From Theory to Leading the Way: Simrat's Robotics Journey 🚀
Simrat, an Indian national, came to the UK to pursue an MSc in Robotics at Cranfield University. Now, he's a Lead Robotics and AI Engineer at Swift Robotics, applying everything he learnt. We caught up with him to talk about his transformative experience, the power of hands-on learning and his ambitions to define the future of human-robot collaboration.
Why Cranfield? Beyond the Classroom
For Simrat, the choice to study at Cranfield wasn't just about the name; it was about the applied experience. "I chose Cranfield because of its strong reputation for industry-focused research and its close collaboration with leading technology and robotics companies," he shares. The hands-on learning, including labs and real-world projects, was a major draw.
Specifically, the MSc in Robotics was the perfect fit. "I wanted a course that goes beyond just programming robots, focusing instead on designing intelligent systems that can collaborate safely and effectively with humans," Simrat explains. The curriculum's balance, which included no exams and a focus on assignments and projects, perfectly aligned with his desire for practical application and deep understanding.
Real-World Ready: The Cranfield Difference
Simrat found the course to be highly engaging, balancing essential theory (kinematics, autonomy, AI) with extensive practical work. A key highlight was the emphasis on real-world problem-solving and collaboration.
"The industrial group project gave me a great insight into the industry and the freedom to choose my thesis project helped me implement those insights later."
This practical focus immediately translated into his career. "The course prepared me for the real world by giving me direct exposure to industrial practices from the very beginning. In the first week itself, we were interacting with and coding real industrial robots," he recalls. This, combined with guest lectures from industry leaders like Airbus, provided the confidence and skills to excel in an industrial environment.
Simrat’s career ambitions were significantly influenced by Cranfield's focus on smart technology. "This perspective has motivated me to pursue a career in developing human-centred robotic systems that combine automation with adaptability and learning," he says. That motivation now sees him leading a team in the exciting field of Human-Robot Interaction.
Life as a Robotics Engineer
Simrat is currently the Lead Robotics and AI Engineer at Swift Robotics. "It’s a very exciting role where I’m responsible for developing and integrating intelligent robotic systems," he says. The role is fast-paced, innovation-driven, and demands constant learning -a perfect extension of his studies.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Simrat’s journey is far from over. His future aspirations include pursuing a PhD in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, specifically to deepen his research into human-robot collaboration. Alongside this, he plans to launch his own robotics startup. "My long-term vision is to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial innovation, turning advanced robotics ideas into practical technologies that improve people’s lives," he states.
His advice to future students in smart technology is simple yet crucial: "Don’t rush through the learning process." He encourages students to master the fundamentals, make full use of the world-class labs, and not hesitate to explore personal projects. "Taking initiative and being curious are what really help you grow in this field."
- Simrat
A perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application
I am a passionate and ambitious individual who recently achieved a significant milestone during my time studying at Cranfield University. I was the first in my family to study abroad and had the opportunity to live my dream, interning at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in London. From a young age, I always aspired to work in London and contribute to a globally renowned company. My journey had been filled with challenges and triumphs, shaping me into the determined person I am today.
I pursued an MSc in Management, which offered a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Highlights included an industrial project in Spain with Deloitte, serving as a Career Service Representative, which enhanced my networking and leadership skills. A key moment was securing an internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, where I worked in procurement and strategic management. These experiences enriched my learning, preparing me for real-world challenges that I face today.
Prior to Cranfield, I worked as a Senior Business Development Associate at Planet Spark, where I developed marketing strategies and exceeded targets. Additionally, I gained experience as an HR Manager at Taxkamkar, a Marketing Intern at a Pharmacy, and a Researcher for All About Happiness, which broadened my professional and personal skill set.
Adjusting to a new country and rigorous academic programs tested my emotional strength. Learning to live independently, cook, and make new friends transformed me personally and professionally. Engaging in practical learning, like writing a thesis on a real company, enriched my academic experience.
My internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners focussed on ‘Alternative Fuels Mapping in Europe’, contributing to the company’s sustainability strategy. I was tasked to research fuel options, evaluate supply chains, and develop a mid-term strategy for transitioning Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to sustainable fuels. Career Development Managers at Cranfield, along with Course Director Michael Dickmann, provided invaluable guidance in securing this role. Modules like Strategic Management and Leading Corporate Sustainability were particularly instrumental in my success. I am also deeply thankful to Roberto Di Nuzzo – MBA, Dr. Mikko Arevuo, Alex Stimson, and Katrina Armstrong for their encouragement and support along the way.
To this day, my aim is to continue maximising learnings from my internship and contributing effectively to sustainability initiatives. Recently achieving a distinction in my MSc in Management has been an incredible milestone, reinforcing my dedication to this field. My long-term aspiration is to secure a management role where I can drive impactful sustainability strategies, leveraging both my academic achievements and diverse experiences.
Advice for prospective students:
- Embrace opportunities: Participate in industrial projects and campus events to broaden your horizons.
- Seek support: Utilise the guidance of faculty and career development managers.
- Get involved: Take on roles that develop leadership and networking skills.
