Isurie Akarawita

Isurie Akarawita’s journey into engineering began with a passion for problem-solving and understanding how things work. Drawn to the innovative potential of mechatronics engineering, Isurie is now a PhD candidate in the field, focusing on cutting-edge research that merges artificial intelligence and robotics –which could revolutionise the way we experience food.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, especially gadgets and systems. Back in school, I loved solving technical problems and coming up with creative solutions. The idea of mechatronics engineering is what drew me into engineering, especially since it was such a new and exciting field at the time.”

“After completing my bachelors and masters degrees in mechatronics, I wanted to focus on a specific area and work on innovative solutions with real-world impact. A PhD gives me the chance to specialise, explore cutting-edge technology, and contribute to advancements in AI-driven mechatronics, which is where I hope to make a lasting difference.”

Isurie’s research focuses on developing a smart chewing robot that can evaluate and predict chewing behaviours. By integrating artificial intelligence with advanced robotics, her research aims to deepen the understanding of food texture and chewability, ultimately improving the quality and appeal of food products.

This research addresses the need for advancements in food science, particularly for older adults who struggle with chewing and swallowing, as well as for improving taste and texture in plant-based meat alternatives to meet consumer expectations.

Unlike traditional human surveys, which can be influenced by personal feelings or preferences, a smart chewing robot can provide objective and consistent results. This ensures more reliable data when testing new food products or oral health technologies, making in-lab (in vitro) evaluations more precise and repeatable. 

With this research, there is potential to revolutionise food product development and contribute to the broader goal of creating a fully functional robotic digestive system.

Isurie’s dedication to her research was recently recognised when she placed as runner-up in the University of Auckland’s prestigious Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. The competition challenged her to refine her complex research into an accessible and concise presentation, which Isurie excelled at.

“I saw the 3MT competition as a great opportunity to not only learn from others' work but also to challenge myself, especially since public speaking has always been a personal fear. It gave me a chance to share my research in a clear and engaging way, because communicating science is just as important as doing the research itself.”

“Summarising complex ideas in only three minutes was definitely a challenge, but it taught me how to focus on the key points that truly matter, particularly for an audience outside of engineering. It’s about stepping into their shoes and making the work accessible to everyone.”

“Participating in the 3MT competition was a truly rewarding experience. One key takeaway was the importance of storytelling in science, along with the realisation that practice makes perfect – rehearsing again and again is essential!”

Reflecting on her academic journey so far, Isurie credits the University’s supportive environment and collaborative culture for helping her push the boundaries of what’s possible.

“One of the highlights of my PhD experience at the University of Auckland has been the incredible support and resources available to students. The University fosters a nurturing environment for research and innovation, making it a truly enjoyable place to pursue my studies. I’ve been amazed by the groundbreaking research happening all around me – it’s inspiring to be part of such a vibrant academic community!”

“After completing my PhD, I plan to return to industry to tackle real-world challenges in mechatronics and AI. I’m excited to explore opportunities that allow me to apply my research and continue innovating in robotics”.

“The field is constantly evolving, so being open to new ideas and technologies is key. It’s also important to seek out practical experiences. Internships, projects, and competitions will not only build your skills but also give you confidence in applying your knowledge to real-world problems.”