STATEMENT OF PURPOSE WITH REGARDS TO MASTERS PROGRAM IN ROBOTICS

Statement of Purpose for masters program in robotics from top european and american schools

This is my statement of purpose with regards to my masters application for Robotics program. I seriously lack in writing SOP and related stuff and am in dire need of assistance regarding this. Any sort of input is welcome.

Machine Learning, Robotics AND MYSELF

"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down." A metaphor, but this works in a literal sense when it comes to Machine Learning and Robotics. Machine Learning shows us how success can be achieved through constant and relentless effort. Two solid aspects of modern technology and development, Machine Learning and Autonomous Robotics present immense opportunities and possibilities for scientific research. I myself acceded to the prospect of working in robotics and contributing to the recent trends in autonomous robots.

My interest in this area developed during my bachelors. I was introduced to the DARPA Robotics Challenge by one of my course professors. Subsequent research and exploration on my part opened my mind to this advancing field. The prospect of participating in such a promising and rapidly expanding domain piqued my interest which in turn led me to apply for the master's program at --------, -------- in robotics program. I feel that a Master's degree in the specified field will help me gain the requisite knowledge, skill and experience to pursue a career in Research and Development on machine learning, robot dynamics and autonomous robotics. -------- -------- is at the forefront of contemporary development which can provide me with a platform to grow, learn and develop myself according to the modern trends. It is a name well known for its expertise in the robotics department. From my time wandering about institutions curricula and faculty, I have heard quite a lot of respect for the faculty including some prominent names such as Dr. ------- and Dr. ------ and I hope to learn under their guidance. I have also had first-hand experience of the excellent faculty of Robotic dept. at -------- from the open source edX course on ---------. The undergoing research and topics pertaining to the domain of -------- Lab, --------- Lab and ----------system lab are relevant to my interests and I hope to contribute to lab projects during my stay at --------.

Over the course of my current program, I have tried to expand and build on my profile as a scholar. This is represented by my outstanding GPA and excellent standing in my class. I have gained in-depth knowledge pertaining to mechanical system and design, and have been involved with projects varying from the development of mechanical systems to analysis of pre-existing designs. All such projects have helped me in learning various tools and techniques that have enabled me in understanding the concepts and advancements related to mechanical engineering.

In my junior year, I decided that I had to pursue a research-oriented career in robotics. Realizing the need to learn about control systems and robotics due to my background in mechanical engineering, I, during the latter part of my bachelors, have been focused towards strengthening my understanding of these courses. For this purpose, in my sixth semester, I took a course on the basics of control in mechanical systems. In addition, I undertook an Introduction to Robotics Class in my seventh semester which deals with the kinematic manipulation of said systems. Aside from this, I have been expanding on my knowledge of the field of robotics by studying research papers and following the progress of various laboratories across the world including those from the worthy faculty and alumni of --------, --------. I have been studying from MOOCs available online to strengthen my basics. I started off with learning python programming language due to its wide usage in robotics. One really interesting course that I am currently taking is Welcome Machine Learning by Andrew NG on Coursera. This course has increased my knowledge and understanding of machines widely. Being a research-oriented person; I have always put in my maximum efforts to apply myself to theoretical as-well-as practical aspects of the particular field. With my exceptional work ethic, effort to grow and ever-learning nature, I am a good fit for this program and am certain that I will add value to this program with my insight of mechanical knowledge. My experience with different mechanical engineering tools which involve Adams, Ansys, Abaqus and Solidworks have greatly helped me in complying with the advancements in this field which will certainly be an asset for me as well as this institute in future research.

From the start of my bachelors, I have tried to build not just in terms of course studies but, by undertaking various off-course projects, have worked towards achieving an all-around profile. I undertook a project regarding the design, analysis and manufacturing of Human Powered Vehicle; competing with our designed vehicle in Human Powered Vehicle Contest (HPVC) at --------- where our design stood first and received wide appreciation. My project on the design, analysis and manufacturing of RC modelled aeroplane stood third in ------------. These projects helped me acquire an industrial project from -------. I lead the project team to perform a design analysis study for the chassis of tank trailer and provided improvisation techniques to the existing design. I am currently working on a research-oriented final year project in the domain of Cybernetics. The project is to control and develop a linkage based hand exoskeleton system that will restore sufficient dexterity to the hand for performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The idea is to restore the dexterity by mimicking the motion of normal hand onto the paralyzed hand and locking it in position with the help of toggle on and off. The focus of research is to build a kinematic chain which has an improved distribution of force throughout the requirements of ADL. With the help of these projects, I have been able to excel in the domain of Mechanical Design as well as developing essential concepts for mechanics, kinematics and analysis of mechanical systems.

I have been involved in many extra-curricular pertaining to community service and teaching. For the past two years, I have been an active member of the ------ Community Services Club. These projects include ------- (Teaching underprivileged children basic skills and education) and ----- (Renovation of Schools in SOS village). Aside from this, I also lead a project for the counselling of college students. My interaction with those that are less fortune has developed a sense of giving, which is why I want to help my country grow and prosper both economically as-well-as technologically. In order to do this; I need to excel and prosper in my domain, and there isn't a better institute that could help me achieve this goal of mine than --------, --------.

I have established --------, -------- as a target for my graduate studies in Robotics. I believe its highly qualified staff and faculties will enable me to progress towards my life goals in establishing myself as an expert in my specialized field. I am very certain that provided the opportunity, I would help this institute benefit from my academic as well as non-academic activities. I am a firm believer that I will be able to learn a great deal from western culture.

hamza, your SOP is truly confusing to read. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the information, and I had to look for pertinent information in relation to your MS interests. I suggest that you whittle this essay down to the more relevant discussion only. Using what you can from this essay, as per my suggestions, and then writing a new version that incorporates the old information with the new requirements. As far as I can tell, you can use the following paragraphs from this version: 2, 3, 4,6.

Use the information in the 4th paragraph to highlight your academic preparations with regards to your interest in this masters course. If possible, indicate your thesis project in relation to robotics that can highlight your technical skills in lieu of your professional skills. I noticed that you don't have any professional skills yet so I am assuming that you are entering the MS classes straight from your undergraduate studies (?).

Portray the idea of what you want to accomplish as a future robotics scientist. What is the short term plan for your career? How does this line of study help to prepare you for that? Indicate some sort of thesis proposal for your masters studies that aligns with those plans in order to prove that you are serious about your application. More importantly, you need to better develop the reasons why you opted to seek admission to this particular university beyond the common information such as a qualified staff. Was it the training? The course curriculum? The opportunity to work with a notable robotics professor, that drew you to the institution? Sell them on the idea that your learning interests will be best addressed by attending this university. Your closing statement does not convince me of that.