Aydin Orhan
Meet Aydin, a current student on our MSc Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things. Learn more about his standout modules and the award-winning Agritech project he developed with classmates.
Tell us a bit about you
My name is Aydin, and I am a postgraduate taught student on the Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things (SEIoT) MSc programme, delivered at the new UCL East campus.
I was born in North London and studied Software Engineering BSc at the University of Portsmouth.
I worked as a property sales negotiator prior to attending university, and my first job as a teenager was at Petticoat Lane market. I hold an honorary appointment as an Associate Hospital Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight NHS.
What attracted you to the SEIOT MSc at UCL?
After developing an understanding of software systems, I wanted to expand my knowledge of hardware-software interaction, which attracted me to the SEIoT MSc at UCL.
The newly built UCL East campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and encourages inter-disciplinary collaboration, which appealed to me. In particular, the chance to approach IoT through the lens of robotics was appealing.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your course so far?
In addition to challenging coursework, I have found it enjoyable to explore concepts that were introduced in class independently.
The process of tackling complex problems on my own has been an opportunity for both significant academic and personal growth.
The academics involved with the course are available to discuss topics and provide guidance, helping me turn challenging concepts into opportunities for deeper learning.
What was your favourite module?
My favourite module was Real World Multi-Agent Systems (COMP0182) because of the case studies that clearly presented applications of the concepts being studied.
This included the organisation of multiple robotic agents in a warehouse, as well as aerial drones used for parcel deliveries of consumer goods.
I also enjoyed the module Innovation for a Fairer World (COMP0232), delivered with the Global Disability Innovation Hub, as it allowed time to consider how applying engineering principles learned at UCL can improve living conditions for people.
Can you tell us about the project you presented at the Designing Sensor Systems showcase?
Over terms 1 and 2, two colleagues and I developed the NPK-DTech project, that we presented at the Designing Sensor Systems showcase.
NPK-DTech is an AgriTech project that analyses soil nutrients, targeting nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), to assist farmers with efficient fertiliser application.
Publicly presenting the project was a meaningful experience, and our group was appreciative to receive the “Best Industrial Impact” award.
What are you doing for your final research project?
My final research project, supervised by Dr. Valerio Modugno, aims to estimate the position of robotic contact using minimal sensors.
Robots are becoming increasingly present in both domestic and industrial settings and contact, including collisions, is to be expected.
In order to prevent injury or costly damage, fast and safe reactions to this contact are needed, requiring accurate detection and localisation of robotic contact.
How have you used the UCL East facilities for your learning?
The SEIoT MSc programme has a dedicated space in the IoT Lab, which is within the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab in One Pool Street.
Projects have included using robots owned by the lab as well as utilisation of the Light Fabrication Workshop for 3D printing, laser cutting and soldering. For the NPK-DTech project, a colleague in the chemical engineering department conducted chemical analysis of soil samples for benchmarking purposes.
What are you planning to do when you graduate?
I hope to secure a research position upon graduation. I am currently developing my project portfolio, using the experience from the robotics, machine learning and embedded systems labs completed during the programme.
What would you like to share with future students applying to SEIOT MSc?
Prepare for an engaging, demanding and rewarding year at UCL on the SEIoT MSc programme. The environment created by having a dedicated space in the IoT Lab will present many opportunities for skills development. The course provides insight into many career paths including research in academia and industry as well as entrepreneurship. Good luck!
The information on this page reflects the student’s status at the time of publication (July 2025).
