UK | Student Speak: Prospects for Robotics are bright

Roopika Ravikanna, MSc Robotics, University of Sheffield, says Robotics is a field that provides human beings with a protected environment
A desire to improve the living standards of people using Robotics made Coimbatore girl Roopika Ravikanna pursue MSc in Robotics at the University of Sheffield, UK.
"I completed my Bachelor's in Robotics and Automation from PSG college of Technology, Coimbatore.The projects and coursework that I undertook as part of my undergraduate course inspired me to continue my specialisation in Robotics. It is a field that foresee unseen innovations and provides human beings with a protected environment through Industrial, Rescue and Medical Robotics,"says Ravikanaa.
Ravikanaa says that the University's department of automatic control and systems engineering has been ranked number one in the UK in terms of research output and it was the one of the reasons she chose the university. "I was selected as an International Student Ambassador dealing specifically with South-Asian students. I am also a regular volunteer at the Sunday Centre for Homeless (Sheffield)," she adds.

CAMPUS LIFE
The campus is a place to be for any literature lover, with its year round poetry events and literature festivals. "I have been writing poetry for many years now. I have performed my poems at various poetry societies and festivals, since arriving," says Ravikanna.
INDIA vs UK
The course consists of assignments, project work and written exams. "The biggest difference is the amount of independent studies we are encouraged to pursue here. The learning graph is very steep because of the research we are required to take up, under the guidance of teachers. This helps in transitioning to a career in engineering," she adds.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
The prospects are bright both for pursuing further research or taking up an industry-based role. She is currentlt working as an academic research intern at UK N8 research project based in Agricultural Robotics."The collection of modules that we study comprise of essential requirements expected out of a Robotics Engineer. This makes us desirable in a variety of industries, including Automation, Automobile and Mechatronics," she believes.