Letter of Motivation

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my interest in the Signal Processing and Data Science, Master of Science
program starting in autumn 2024 and I will be choosing Machine Learning, Data Science and Artificial
Intelligence (SCI) as my major during my master's studies as this course aligns most with my bachelor's
studies. I completed my intermediate in 2018 from Fauji Foundation College Talagang in pre-
engineering. Here I developed an interest in mathematics and physics that led to my bachelor's degree
in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology Taxila in 2022
My academic experience covered a spectrum of subjects, including Artificial Intelligence, Deep
Learning, Robotics and Industrial Automation, Control Systems, and Digital Signal Processing, etc.
These courses not only unveiled the limitless career options in the field of Mechatronics but also
deepened my interest in research for automizing several industrial processes that are currently either
being done manually or semi-automated.
Throughout my degree, I actively engaged in intensive lab work, developing both theoretical concepts
and practical skills. As a testament to my practical knowledge, I led multiple semester projects,
including my Final Year Project, "The Design and Development of a Haptic Steering Wheel for
Automobiles." This project allowed me to polish my embedded system skills and implement complex
interfacing of microcontrollers with a self-made mechanical steering prototype. Moreover, I authored
two research papers, one aimed at contributing to the development of autonomous mobility using
programmable digital devices and the other for human gait cycle investigation, reflecting my
commitment to advancing the field. Serving as the project leader, I orchestrated the successful
conception and execution of various notable initiatives. Specifically, I led the development of an
obstacle-avoiding robot and a cylindrical robotic arm, both driven by the ATMEL Atmega32
microcontroller, for pivotal semester projects. Additionally, I engineered a line-following robot
showcased in a distinguished competition at the esteemed National University of Science and
Technology (NUST).
A pivotal contribution to my portfolio is the "Development of Autonomous Robotic Waiter," a project
dedicated to automating restaurant operations in support of human staff. Leveraging Robot Operating
System (ROS) and implementing the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technique, the
initiative achieved autonomous navigation across diverse environments. This undertaking provided me
with profound insights into the intricacies of ROS architecture. The implementation of a master-slave
communication protocol underscored my adeptness in designing robust control systems.
The reason for particularly applying to Aalto University was its internationally recognized reputation
in the field of science and technology. Moreover, I was motivated to apply here because Aalto is the
leading university in signal processing, data science and machine learning in SP technologies.
Additionally, I as a student can personalize my studies according to my interests so that’s a major reason
as well. After my studies, I will have career opportunities in Finnish and global ICT companies.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Ihtisham Arif
Email: contactihtishamarif@gmail.com