Collaborate with overseas universities to solve global issues!

Prof. Kosuke Takano, the global collaboration research center / department of information and computer sciences

The Global Research Collaboration Center (GRCC) is a new international collaboration center at Kanagawa Institute of Technology, with the aim of promoting joint research with overseas research institutions and exchanges between researchers. We encourage collaboration in international education and research by carrying out academic plans and initiatives to globalize the university, such as proposing international joint research, developing international education programs, and holding online lectures and international symposiums.

1.Introduction

Kanagawa Institute of Technology has established overseas academic exchange agreements with 39 universities and research institutes worldwide (as of April 2024). Our agreements aim to develop human resources to play an active role in international society and promote the globalization of education and research in cooperation with overseas universities and research institutes. The Global Research Collaboration Center will serve as a base for organizing the academic collaboration centered on these overseas partner universities and will play a role in revitalizing international education and research.

Fig.1 International Symposium held at KAIT in 2023

2.Cases of international joint research

We are proposing international joint research with the cooperation of KAIT’s research institutes and centers. Here, we introduce some cases of international joint research conducted with overseas partner universities.

[Smart agriculture adapting to climate change using drone technology]

A joint research team from the three countries, Japan (KAIT: former Prof. Kraisorn Throngnumchai, Prof. Kosuke Takano, Prof. Tsuyoshi, Miyazaki), Thailand (Bangkok University: Asst. Prof. Dr. Kingkarn Sookhanaphibarn, Asst. Prof. Dr. Worawat Choensawat, Dr. Panapong Songsukthawan), Indonesia (Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya, PENS: Dr. Endra Pitowarno, Dr. Agus Indra Gunawan), will progress the research based on their specialized roles. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 Smart agriculture using drones and AI technology

[Healthcare AI with international ethics and responsibility]

A joint research team from the two countries, Japan (KAIT: Prof. Kosuke Takano, Prof. Noriko Hiroi), Thailand (Chulalongkorn University: Assoc Prof. Dr. Ratchatin Chancharoen, Assoc Prof. Dr. Lunchakorn Wuttisittikulkij) will progress the research. We are proposing research to realize healthcare support using interactive healthcare AI to protect the health of the mind and body. In addition to defining the ethics and responsibility required of healthcare AI in Japan and Thailand, we aim to realize a health management system to improve mental and physical health while being sensitive and close to people’s feelings and emotions. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3 Healthcare support to improve mental and physical health

3.Development of international education programs

We are developing international education programs, utilizing online teaching and faculty dispatch between universities. We introduce examples of international education activities.

[Self-driving AI car racing]

Prof. Toshihiro Wakita, KAIT, has developed an educational program to conduct self-driving AI mini car races. Around the fall of 2024, with the cooperation of Bangkok University (Asst. Prof. Dr. Kingkarn), we plan to hold an international race with overseas partner universities. (Figs. 4 and 5)

Fig. 4 Self-driving mini AI car race held at Bangkok University, Thailand

Fig. 5 Mini AI car demonstration held at KAIT in August 2023

[On-site and online lecture]

We are developing educational programs for overseas partner universities to provide on-site and online lectures. Lectures and exercises on artificial intelligence (by Prof. Kosuke Takano) and electric vehicles (EV) (former Prof. Kraisorn Throngnumchai) were conducted at Thammasat University SIIT and Bangkok University. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 6 Visiting lecture at Thammasat University SIIT, Thailand

4.Future prospects

In addition to continuing to propose international joint research and develop international education programs, we will also hold online lectures to activate international joint research and exchanges among researchers. Furthermore, we plan to hold regular international symposiums and other events to widely disseminate and share information about our efforts and outcomes on international joint research and so on.

Website

Global Research Collaboration Center Global Research Collaboration Centerグローバル学術連携センター – 神奈川工科大学 研究推進機構 (kanagawa-it.ac.jp)