- Pursue internships: Apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Stay resilient: Persevere through challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
I hope my story inspires others, especially women in my country, to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
“With dedication, support, and opportunities, anything is possible.”
- Khushbu
Empower your curiosity
Curiosity isn’t just a desire to know; it’s that itch to dig deeper, to ask “why” and “how” until things make sense. It’s what sent humans to the Moon and sparked scientific breakthroughs. For me, curiosity means never stopping at surface-level explanations. It’s the engine that makes learning exciting and turns challenges into invitations to explore.
What lights my curiosity?
It clicked for me early on that almost everything we rely on, cars, microwaves, planes, even the heating in winter, exists because engineers imagined and built solutions. That simple realisation still fires me up: technology isn’t just cool gadgets; it’s a tool for making life safer, more comfortable and sustainable. When I see a device improve someone’s day, my mind races with questions. How do those gears work together? What makes an electronic circuit so powerful? Why does one design succeed while another fails? This natural inquisitiveness drives me to understand, tweak and improve the world around me.
This mindset becomes especially energising when something goes wrong. In one undergraduate project at Cardiff University, our robotic vehicle refused to go straight. Instead of giving up, I tackled it like a mystery novel: could the sensors be misreading the environment? Did we introduce a bug in the code? Were the wheels misaligned? Each possibility led me down a new path, taught me new techniques, and reinforced the idea that curiosity and resilience go hand in hand. When I face a challenge, I see not frustration but a chance to learn.
Finding Mechanical Engineering
My path into mechanical engineering began with a small water pump I saw on a trip to a rural area. Nothing fancy, just some metal, gears and physics, but it delivered clean water and improved lives immeasurably. That moment made it clear that engineering solutions have a direct impact on people. From then on, I became the kid who opened up appliances to see what was inside. That urge to touch, tinker and understand naturally steered me toward mechanical engineering, where physical systems and creative problem-solving collide.
Studying mechanical engineering has only deepened that curiosity. It’s a field that spans nano-materials, energy systems, robotics and everything in between. One week, I’m learning how materials behave at micro scales; the next, I’m calculating energy flows in large renewable systems. The beauty is that these aren’t just abstract theories; what I learn in a lecture can be applied in a lab or workshop to build something real. That blend of theory and hands on application keeps me hooked.
Curiosity in practice at Cranfield
At Cranfield University, curiosity isn’t just encouraged, it’s a way of life. One of the most rewarding experiences was collaborating with Network Rail on a group project. Our task was to assess the carbon footprint of road-rail vehicles (RRVs) machines that travel on both roads and railway tracks and to build a method for estimating their emissions. We spent months digging into over 750,000 shift records, analysing how machine types, work activities, and client roles affected fuel use. Each insight raised new questions: How do different tasks affect energy use? What happens when data is incomplete? Using a mix of real-world data, engine specs, and emission factors, we built a model that helps Network Rail better understand and eventually cut these hidden emissions. In the end, we created a detailed model and a roadmap to cut emissions, aligning with Network Rail’s goal of a net-zero railway by 2050. The project showed me how curiosity and engineering skills can contribute to a national sustainability goal.
My individual thesis project with Nissan takes this curiosity into the future. I’m investigating innovative uses for vehicle to grid (V2G) technology, where electric vehicles don’t just draw power from the grid but can also send electricity back. Nissan’s recent announcement that it will introduce affordable bidirectional charging on select EV models starting in 2026 makes this research particularly timely. V2G systems could allow owners to power their homes or support the grid during peak demand.
The focus of my research is to investigate how different configurations of home energy systems, such as existing solar PV, home batteries, and smart charging, interact with V2G systems. That means reading not only engineering papers but also energy policies, market analyses and software algorithms for optimising charging schedules. It’s an interdisciplinary puzzle, part mechanical, part electrical, part economic, and that complexity is precisely what keeps me engaged. Knowing that the technology is moving from research to reality in the next few years adds urgency and excitement.
Cranfield’s environment amplifies this spirit. Professors and industry mentors challenge us to dig deeper while giving us the freedom to chase promising ideas. My classmates come from diverse backgrounds, so conversations after class often spark new questions and perspectives. The culture here rewards asking, “what if” and “why not,” which fuels our collective curiosity.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on this journey, I see curiosity as my constant companion. It’s what made me take apart appliances as a kid, what motivates me to comb through research papers today and what will keep me learning long after I graduate. In a rapidly evolving field like engineering, that trait isn’t optional; it’s essential. New challenges like climate change, sustainable energy and artificial intelligence demand fresh ideas and relentless questioning. Curiosity empowers me to face problems not with dread but with optimism that answers exist if we keep searching.
If there’s one lesson I’d share, it’s this: Embrace your curiosity. Ask yourself what makes you wonder, and then follow that thread. Whether you’re an engineer, an artist or a manager, asking questions means you’re always growing, constantly adapting and always ready to make a positive impact. That’s not just good for your career; it’s good for the world.
- Jaimin
I can’t recommend Falmouth enough
Hi! My name is Laura, I’m 26 years old, and I’m currently enjoying my third and final year at Falmouth University, studying Costume Design for Film & TV.
