14th November: Yet another day in Tokyo

On 14^th November we started our day a bit early then usual as we were supposed to visit the Science and Engineering College of Waseda University. Half of us being science students, were excited about the visit. From Waseda university campus, we took a university bus to Nishi Waseda Science and Engineering college.  Ma’am Yuri and ma'am Takako accompanied us.

First we were all assembled together and  provided with pamphlets of campus map and students guide book. Then our tour guides Shota and Ezumi, post graduate students of this college took us on the campus tour. We were briefed about the founder of Waseda University and facilities available in campus. We were also informed that about 10,000 students study in science and engineering, out of which only 15% are females. Besides the university bus service, there is also an entrance to subway station “Nishi-waseda” of Fukutoshin line. 

3 humanoid robots”WABOTS” were exhibited within the information gallery. This WABOT project(1970) was started by four laboratories in the School of Science & Engineering of Waseda University, together to set up "The Bio-engineering group”.

WABOT-1 (1970~1973): The WABOT-1 was the first fun-scale anthropomorphic robot developed in the world. The WABOT-1 was able to communicate-with a person in Japanese and to measure distances and directions to the objects using external receptors, artificial ears and eyes, and an artificial mouth. The WABOT-1 walked with his lower limbs and was able to grip and transport objects with hands that used tactile-sensors.

WABOT 1

WABOT-2 X4-728(1980~1984): In 1980, our laboratories joined in a joint project again and commenced the WABOT-2 project. Playing a keyboard instrument was set up as an intelligent task that the WABOT-2 aimed to accomplish. The WABOT-2 was the first milestone in developing a "personal robot".

WABOT 2: X4 728

Besides we also saw number of laboratories that are fitted up with the newest equipment. 1^st year students use the laboratories for basic experiments in Science & engineering (bioscience, chemistry etc). Gloves, apron and safety glasses are worn as precautionary measures during practicals.

laboratary

WASEDA Monozukuri workshop: it is a material lab for architectural, civil and mechanical departments

with tour guide Shota & Ezumi

We finished our campus tour at 11:30a.m. and had lunch in college canteen after which we returned back to Waseda campus. This was followed by meeting on presentation in building 22 i.e. centre of international community.

Then we had a lecture from 14:45 - 16:15 by Professor Watt Paul on “Shinto in Japanese History and Culture".  In this session we learnt about “shichi go san”, a traditional kimono wearing ceremony for kids. We also studied about few major shrines like Meiji, Ise and izumo. The video shown on “Yamato Mai” Japanese dance of worshiping god was fascinating.

This was followed by another lecture on Introduction to global leadership by Professor Ikegami. We learnt about the fundamentals of global management, strategy making and leadership from a theoretical and practical point of view. We also had group discussion on the given problem.

In evening we took a small trip to shibuya which is known as one of the fashion centers of Japan, particularly for young people. This was followed by fabulous dinner of Prawn Biryani in Indian restaurant.

This marked the end of the yet another day.