Community Story: Shraddha's Master's Journey in Robotic Systems Engineering

As robotics continues to evolve, Shraddha is pursuing her Master of Science in Robotic Systems Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Coming from an Electrical and Electronics Engineering background, she was inspired by the program’s unique blend of mechanics, electronics, and artificial intelligence.

Through her ongoing studies in the Robotic Systems Engineering program, she is currently gaining internship experience in the AI Team at Neura Robotics. She really enjoys her time at RWTH Aachen University — not only because of the strong academic foundation she acquires, but also due to the vibrant student community that made Aachen feel like home.

Dear Shraddha, thank you very much for your honest opinion and feedback! We are glad that you are currently part of the Robotic Systems Engineering program and wish you continued success in your studies!

What helped you feel settled and create a sense of home here in Germany?

Of course, it was a tough start – everything felt new, and the first winter was especially challenging. But my excitement for this new journey quickly took over any fears I had. RWTH Aachen University and the student community organize so many activities that make it easy to meet people and build friendships.

The student dorms also bring together people from all over the world – we have game nights, small parties, and cultural events that make everyday life so much more fun. Getting a chance to relive student life again was amazing! I also met some of the most like-minded and motivated women in my course – all driven, supportive, and ready to overcome every hurdle together. That sense of shared ambition and community really made Aachen feel like home.

What were your personal highlights from the program?

Robotic Sensor Systems was a favorite – the Unity-based assignment with sensor integration was super engaging and showed how perception and control meet in practice. I also enjoyed the Fundamentals of Machine Learning assignments for the hands-on AI/ML practice. In terms of teaching, Prof. Bastian Leibe (Computer Vision), Prof. Sebastian Trimpe (Learning-Based Control), and Prof. Burkhard Corves (Mechanisms and Robotics) really stood out for making complex topics feel intuitive and exciting. The Learning-Based Control seminar was another highlight – it connected modern ML with classical control in such an applied and inspiring way.

How has this program helped guide your career goals in robotics?

I’m currently gaining internship experience at Neura Robotics, where I first joined the Controls team and later moved to the AI team. It’s been an amazing experience to see both sides of robotics – from precise low-level control to intelligent, high-level motion generation.

The Robotic Systems Engineering program at RWTH Aachen University prepared me really well for this, especially through courses that combine control theory, AI, and simulation. The strong foundation I built here helps me connect classical robotics with modern learning-based approaches.

Looking ahead, I want to keep working at the intersection of control and intelligence – building robots that can learn, adapt, and collaborate naturally with humans.

What advice would you give to other international students who are considering this program?

My biggest advice is to push beyond your comfort zone and not let fear hold you back. I’ve always loved physics – especially kinematics and dynamics – but since I chose Electrical Engineering for my bachelor’s, I was initially worried that this robotics program might be too mechanical for me. Surprisingly, I ended up really enjoying the mechanical courses and even performing well in them. This experience taught me that stepping into unfamiliar areas is where the most growth happens.

So don’t be afraid to take on challenges, ask questions, and keep learning – you’ll surprise yourself with how much you’re capable of.

Is there anything you wish you had known – or done differently – before moving to Germany?

Honestly, I wish I had learned German a bit better before coming here! It makes such a difference in daily life – from making small talk with locals to feeling more connected to the community. Even though most people speak English, knowing the language helps you blend in faster and feel more confident. Apart from that, I wouldn’t change much – every challenge taught me something new, and each experience has shaped me into someone stronger and more independent.