July 18, 2017
On Wednesday, July 5, 2017, Nao Kondo (4th-year student) received the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Special Award at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Hall.
Established in 2010, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Japan Special Award recognizes individuals or groups who give dreams and hope to many people in fields such as science and education, have a powerful public voice, and serve as role models for young women.
With the goal of creating "futuristic robots that blend into human society," Kondo has been developing the penguin-shaped underwater robot "Moru-Pen!" since she was in high school, taking on the challenge of building underwater robots, which are among the most difficult to create. To replicate the movement and appearance of a real penguin, she has adopted the unusual method of "flapping propulsion" and incorporated a wide range of expertise, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information engineering. The robot is expected to have applications not only in entertainment but also in underwater exploration. Furthermore, Kondo communicates the fun and appeal of robotics through events for children and lectures both in Japan and abroad. As a robot creator with a new-generation sensibility, she received this award in high recognition of her future potential and unique activities.
We look forward to her continued success.
A Comment from Nao Kondo
I am very surprised to receive such a prestigious award, as its past recipients have gone on to achieve great things. I have been leading the penguin-shaped underwater robot development team, TRYBOTS, since before I enrolled at SFC. Currently, I have been collaborating with SFC students from various research fields, striving to make robotics feel more fun and casual.
As part of my individual activities, I have been sharing my dreams for what robotics could become at events for children across the country and in lectures overseas. I believe I was recognized not just for the technology, but also for my passion for robotics and these related efforts.
I now have my next vision. I will be able to share it with everyone in the near future, so please look forward to it.
Photos courtesy of L'Oréal Japan