Robotics Connect: Robocon as a Bridge between the University and Industry

As part of the Robotics Connect Exhibition, a side event of the Vietnam Robot Innovation Contest (Robocon) that showcases outstanding technological innovations from universities and businesses, while also creating a platform for student interaction and hands-on experience. A representative from LHU delivered an inspiring and heartfelt presentation about the University’s 20+ year journey in conquering both national and international robot innovation competitions. The event not only brought together excellent teams but also served as an open forum to connect the engineering community, technology enterprises, and educational institutions participating in the Vietnam Robocon Contest.

Robocon: A journey in shaping LHU’s academic brand

Recognized as one of Vietnam Robocon’s most successful teams, LHU has claimed 9 national championships, 3 Asia-Pacific titles, and consistently ranked among the region’s top contenders. These impressive achievements are not only the result of focused investment in technical expertise but also a testament to the University's strategic vision in placing students at the center and fostering a highly practical and creative learning environment.

Representing LHU, Mr. Le Hoang Anh receiving the certificate of participation

At the exhibition, representing LHU, Mr. Le Hoang Anh - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics and Electronics shared “Robocon has transformed our approach to technical education. It has created an "open creative lab" where students can learn through hands-on experience, fail safely, and grow from real-world technological challenges. At LHU, we’ve been intentional in fostering students into an environment that promotes bold thinking, action, and relentless creativity".

From a creative playground to a technology transfer platform

“Beyond participating in competition and winning prizes, many of the automation and engineering products developed by LHU students and faculty during Robocon preparation have subsequently been improved, further researched, and widely applied in industry", Mr. Hoang Anh added.

LHU's technological products attracting attention at the Robotics Connect Exhibition

Some of LHU's notable achievements include:

• - Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) System: Originating from competitive robot platforms, the research team successfully developed an AGV system for internal component transportation in factories integrating remote control and IoT.

• - AI and Robotics-Based Equipment Monitoring Solution – Currently in the trial phase at several partner businesses in Binh Duong Province is a collaborative project between the University'a Faculty of Mechatronics – Electronics and the Center of Research and Applications.

• - Solar Panel Cleaning Robot (SolarCleanBot-CT.R1): A dry-and-wet cleaning robot for solar panels, achieving approximately 90% efficiency compared to European models, but at only 1/7 of the cost.

• Robocon: Where passion meets employers

A special highlight of the presentation was the success stories of former LHU Robocon team members - many of whom are now lead engineers tech startup founders, or pursuing graduate and doctoral research in robotics, AI control systems, and mechatronics.

Many tech companies shared that they prioritize hiring students who participated in Robocon, valuing their hands-on experience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure - as key elements honed throughout the competition.

This further reinforces LHU's core belief: higher education is not just about theory but about cultivating individuals who are ready to work, adapt, and thrive in real-world environments.

Businesses as strategic partners

Over the past decade, numerous businesses have become strategic partners in LHU’s Robocon journey, including SMC Corporation (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., Mabuchi Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd., and Henkel Adhesive Technologies Vietnam Co., Ltd... In addition to financial support, these businesses have provided technical guidance, material support, and real-world problems for students to tackle through their robot models. Through Robocon, a three-side partnership between Universities – Industry – Learners has taken shape and continues to evolve, which aligns with LHU’s core strategy in transforming education, especially in engineering and technology.

"Robocon is not merely a competition - it is an innovation ecosystem at LHU" emphasized Dr. Lam Thanh Hien, Rector of LHU.

The Robotics Connect event has demonstrated that Robocon is an indispensable part of the innovation ecosystem in Vietnam's higher education. For LHU, it serves as a launchpad for students to step out into the world, for the University to showcase its training and research capabilities, and for businesses to discover potential technological solutions from student ideas.

As the University's representative concluded:

"Robocon has connected the passionate hearts of students with the industrial lifeblood of businesses – where creativity serves as both the goal and the driving force for sustainable development. Not just a competition, Robocon is a sustainable platform for collaboration between the University and Industry, from academic research to practical applications".