A group of ten from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Moratuwa was participated in the end of January for the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (Sakura Exchange Program in Science), which was implemented as a collaboration between University of Miyazaki and University of Moratuwa. This collaboration was initiated by Prof. Hiroki Tamura form Department of Environmental Robotics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki and Dr. Y.W.R. Amarasinghe. A systematic proposal was submitted to Japan Science and Technology (JST) agency for this young scientist exchange program. With the approval, a fully funded collaboration was initiated and a team of five students from Miyazaki University was arrived in 2015 to the University of Moratuwa to exchange their knowledge and the program was a success. The JST acts as the funding organization for the program.
In return, under the coordination and guidance of Dr. Y.W.R. Amarasinghe, a team of ten people from Department of Mechanical Engineering visited Japan for the program. The team was hosted by the University of Miyazaki, Japan. The team composed of four undergraduate students representing Mechatronics stream, four graduate research assistants where two were from mechatronics and other two from bio robotics and Energy streams. Two researchers from department of mechanical engineering academic staff was also participated.
During the science exchange program, they had the exposure to observe the research projects of the SANWA Company LDT, do laboratory visits in the University of Miyazaki, Faculty of Engineering, take part to a workshop in mobile robotics and most importantly the cultural visits. Additionally, two graduate students presented their research outcomes in an organized session named Advanced Technology on Sensing Technology, Devices, Application in the International Conference on Artificial Life and Robotics 2018, which was held on Beppu, Oita, Japan from February 1-4. During the conference, four previously accepted research work was presented by the research students. Additionally, the team visited the University of Miyazaki for presenting their research work in the respective research areas and to experience the University environment. Dr. R.A.M.P. Ranaweera and Mr. W.P.D. Welgama was participated as senior researchers from Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team was returned on 5th February 2018 by successfully completing the tour. The team members were given a special certification on behalf of participating for the program by Prof. Hiroki Tamura in an awarding ceremony.