting from regular meetings with doctoral students and guidance from Prof. Gordon Cheng. His primary project centered on the utilization of deep learning control for a dual-armed robot named TOMM. This robot was designed to execute a grasping motion using both arms to secure objects that were too large for a single-hand grasp.
Academic Achievements
Initially planning to work with the PR2 dual-armed robot for motion generation, Genki encountered an unexpected setback when the robot malfunctioned within the first month of his stay. Despite this challenge, the supportive TUM students assisted him in transitioning to a new robot, TOMM. Through collaborative efforts and brainstorming sessions, Genki successfully transferred the operational system from PR2 to TOMM. He dedicated the remaining two months to mastering TOMM’s motion, culminating in the successful task of picking up various sizes of cardboard boxes.
Personal Reflections on the Study Abroad Experience
For Genki, accustomed to living with his parents, the study abroad program marked his first independent living experience as an exchange student. Although initially apprehensive, he found comfort in the welcoming demeanor of his Airbnb host, facilitating a comfortable three-month stay. Living in a shared accommodation with individuals from diverse backgrounds enriched his experience, providing insights into different cultures and perspectives.
On weekdays, Genki immersed himself in laboratory work, engaging in research activities and socializing with fellow members during lunch breaks at the “Mensa” cafeteria. The buffet-style eatery, where the meal prices were based on the food’s weight, introduced him to a novel dining concept not prevalent in Japan.
During weekends, Genki explored neighboring cities via express trains, partaking in local festivities such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. These excursions exposed him to varied European landscapes, cultures, and seasonal traditions, contributing significantly to his cultural awareness.
Impact on Future Career Trajectory
The diverse interactions with students and researchers at TUM broadened Genki’s perspective, exposing him to a range of nationalities and specialized fields. These encounters stimulated his thinking and reinforced his aspiration to pursue a career aligned with deep learning or robotics. Discussions with TUM peers highlighted the common practice of securing employment closely related to one’s academic specialization, a concept less prevalent in Japan. This exposure further fueled Genki’s determination to pursue opportunities in these domains, shaping his post-study abroad job search endeavors.
Acknowledgments and Final Thoughts
Genki expresses deep gratitude to the TGU team for their unwavering support in administrative and financial matters, enabling him to fully immerse himself in the research experience abroad. He emphasizes the invaluable nature of study abroad programs like TGU’s in fostering personal and academic growth among students. Genki hopes that more students will have the opportunity to partake in such enriching experiences, shaping their academic and professional trajectories positively.