A delegation from Poznan University of Technology, consisting of Maciej Sobieraj and Marek Fechner, carried out a two-week visit to the University of Electro-Communications (UEC) in Tokyo within the framework of the SEIKO project. The visit took place from 12 to 23 November 2025 (including travel from 11 to 24 November 2025). It was implemented as part of Task 1: Building a network of academic cooperation to develop a mutual online laboratory infrastructure for joint teaching and research activities, and specifically within the activity “Establishing cooperation in the area of laboratory sharing.” The main objective was to develop frameworks for mutual access to laboratory infrastructure and to explore opportunities for collaboration in remote laboratories and technology-enhanced education.
A key element of the program was a meeting at the OPAL-RING Laboratory led by Prof. Akihiro Kashihara. The laboratory focuses on e-learning process modeling and the development of web-based learning support systems. Discussions concentrated on a remote access system for laboratory resources using Kubi telepresence robots by Xandex Inc. The participants identified key technical and network infrastructure requirements necessary to ensure stable deployment of such solutions at Poznan University of Technology. The visit also included hands-on training in system operation and configuration.
Another important point of the agenda was the eDX Classroom, an advanced Active Learning Classroom environment supporting digital transformation in education. The facility is used both for teaching and as a research and experimentation space for engineering education. The delegation explored the role of technologies such as virtual reality and decision-support systems in learning processes, as well as approaches to integrating AI and cybersecurity topics into modern educational environments.
The visit also included the EdTech and Group Interaction Laboratory led by Prof. Hironori Egi. The team was introduced to ICT-based solutions supporting communication in learning processes, including methods for assessing group dynamics and analyzing data from educational systems. Particular attention was given to hybrid and online learning environments, with emphasis on coordination, synchronization, and the role of physical presence in distributed education settings.
An important part of the program was participation in the Open Lab event organized within the Chofusai university festival. The event provided broad access to UEC research infrastructure and enabled direct engagement with ongoing activities across multiple laboratories. Demonstrations of prototypes developed by researchers and students allowed for benchmarking of technological solutions and identification of potential areas for future collaboration.
Additionally, the delegation presented Espresso Labs, a remote laboratory access system developed at Poznan University of Technology. The presentation covered the system’s architecture, functionality, and implementation requirements, and introduced UEC staff to its operational principles and potential applications in laboratory sharing scenarios.
The visit contributed to initiating institutional cooperation in the area of laboratory sharing within the SEIKO project and created a foundation for future collaboration in remote laboratory infrastructure and digital learning technologies.
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