There are more than 400 diverse students are enrolled in “Future-Creation (MIRAI)” Course.
In this section, we will focus on students who are engaged in unique activities and introduce their achievements and activities from their own perspectives.
The 15th student is Satoshi Hamasuna (D3) of the Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering.
Materials Research and Robot Competition Activities—A Research Perspective Expanding Through Manufacturing
In recent years, semiconductors have been featured more frequently in the news, reminding me once again that the products we use every day are supported by materials technology. Alongside my research activities, I participate in a robotics competition called the “MicroMouse Competition,” in which palm-sized autonomous robots navigate a maze. This competition requires a broad range of knowledge—including mechanical design, circuit design, software, and control engineering—but at its core lies the technology of semiconductors and electronic materials.
My own research focuses on investigating the physical properties of electronic materials, but materials do not hold value on their own; they only become valuable once incorporated into devices, circuits, and systems. Through building MicroMouse robots, I have come to realize the importance of considering “how the material will ultimately be used” even in materials research.
At K²-SPRING, I had the opportunity to interact with doctoral students and researchers from different fields through various lectures and events. Even stepping just a little outside my own specialty, I’ve found that my explanations can be difficult to convey, and I’ve encountered challenges I hadn’t noticed before, as well as new ideas. I hope to apply the perspectives gained from these interdisciplinary exchanges to the creation and advancement of my future research.