Before moving to England, I was born and raised in Colombia, but I spent the last 10 years living in Sweden; so, coming to the UK felt like starting yet another exciting chapter in my international journey.
Life in the UK has been such an adventure! I’ve met so many amazing people and made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. One of the things that makes this so easy is Cornwall itself. It’s such a warm and welcoming place, full friendly faces and beautiful spots to explore. It feels very safe, which helped me enjoy the surroundings even more.
When I first arrived, I chose the airport pickup service for international students. It was a very smooth process, the bus took us straight to campus with one stop on the way to rest and eat, our bags were delivered to our rooms when we arrived and the best part is that during that trip, I met my best friend, who I now live with in my final year.
She had already lived in England before, so she helped me a lot with understanding British food, slang, and culture, those little things that make daily life so different. My course mates and mentors were also incredibly kind and understanding. They made sure I never felt out of place, and I’ve always felt supported both academically and personally.
One of the things Falmouth University does well is providing dedicated sessions for international students at the very beginning of their studies. These meetings helped explain things like the grading system, how to open a bank account, and the paperwork needed to find a job in the UK. It made such a difference for all of us trying to navigate a new country and system.
Not only that, but Falmouth University is also very dedicated to making studying an easy and enjoyable experience for students whose first language isn’t English, as well as ensuring great accessibility for students with dyslexia, like one of my friends, or for those with ADHD.
Finding part-time work in Cornwall can be a bit challenging; it’s a small region with limited job opportunities. But because many students graduate and move away each year, new positions open regularly during the summer or at the start of every year. I started looking for a part-time job even before I moved to Falmouth, and it paid off! I began working in November of my first year and have been at the same job ever since.
Another role I absolutely love is being a student ambassador. I get to meet future students, show them around campus, and even help with online sessions for international applicants. It feels really rewarding to share my own experience and help others prepare for their move to the UK.
Before ending up here, I spent a lot of time researching my options. I knew for a few years I wanted to study costume design.
At first, I found a two-year costume-making course in another country, but I wanted more than just the making aspect. I wanted to learn both design and construction, and that’s when I discovered Falmouth’s Costume Design for Film & TV program.
At the time, it was still a relatively new course, but when I looked through the prospectus, I knew immediately that this was the one. The opportunity to collaborate with other creative courses and learn from mentors with real industry experience sounded perfect, and honestly, it has exceeded every expectation.
My time at Falmouth has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. This course has given me hands-on experience, taught me valuable skills, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re passionate about design, making, or both, this program gives you the tools and confidence you need to succeed in both.
I can’t recommend Falmouth enough, it’s a place where creativity truly thrives, and where you’ll find not only your craft but also a community that feels like home.
- Laura
My First Days in the UK: Deciding, Arriving, and Thriving
Choosing to move to a different country is not a simple decision; with the cost, the distance, and the process of getting a visa, there are many steps that can make it intimidating. Let me assure you, however, that if coming to the United Kingdom to study is your dream, with the right resources and support you can make it a reality!
Let me first introduce myself. I’m Josephine and I just started my Masters of International Health at the University of Leeds. I had always wanted to study abroad but I never really thought it could happen because of the cost and complexity. I won’t lie, the process was not without its challenges, but with the help of Across the Pond and my family I am now in Leeds and loving every second of it.
Getting here
If you are a non-UK student, you will require a student visa to study in the UK, and no that is not a type of credit card! If I could only give you one piece of advice, it would be to start the application as soon as possible because everything else depends on you receiving it, like booking your flight, confirming your accommodation, and really just planning your adventure! The application is not difficult, it’s just time-consuming because of all the documents you must collect. Your Across the Pond advisor will provide you with updated visa guidance in the late Spring to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Arriving
I was so nervous when I stepped off the plane at Heathrow. What if I forgot something? What if customs asked for something that I didn’t bring, what if, what if, what if… It is completely normal to feel anxious, this is a huge move, but let me reassure you, customs is a breeze if you come prepared. I organized all my documents in an accordion folder allowing me easy and quick access to anything I might need, which really came in handy when you have a lot of documents to bring!
Thriving
I arrived in Leeds thinking that I wouldn’t start classes for two weeks because there was an international welcome week followed by freshers (aka frosh) week. However, unbeknownst to me, master’s programs start the very first day! I can’t speak for all programs, but as far as I can tell they do ease you into it, starting off with introductory classes that allowed us to get to know the course and teaching staff. They also made sure that we had enough time to acquaint ourselves with the campus and city, meaning I have been able to attend all sorts of "O-week" events such as open mic nights, barbeques, and art gallery tours. There is seriously something for everyone. I am really looking forward to the freshers’ fair, where over 300 of the school’s clubs and societies set up booths giving students a taste of what they can get involved with.
The highlight of my time so far has got to be my first night going out to the pub with new friends and knowing that this is the start of such an incredible adventure. If I can pass along just one more piece of advice, say yes to everything, especially in the first few weeks. Put yourself out there, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and jump into this experience head first!
- Josephine
