Taiki Shiotsuka
Career Background
In graduate school, I conducted research on data augmentation using generative models in an autonomous driving lab. I presented research on image transformation to adverse conditions using adversarial generative models at multiple international conferences and journals. I joined as an intern in 2021 during my master’s program, then joined full-time as a new graduate in 2022. Since joining, I have been working on E2E autonomous driving development.
Why I Joined Turing
In the fall of 2021, I liked a post by CEO Yamamoto on X (then Twitter), which led to a DM invitation to Turing. At the time, I already had an offer from a large company, and since Turing only had its two co-founders, Yamamoto and Aoki, I initially asked to participate as a time-limited intern until I graduated. However, as I worked alongside them, I became inspired to take on the grand challenge of fully autonomous driving with the co-founders and the growing team, and decided to join full-time.
What I Do
The project I worked on during my internship was to build a machine learning model that drives a car around a limited course End-to-End. Although the conditions were low-speed on a test course, we actually succeeded in controlling a car E2E to drive in loops. Looking back, I think it was an excellent first project for Turing that really set the tone for the company.
Currently, as a team leader within one of the groups developing E2E autonomous driving, I am working on improving E2E autonomous driving. In particular, our team focuses on data scaling to enhance E2E model performance, collaborating with other teams to advance autonomous driving.
What Makes My Work Rewarding
It is very stimulating to be in an environment where talented and positive people come together. I also find it an attractive job where we use ML to move cars and interact with the real world, ultimately solving societal challenges.
Being a startup, I find it exciting that my own efforts can directly drive development and business forward.
About the Work Environment at Turing
- Meetings are kept to a minimum, allowing ample time for development.
- Everyone is highly motivated, making it a high-intensity organization.
- Many people prefer honest and straightforward communication, making it easy to work as a team.
Who Thrives at Turing
- People who want to build autonomous driving.
- People who have something they want to achieve.
For Those Considering Turing
- I believe fully autonomous driving is one of the foundational technologies of the future. I feel there are not many environments where you can tackle it head-on. We are looking for people to build fully autonomous driving together.
My Car
BMW320d
I bought it without thinking too much when I was a new graduate. After the headquarters moved to Tokyo, I considered letting it go several times, but each time I held back and have been driving it for over three years. In the end, I think that was a great decision, and I have made many memories with it.
