With the generous support of the Sakura Science Program, Sophia University had the honor of welcoming seven high school students with two educators, Ms. Mridu Marwah & Mr. Abhijeet from Gurugram Global Heights School, located in Gurugram near Delhi NCR, India, from December 15 to 21, 2024. Gurugram Global Heights School places a strong emphasis on STEM education, particularly in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. Under the theme "Advancements in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Bridging Cultures through Technology," we organized a program to provide the students with an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge Japanese robotics and AI applications.

December 16

The students participated in a thermodynamics class from the Faculty of Science and Technology's English program at Sophia University. They then toured research laboratories specializing in fluid engineering, control engineering, and artificial intelligence. In the afternoon, experts from NTT Data delivered a lecture on the fundamentals of AI, its applications, and its future potential.

December 17

On December 17, the group traveled to Kyoto by Shinkansen to visit Tmsuk Corporation, a company that develops robots to support human activities and daily life in areas such as elderly care, disaster rescue, and agriculture. The visit began with a presentation by the company's president, Mr. KAWAKUBO, who shared the company's philosophy on robotics and its products. This was followed by an engaging Q&A session. The students then had the opportunity to test-ride RODEM, Tmsuk's mobility support robot, which features user-friendly designs such as smooth boarding from a bed and an elevated eye level to enhance interaction with others. Tmsuk's headquarters, housed in a renovated traditional Japanese residence, left a strong impression on the students by showcasing the harmony between Japan's rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology.

December 18

The students visited Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Kawasaki, where they toured the company's factory and observed how robots are utilized in truck and bus manufacturing. The tour covered various production processes, demonstrating the integration of robotics in modern manufacturing. Following the factory tour, the students attended a presentation on AI applications at the company, learning how AI and robotics contribute to enhancing safety and productivity in the manufacturing process. The students were deeply impressed by the level of automation and technological advancement.

December 19

Mr. TONOMURA Keiji, a lawyer at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu and a participant in national discussions on AI-related legal issues, gave a lecture on legal challenges associated with AI. The students then visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Nion Miraikan) to explore Japan's cutting-edge scientific and technological advancements.

December 20

The students engaged in a group discussion to reflect on their experiences, followed by the presentation to review their learning experience. Each participant shared their learnings and insights gained from the program, expressing their aspirations for the future. The program proved to be an invaluable opportunity for the students to broaden their perspectives and envision new possibilities in the field of robotics and AI.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this program.