Growing Amid Challenges and Opportunities – The Journey of Chasing Dreams for Jiang Dechao and Zhang Tong (EME)
在挑戰與機遇中成長 — 江德超和張桐的逐夢之旅 (機電工程系)

Jiang Dechao and Zhang Tong are outstanding undergraduates of the 2023/2024 academic year from the Department of Electromechanical Engineering (EME) of the University of Macau (UM). They were awarded the Best Project Award in the Department’s final year project for their Development and testing of a mobile manipulation robot – “Libot”. The robot combines autonomous navigation and image recognition technology, enabling automatic book scanning and return, significantly improving the efficiency and intelligence of library operations. Library staff can reduce similar repetitive labor tasks and devote scarce human resources to work that requires human interaction, comprehensively enhancing the quality of library services. This project not only showcases the potential of “Internet + Social Services”, but also meets the demand for intelligent social services, and contributes to the construction of a smart city and the modernization of public services.

Dare to Try, Overcome Difficulties

Throughout the process of researching the library operating robot, Jiang and Zhang reviewed a large number of academic papers and previous industrial solutions on robot design but were unsure which specific plan could be applied to the library robot. Throughout this process, they underwent numerous trials and setbacks, continuously reflecting and making adjustments, and finally overcame the daunting challenges within a limited time. Although the project only completed the simulation test stage, it demonstrated their innovative abilities, technical knowledge, collaborative skills and problem-solving capabilities, ultimately winning the unanimous recognition of the judges. To ensure the successful launch of the project, during their senior year, they spent two days a week in in-depth research, pouring in considerable effort, which also reflects their pursuit of perfection and sense of responsibility for their studies. In the future, Jiang and Zhang plan to optimize the library robot and explore its application potential in areas such as contactless meal delivery in hotels and logistics.

UM as the Starting Point

The two students chose UM as the starting point for their higher education, each with their own reasons. Zhang was attracted by the university’s English teaching environment, high-quality teaching, and international atmosphere, while Jiang’s choice was based on his family’s recommendation. Looking back on their university life, Jiang recalled the pressure he faced in the first semester of his sophomore year due to the high credit load, describing it as a time completely occupied by learning. Zhang shared the challenges he faced in the second semester of his junior year, including the intense course design and serving as the president of Institution of Mechanical Engineers Student Chapter, University of Macau Students ’Union. Despite the immense pressure, they overcame each learning obstacle through tireless efforts. In addition, the residential college system at UM also played an important role in their growth. The residential colleges often organize various activities, not only broadening the students’ horizons, but also strengthening their cohesion and sense of belonging to the college and the university, creating a warm and family-like atmosphere. Furthermore, the Department of Electromechanical Engineering provided them with a learning platform that combines theory and practice, with course content covering frontier fields such as robotics, soft electronics and additive manufacturing, providing a broad stage for their personal development.

Embarking on a new journey

Jiang received offer from the University of California, Berkeley and the Technical University of Denmark, eventually chose to pursue further studies in the United States. Zhang was admitted to several renowned institutions, including Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and decided to study in Singapore. Both of them had a half-year exchange experience at the University of Southern Denmark and Xi’an Jiaotong University. This not only broadened their horizons, but also strengthened their independent living abilities and laid the foundation for their future research directions.

Regarding their future development after graduation, Zhang stated that he will decide whether to work directly or pursue a doctoral degree based on the job market situation, focusing on the fields of Robot Control and Automation. Jiang aspires to start his career in Silicon Valley in the United States. They advise their juniors to plan their personal growth and career development early, including clarifying their personal interests, leveraging their strengths, fully utilizing university resources, expanding their knowledge, proactively communicating with professors, seniors, and industry professionals, in order to create more opportunities for their future career paths.

The experiences of Jiang and Zhang serve as exemplary models for graduates of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering. They not only dare to innovate and pursue excellence in academics, but also have a clear direction in personal growth and career planning, setting a good example for other students. UM, with its diverse learning environment, internationalized educational philosophy, and residential college system, has laid the groundwork for student success, and will continue to cultivate more outstanding young students with potential and the courage to pursue their dreams.