Vanessa at the 2024 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
UBD Third Year Bachelor of Digital Science Student Vanessa Lew is awarded the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Travel Support Award to attend ICRA 2024
Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Travel Support Award for ICRA 2024, 13th May 2024 - 17th May, 2024
Written by Lew Yan Yan, Vanessa, 22B6030
This year, I had the honor of receiving the IDEA Travel Support award to attend the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2024 from 13th May to 17th May in Yokohama, Japan. This opportunity was not only an incredible learning experience but also a significant milestone in my professional journey. The Conference Experience ICRA 2024 was my first robotics conference and it was an eye-opening experience. Prior to this, I had never attended such a large-scale conference, and it was confusing at first but the hospitality and vibrant energy of the other participants were exceptional. From keynote speeches by industry leaders to interactive workshops and panel discussions, the event was bustling with innovation and knowledge-sharing. I had the privilege of learning about the amazing research done by other robotics students around the globe, including projects on soft robotics, marine robotics, visual perception and tactile sensing. The insights gained from this conference has helped me narrow down my focus on what I wish to accomplish with my undergraduate degree and my future career goals.
Networking and Collaboration
I made friends with my fellow IDEA Travel Support awardees, who encouraged me to create a professional LinkedIn account and network with other participants together, to maximize our experience. I discovered the importance of networking and it has significantly contributed to my personal growth. I spent a considerable amount of time at the large exhibition, learning about the latest advancements in robotics from popular companies such as Boston Dynamics, Unitree, and Kuka - Kuka even gave us a mini model of their “LBR iiwa” to take home.
Exploring Japan
I started learning Japanese a year ago and developed an interest in Japanese culture. Attending ICRA 2024 provided me with the opportunity to explore Japan, which further affirmed my desire to study abroad there in the future. Although the journey to Yokohama was initially nerve-wracking, I felt supported and welcomed once I met the other IDEA awardees, who embraced me warmly as the youngest member of the group. After the conference, I stayed in Tokyo for a few days, which was a great practice in independence and allowed me to explore the city.
Notes about ICRA
ICRA is the flagship conference of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) and is the premier conference in Robotics and Automation. ICRA brings together the world’s top researchers and industry leaders to share ideas, exchange knowledge, and advance the field of robotics for the benefit of humanity. Please check out ICRA 2025 here. It is to be held 19–23 May in Atlanta, USA.
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