Aroop Bhattacharjee
Singapore

"I had been jumping around trying to learn the theory myself via YouTube videos, which was OK for a short while, but somehow did not meet my needs. But in this course, we were steered towards the right videos to watch, or the right links to read. This is important, to keep a clear focus."

While working as an Engineer, Aroop Bhattacharjee participated in the online course AI in Manufacturing. Read about his experience.

What was your motivation for enrolling in this course/program?
I am a simple mechanical engineer, working in the manufacturing sector. During my career, I have developed my experience by improving manufacturing processes, which improve overall factory output and the financial performance of the company. Today this type of work is called "continuous improvement". But I know (deep within myself) that I could handle only 2-3 variables in my head even though there were so many new software applications available to help.

I knew that I needed to find new ways to do what I was doing, but faster. This is the reason why I took this course “AI in Manufacturing”, and I am very pleased that I did. Now I can at least think further down the path, wondering what type of sensors would be needed? What type of data? How much data? How to classify quality? How to make the process easy enough for Artificial Intelligence to run smoothly with minimum issues? And what are the consequences?

All these questions are only the beginning of the journey, as the end actually never comes. And by the way, it helps if you already have your own current project, as you can use the course material immediately in your work.

How did/will this course impact your career or life?
I am already thinking of ways to step up my approach to my current projects, as AI can handle more variables than I ever could. But I will need to start slowly and build up my experience and case knowledge along the way. One great positive aspect of this course is that I am finally challenged and thinking again!

How was your experience of learning online?
It was great listening to participants from other countries and industries, using AI to solve problems that were new to me. The weekly discussion hours were a good place to open up, ask questions and offer ideas to others. The reading material was structured to guide the learning process, as I had been jumping around trying to learn the theory myself via YouTube videos, which was OK for a short while, but somehow did not meet my needs. But in this course, we were steered towards the right videos to watch, or the right links to read. This is important, to keep a clear focus.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of taking a similar course?
I am pleased the course was online and part-time. I definitely learnt a lot, but it also had its starting-up challenges for me. I needed to understand where to read, submit and how participate in discussions etc. But with the help of the others in the course, I finally managed. Do realize that, though the course recommends 4-6 hours a week self-learning … I took much, much more. But I managed, and I learnt something useful for my work, which is what matters.

In closing, I wish to thank Delft Technical University, Professor Nathan Eskue for his patience, always with a smile, and the rest of my course mates, who helped me understand along the way.