When I worked with my supervisor, he was working with other projects as well. He was working on a new algorithm that will allow multiple robots to share information on completing the same task. The task tested on this algorithm was cleaning an area with dynamic obstacles.

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He always tested the algorithm in the simulation environment, which I think is very inefficient at that time. I knew that we could probably set up multiple robots and test the algorithm directly on the actual environment. I believed that it should give him a better understanding of the issues he encountered during testing and produce better results for the research.

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I was confused about the amount of effort he put on the simulation testing. I also concerned about the reliability of the algorithm if you do no test it in the actual environment. I found it to be a very inefficient way to proof the algorithm concept.

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I was too afraid to discuss this idea of me feeling this way about doing simulation. Later on, I was struggling to apply a new algorithm to my system on my project. The robot could not complete the task and encountered a lot of issues. So, I asked for guidance from my supervisor on what I could do. He said that I need to simulate this new algorithm and it will save me a lot of time worrying whether the algorithm is working or not. Because he thought that might be code writing issues that the algorithm itself. That is why simulating your system is very vital on saving times, money and resources.

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Following his instruction has helped me a lot on these issues. Having to know that the algorithm is working in a simulation will save you a lot more time in debugging and improving the robot functionality. Because in real-world-test, there are a lot of other variables that could affect the success rate of doing a specific task.

Robotic Industries Association stated that robot simulation software minimizes the risks associated with automation. Much of the integration process is completed before anything is assembled on your factory floor (Robotic Industries Association, 2017). A proper simulation helps ensure you’re receiving the best system for your application. Looking back on this experience, I have realised a lot about how important is a simulation. If I listened to him, who has a lot more experience with all of these I could save a lot more of my times. After this experience, I realised that even a task like designing a product, equipment or tool, the engineer put a lot of times and testing in SolidWorks or other simulation programs. It will reduce the cost and material waste from manufacturing multiple different prototypes.

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I hope in the future, I could apply this learning experience to my next workplace. I will aim to improve my simulation skills, therefore, less material waste, cost and damage to the environment.

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