UK RAS STEPS is excited to offer members a unique opportunity to participate in a fully funded international visit to two leading Japanese institutions: the University of Tokyo and Tokyo University of Science. 

🗓 Dates: Approximately 20–26 April 2026 (exact travel dates to be confirmed)
📍Places: Limited to 10 participants – expressions of interest are now closed

This ~five-day visit will include tours, discussions, and workshops with three world-class departments at the forefront of robotics and assistive technology research: 

Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, University of Tokyo 

Explore cutting-edge work in assistive technologies, social infrastructure safety, and carbon-neutral systems, guided by the department’s motto: “understanding people, supporting people, and connecting people.”
You’ll meet Associate Professor Qi An and his team, who focus on developing technologies to support individuals with motor diseases and innovative exercise teaching systems. 

Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Tokyo 

Discover the Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory, a joint initiative with the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Fumiya Iida. Learn how nature inspires robotic intelligence and locomotion, from hopping robots to wearable innovations like the Chairless Chair. 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo University of Science 

Engage with Associate Professor Takuya Hishomoto and explore research in robotics, human–robot interaction (HRI), sociability of robots, welfare robotics, and advanced human interfaces. 

 

This is a fantastic chance to experience Japan’s leading robotics research environment, build international collaborations, and bring new insights back to the UK RAS community. 

 

How to Take Part 

This opportunity has proved extremely popular and we have now reached the maximum number of EOIs.

We’ll be announcing further visits in the near future, so check back here or join our Circle Community Platform to find out about future opportunities.