SOP Sample for MS in Robotics | US Fresh Graduate

Statement of Purpose

Engineering is one of the phenomenal fields in science, which finds solutions to burdensome problems. As an Engineering and Technology enthusiast, the marvels of technological advancements and inventions always motivated me to join the ranks of tech-savvy research teams, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The immense transformative potential of Robotics, a powerful arm of Engineering, encouraged my interest to pursue it. It is replete with a sea of opportunities to develop and find solutions for problems related to multiple areas of engineering. Accordingly, this stands as one of the sturdy reasons behind my interest to pursue a Master's in Robotics Program at your esteemed university.

While I was still in school, being a science enthusiast, in 2011, I participated in Robotics Olympiad, where I cleared the first round. For the second round, my team decided to make a spy robot with one wheel. Unfortunately, we failed to make it on our own due to a deficiency in knowledge and support. My team suggested going for expert aid, which I refused, due to empty pockets and unwillingness. Despite our failure, I continued with my experiments for years. In 2015, my preferred major was Mechatronics as an undergraduate, but with the unavailability of courses in regional colleges and high fee structures in universities, I selected Mechanical Engineering. Robotics requires basic knowledge in multiple areas of engineering. With my comparative analysis, mechanical knowledge requires more time and practical exposure, which made me complete my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

My journey in robotics resumed in the first year of undergraduation. In 2016, it was the first technical festival in my college, where our team planned to make a wireless fire-fighting robot. Initially, we tried to make it on our own, but it was not going according to plan, so as the deadline approached, we decided to take help from an expert to make the wireless control circuit. We took guidance from him, yet we failed to make it. Hence, we managed to complete the project with a wire-controlled fire-fighting robot instead of the aimed prototype. With that experience, I decided to learn more. Resultantly, I joined a summer training program on embedded systems and robotics, where I was the only junior from mechanical engineering among other students. From that workshop, I learned basics related to electronics, then realized it is difficult to find compatible people who share a passion for Robotics research among the Mechanical Engineering batch.

Later I participated in another workshop at [UNIVERSITY], [CITY], where I learned enough basics to make robots for competitions. So, I started participating in all the possible competitions with confidence. Initially, I failed, but I got my first award in the third year of my graduation at [UNIVERSITY] for National Robotics Championship. In this event, each participant should design a DTMF-controlled robot to finish the given task, so I fabricated my robot from scratch, from where I got hands-on experience in circuit designing. The journey of participating in all related events helped me learn many techniques and tricks from seniors, which changed my perspective. For my dedication towards robotics, college management chose me to organize events for two years, for which I got appreciation.

Post undergraduate, I concluded that to make robots efficiently, I require a team and more knowledge. Hence, I decided to go for higher studies in Mechatronics or Robotics. But, due to my destitute financial status, I had to postpone my plans and look for work opportunities. Fortunately, I found a Robotics start-up company in which I'm working as a Design Engineer in the research department to produce a Painting Robot. Initially, I had to go through several patents as a part of the research, which improved my thought process in the research area. One of my colleagues had completed a Master of Science in Robotics. Assisting him helped me earn experience with programming languages like C++ and Python for Robotic Operating System and learned PCB designing software. He guided me to learn other required courses like Numerical Methods and MATLAB, so that I get extra time for research while I'm at the university. His work and skills inspired me a lot and strengthened my resolve to pursue higher education. Finally, at my workplace, I found a team with harmonious people. Yet, I feel organized know-how and substantial knowledge seemed to be missing, and the need for pursuing a master's degree in Robotics surfaced.

The compelling fact of [UNIVERSITY] is its concentration-based curriculum, where a student can study robotics in his background field or preferred field. My choice will be the Electrical and Computer Engineering course in which Mobile Robotics, Humanoid Robotics, and Autonomous Field Robotics are some of my priority-based research areas amid other subjects. Of which mobile robotics is related to my work experience. My long-term goal is to utilize my experience and technical learnings accumulated to undertake challenging roles in R&D and develop innovative solutions for the firm in which I work in the Robotics sector. I'm confident with my abilities to reach the demands of an MSc course and ready to commit myself to achieving the program objectives. I assure you that the university will find me as a profit to the university's student body, and I will try my best to uphold the university standards.

Lastly, I would like to thank the respected members of the selection committee for their time.