There are so many opportunities to develop new things in the fascinating field of robotics and artificial intelligence.

Rodion and Arsenii Kameniev are identical twins from Ukraine who came to the University of Klagenfurt to study the Bachelor’s degree programme Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. They talk to us about why they both chose the same major and how their grandfather influenced their choice of study. Rodion and Arsenii also tell us why there is no better place to study than Klagenfurt.

Why exactly did you choose to study Robotics & Artificial Intelligence?

We have always been attracted to the exact sciences. The in-depth study of math and programming is geared toward obtaining a clear predictable result. Artificial intelligence is a field that is in a phase of development. And this is exactly the area that allows you to combine math and programming with elements of creativity. This process does not produce the result we seek in the exact sciences. It is not predictable, it is not finalised, and it needs further consideration and development. That is why it is so fascinating. In this case, we see robotics as a vector of application to the study of AI. We guess, the possibility of developing this specialty and the principle of novelty attracts us.

 

Why did you decide to study a technical subject?

We think no one in our family had any doubts that the technical direction was exactly what we needed. Our grandfather, a theoretical physicist, spoke fascinatingly about many physical-technical effects (processes), and our great-great-grandfather was involved in designing aircraft. Our interest and results in the exact sciences were comparatively higher than in the humanities. This consciously determined our attitude towards technical disciplines.

 

How do you explain the content of your studies to your family or friends?

We are fortunate. Our friends study similar specialties but at different universities and in other countries: Jagiellonian University (Poland – Artificial Intelligence), VIKO (Lithuania), Shevchenko University (Ukraine). This gives us an opportunity for additional communication and discussion with our friends on many topics and areas of study, as well as interesting comparisons of the study programme and activities in lectures and practices.

Our family understands us very well, our parents work in the field of IT, Internet technologies, and communications. Therefore, they are interested in what we have learned that they can use in their professional settings.

 

Are there still new things for you to experience at the university? When it comes to your chosen study programme or student life in Klagenfurt?

There are many aspects of student life that we are still missing (skipping). This is a conscious choice. We are now focusing on adaptation and short-term planning of our lives.

The opportunities that the university provides – such as various events, meetings with possible employers in the future, and information about organisations that offer internship and work options for AAU students – encourage them to make preliminary decisions. In particular, to consider Master’s programmes and to be more clearly oriented in choosing the direction of further study and development.

Also, one of the most important things for us is the courses in many world languages at the AAU. And we are grateful to Deutsch in Österreich for helping us to learn German.

 

Has your view of the world changed as a result of your studies?

We wouldn’t call it „changed“. We didn’t start our studies that long ago and all the good changes, I’m sure, are ahead of us. But the very fact that we are in a multinational environment with many cultures, mentalities, and attitudes has broadened our view of the world in general. The world is dynamic, and our attitudes towards some things or processes are better clarified at a given point and at a given moment in time.

 

What would be important advice for first-year students?

As strange as it may sound now, our first piece of advice is to eat well, follow a daily regimen, and exercise. When you find yourself in a new environment, with a new social circle, new tasks, and a lot of questions, it is very easy to get confused. That’s why you need to create points of support for yourself – habitual actions that will help you stabilise in new life circumstances.

The second tip is to thoroughly understand the system and functioning of the university itself and additional opportunities. This includes the ZEUS system, curriculum list, and the STEOP (Introductory and Orientation Period). Familiarise yourself with the things that were talked about at Welcomes Days to the students. This is important. If there is a need, attend tutorials.

If questions arise, do not be afraid to ask them. This applies not only to everyday life but also to communication with teachers and students. In general –  believe in yourself and your abilities. Believe that studying is one of the most positive and brightest moments in life.

 

Why did you choose Klagenfurt as your place of study?

We don’t know if there are better places, where several important directions for us magically coincide. For us it is comfortable to live in a small town, it reminds us of home. The mountains provide a great winter arena for lovers of skiing, while Lake Wörthersee absorbs much of the summer pastime. Klagenfurt is quiet and comfortable, with nothing to distract you from your studies. And as the most powerful factor, Klagenfurt has AAU. A university that offers the specialty we are interested in with the possibility to study in English.

 

Why should one study here at the University of Klagenfurt? Can you think of places, institutions, people, etc. that are unique here?

We think the AAU immediately captivates with its exceptional opportunities to educate and develop each student’s abilities. The university cooperates with leading global companies and attracts experienced lecturers to teach, each of whom has achieved success in their industry. The university’s infrastructure, potential, and everything are aimed at the most comfortable conditions for students‘ education.

One of our favourite places is the library. It is a hub for learning, student communication, and creating and discussing joint projects.

Despite the short period of study, (we are now in the second semester) we immediately felt the work of a strong and well-coordinated team of teachers. Their human qualities and responsiveness are at the same high level as their professionalism.

We appreciate the bilingual learning system in English and German, multi-subject, and the opportunity to conduct research and experiments in the university’s laboratories. And of course, the unique opportunity to use the drone hall when testing unmanned systems.

 

What are you looking forward to when coming to campus?

All we need is new information. Knowledge that can be useful in the future. Communication with fellow students and teachers as well as the exchange of experience motivates us in our further development. In our opinion, the effort and opportunity a university tries to put into a student should be justified by the student’s mental cost of learning. We hope, in the future, to get confirmation of theoretical knowledge – by practice.

 

Where do you see yourself in ten years? In which field do you want to work?

10 years is a long time, even for planning. To use the Queen’s phrase from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll “Here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere you must run twice as fast as that”. The world is changing, technology is constantly evolving and giving us more and more opportunities. One thing we know for sure, we will continue to learn and work in the field of new technologies of AI and robots’ symbiosis. They are the future. No doubt it is challenging, but for us as a team, the word challenging is synonymous with the word interesting.