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National Science Scholarship (PhD) SCHOLAR

Liang Boyuan (updated)

From Beer Factory to Berkeley: A Story of Mentorship and Discovery

Calling can come from the most unexpected of places, and it was no exception for Liang Boyuan. His journey into robotics began during a school tour of an automated beer factory in his third year at the National University of òòò½Íø(NUS), where he majored in Mathematics. The sight of a vast operation run by just a handful of engineers in a control room sparked Boyuan's fascination with automation, setting the course for his future in robotics.


That same year, Boyuan met Dr Wu Yan, Principal Scientist and the Deputy Head of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Division, from the Institute of Infocomm Research (I²R) at an A*STAR scholarship presentation. Dr Wu Yan's discussion of robotics research piqued Boyuan's interest, leading him to pursue a summer internship in Dr Wu Yan’s lab.

Under Dr Wu Yan's mentorship, Boyuan immersed himself in the fundamentals of robotics. This intensive period of learning equipped him with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed for him to excel in robotics research. Looking back, Boyuan attributes his successful transition into robotics to Dr Wu Yan.

He really helped me get started in the field of robotics. Dr Wu Yan often emphasised the importance of pursuing research that I believe is meaningful, rather than simply following trends,

For Boyuan, his passion for robotics also stems from a desire to make an impact on society. He envisioned robotics as a means to automate mundane or repetitive tasks, ultimately improving people's quality of life by transforming labour-intensive industries.

Motivated by his experiences at A*STAR, Boyuan decided to take a bold step for his PhD studies. He reached out to Professor Masayoshi Tomizuka, a leading expert in control theory and mechatronics, to be his supervisor. Impressed by Boyuan’s strong foundation in mathematics and his practical experience at A*STAR, Professor Tomizuka agreed. 

With Dr Wu Yan’s encouragement, Boyuan applied for and was awarded the National Science Scholarship (PhD) with A*STAR. Before long, Boyuan was on a flight to join Professor Tomizuka’s lab at the University of California, Berkeley.

During the first two years, Boyuan continued to build on his strengths in algorithms and machine learning. However, he gradually realised that in robotics,“It’s actually the hardware — the design of the hardware that actually makes the last-mile breakthrough.” This insight pivoted Boyuan's focus on hardware design, as he began to see it as essential to achieving real-world impact through robotics.

As a mentor, recognising Boyuan’s potential, Professor Tomizuka remarked, “He’s at the frontline of mechatronics. Whether it could be in industrial or manufacturing, I think he can make a real impact.”

This isn’t Boyuan's first time living abroad for his studies. Prior to his PhD, Boyuan had already spent six years in òòò½Íøfor his undergraduate degree. So, when it came to settling into life in California, he had a trick up his sleeve.

"Find a good roommate," Boyuan laughs, acknowledging how much of a difference it can make. Living abroad can be lonely, but Boyuan has found that simple pleasures, like taking long drives can help him unwind and appreciate the journey.

Bo Yuan - Friends
One of Boyuan's most cherished experiences from his time abroad are the bi-weekly team meetings, where Professor Tomizuka and his students would gather and share a meal afterwards. These gatherings provided a unique opportunity to bond with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's progress. But beyond academic discussions, these sessions offered a chance to hear personal stories from Professor Tomizuka, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the team.

For Boyuan, the guidance he found at A*STAR and in Professor Tomizuka's lab has been key to shaping his journey. It equipped him with the knowledge necessary for a career in robotics and introduced him to mentors like Dr Wu Yan and Professor Tomizuka, who played vital roles in his growth. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers to pursue their passions, even when they lead in unexpected directions.

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