A Look at LOTUS 2025 Part 4: Ashwin Aravind, Fujitsu Limited.

The LOTUS Programme, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency's Sakura Science Exchange Program, aims to strengthen Japan-India joint research efforts by fostering collaborations and building networks between research institutions in Japan and India. In this installment of A Look at LOTUS, we spoke with Ashwin Aravind, a participant of the LOTUS Programme who, since completing the Programme, has moved on to a full-time role as a researcher at Fujitsu Limited, one of Japan's most famous information and communications technology corporations. He took some time out of his busy schedule to share his experience participating in the Programme, and his life as an employee of Fujitsu.

From control theory to robotics in Japan

Ashwin completed a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering before beginning a career as an electrical engineer at a tire manufacturing company. However, he felt compelled to return to university, saying "I was more interested in research, and had a desire to contribute more towards advances in science and technology, which led me to pursue a master's degree."

It was there, at IIT Bombay, where Ashwin met Professor Debasish Chatterj, who had a major impact on his research journey. He encouraged Ashwin to continue on to a Ph.D. and was also highly supportive of gaining overseas experience. Under the guidance of his mentor, Ashwin's research moved into the fields of systems and control engineering, focusing on algorithms for optimization, control and learning. As his research progressed, he became increasingly interested in seeing how these mathematical theories could be applied to real-world physical systems. Japan's longstanding strengths in robotics research, led by companies such as Honda, made it an attractive destination for pursuing these interests

The encouragement to build international collaborations soon led him to pursue opportunities overseas. This eventually brought him to Japan, first through a placement at Kyushu Institute of Technology under the Sakura Science Exchange Program and later through the LOTUS Programme, where he was placed at Kyoto University. Through his experiences on these programs, Ashwin became increasingly convinced that Japan offered an ideal environment for developing his research career and applying his theoretical work to fields such as robotics.

Impacts of the LOTUS Programme and internship

Through the LOTUS Programme, Ashwin joined the laboratory of Professor Toshiki Ohtsuka at Kyoto University. Having continued to seek out research opportunities in Japan following his earlier visit through the Sakura Science Exchange Program, Ashwin saw LOTUS as the bridge he had been looking for. While Ashwin's own background was largely in modern control theory and optimization, Professor Ohtsuka's expertise lay primarily in integrating classical control approaches with modern learning algorithms. Rather than remaining within his own area of specialization, Ashwin used the opportunity to explore how these different approaches could be combined. "We tried to see how classical control can be based on modern algorithms," he explained. "We worked on robust optimization algorithms and explored how nonlinear control can be achieved using modern techniques."

While his research in India and at Kyoto University was primarily theoretical, Fujitsu provided Ashwin with an opportunity to implement and validate those ideas on real hardware. The experience allowed him to see how the mathematical theories he had developed could be connected to adjacent fields and ultimately applied to real-world systems. "What Fujitsu gave me is an opportunity to implement what I have done theoretically and see how it works in practice," he explained. Being able to clearly visualize how his theoretical approaches could be applied beyond the laboratory proved to be a major turning point in his career and helped reinforce his desire to pursue research and development opportunities in Japan.

On working at Fujitsu

Ashwin's main area of focus is now robotics, a field that brings together many different areas of science and engineering. Modern robots rely on mechanical systems to move, sensors to understand their surroundings, and software that allows them to make decisions and complete tasks. These robots can be found in many areas of everyday life, from the machines working on factory assembly lines and sorting packages in warehouses, to service robots that deliver food in restaurants, and even advanced humanoid robots capable of walking, dancing, and navigating complex environments. Behind all of this are the control systems and optimization algorithms that help a robot determine how it should behave in each situation.

Although this may seem very different from his doctoral research, he sees a direct connection. "I am very interested in the "social implementation" of cutting-edge technologies, which is why I participated in an internship at Fujitsu. Here, I received exceptionally thorough support while being given a great deal of autonomy to 'first formulate my own hypotheses and try them out,' which allowed me to truly enjoy the process of achieving my goals. I felt that this was an environment where I could develop the mathematical theories and AI expertise I had cultivated by directly applying them to practical, cutting-edge industrial needs (such as Physical AI*), which is why I decided to join the company."

This opportunity to connect theory with real-world applications became one of the main reasons he chose to remain in Japan after his internship concluded. "What Fujitsu gave me is an opportunity to implement what I have done theoretically and see how it works in practice." Another factor was the support he received from colleagues. During his internship, senior researchers took the time to guide him through tasks, gradually helping him build a deeper understanding of the robotic systems. "The kind of support I got here was really important," he said. "People were always willing to answer questions and help." He recalled one occasion where engineers from multiple departments came together simply to help solve a networking issue affecting a robot.

For Ashwin, this culture of collaboration left a strong impression and convinced him that Fujitsu was a place where he could continue to develop as a researcher.

* Physical AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) systems that operate in and interact with the physical world, rather than existing only in software or digital environments.

A smooth transition to daily life in Japan

While he is still putting effort into learning Japanese, Ashwin spoke about how easy he found the transition to life in Japan. "For me, it's been really easy. I never had any difficulty during my time here, even though I am still learning the language." He noted that English is commonly used within the research environment, making it possible to communicate effectively in laboratories and academic settings. Outside work, he has also found daily life manageable.

Unlike some international researchers, Ashwin experienced very little culture shock. Having spent much of his childhood moving between different regions of India, adapting to new environments had already become second nature.

One area where he sees a clear difference between India and Japan is transportation infrastructure. "In Japan, it's much easier because the rail connectivity is really good."

He also spoke fondly of the opportunities to enjoy nature while living in Japan. During his time in Kyoto, he often joined hiking trips in the surrounding mountains. One memorable observation was seeing elderly hikers enthusiastically tackling trails. "We would see people in their seventies hiking up the mountains, just zooming past us like it was nothing. That was very surprising," he said.

Apart from some initial challenges finding an apartment after accepting his position at Fujitsu, Ashwin says his experiences living in Japan have been overwhelmingly positive.

Reflecting on his experience, Ashwin strongly recommended the LOTUS Programme to future participants. "I really enjoyed this opportunity. I think the people coming over for the next intake should try to interact with different researchers as much as possible. Try to learn as much as possible." He encourages students thinking about doing research here in Japan to make the leap, and once here to take advantage of every chance to interact with researchers both inside and outside their host laboratories.

Looking ahead, he believes the Program could become even stronger by expanding opportunities across a broader range of disciplines and by making it easier for prospective participants to connect with potential host professors.

However, his most important piece of advice was surprisingly simple. "The biggest thing that you should do in Japan is to enjoy yourself. You have so many nature trails and places to explore. Go there, take a walk around, go on hikes. It will really open up a new way of life to you."

Beyond the research opportunities, Ashwin believes that experiencing Japan's culture, nature and way of life is an equally valuable part of the LOTUS journey.

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