To deepen international academic exchange and enhance students’ global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills, the School of Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University organized a Frontier Disciplines Study Tour delegation, comprising 30 undergraduate students and one Ph.D. student, to undertake a seven-day academic visit to Singapore from August 17 to 23,2025.
The study tour itinerary included visits to the Department of Mechanical Engineering laboratories at the National University of Singapore (NUS), attendance at an informational session hosted by NUS’s Mechanical Engineering Department, participation in specialized mechanical engineering courses, a visit to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and a tour of the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A\*STAR). These activities were designed to broaden students’ international horizons, inspire their interest in scientific research, and enhance their overall competencies and global competitiveness.
At the National University of Singapore (NUS), the delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering, the university library, and University Town (UTown), gaining firsthand experience of its vibrant academic atmosphere and diverse campus culture.
During their visit to the Centre for Additive Manufacturing at NUS, the delegation toured the laboratory, observed a variety of 3D printing equipment, and viewed innovative projects developed by faculty and students—ranging from 3D-printed models for medical applications to ceramic 3D-printed cellular support structures.
At the Advanced Robotics Centre, the delegation engaged in in-depth interactions with two prototype biomimetic robots. Through hands-on operation and testing of these distinct robotic systems, students gained a profound understanding of the evolving trends in human-robot collaboration and intelligent sensing technologies, as well as their promising applications in the field of high-end equipment.
In a real NUS classroom, the instructor used a double-link mechanism as an example, combining dynamic simulation animations with physical models to vividly demonstrate its kinematic characteristics. This mechanical structures lecture integrated theoretical instruction with hands-on verification, encouraging students to actively deepen their understanding of the relevant concepts and technologies.
In addition to in-depth study in university classrooms, the delegation also visited the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), both under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), for study and learning.
In addition to in-depth study in university classrooms, the delegation also visited the Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), both under Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), for study and learning.
The delegation’s next stop was Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where they visited the university’s iconic "The Hive" learning hub. Its distinctive hexagonal modular structure breaks away from traditional design paradigms, reimagining the building as a “beehive” to embody NTU’s innovative approach to learning space design.
Beyond academic exchanges, the delegation also visited Singapore’s museums to experience the nation’s rapid historical development firsthand.
This study tour to Singapore enabled students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research environments—from intelligent mechanical systems operating with precision in laboratories to groundbreaking technological achievements at research centers—providing them with a more systematic understanding of the latest developments in mechanical engineering. The visit also further strengthened the School’s foundation for international collaboration with Singaporean universities and research institutions, reinforcing existing academic ties.The study tour concluded successfully, with all participants returning home enriched by their experiences.
Photo/Word: Publicity Team of the Exchange Delegation
