On May 31, 2026, Đại học Lạc Hồng claimed its 11th consecutive victory at the Robocon Việt Nam 2026 championship, defeating Hưng Yên University of Pedagogy and Technology in a 3-minute showdown. The competition, themed “Chiến binh võ thuật – KungFu Master,” required teams to deploy autonomous robots to arrange “bí kíp võ công” (martial arts secrets) on a grid, with the first to form a vertical or diagonal line declared the winner.
Robocon 2026: A Display of Precision and Strategy
The final between LH-FOF (Đại học Lạc Hồng) and SKH-AST (Hưng Yên University of Pedagogy and Technology) unfolded with dramatic twists. LH-FOF’s robot, navigating a steep incline, placed its first “bí kíp võ công” on the grid within seconds. SKH-AST’s robot, however, suffered a circuit failure mid-ascend, halting progress. LH-FOF capitalized, deploying three robots to strategically position two “bí kíp võ công” on the grid. With under a minute remaining, the team recovered a dropped item, aligning it diagonally with existing pieces to secure the win. The victory earned LH-FOF 50 million VND, while SKH-AST received 30 million VND.
According to the competition’s organizing committee, the theme emphasized “innovation in AI, robotics, and automation,” challenging students to design robots that balance speed, precision, and tactical coordination. PGS. TS Nguyễn Tăng Cường, head of the jury, noted the event’s role in “preparing students for the future of intelligent systems.” The winning team will represent Vietnam at the Asia-Pacific Robocon Championship in Hong Kong this August.
Technical Challenges and Unprecedented Tactics
The competition’s rules mandated that teams use two robots: R1, manually controlled, and R2, fully autonomous. Robots had to collect “bí kíp võ công,” transport them to the grid, and arrange them while countering opponents’ attempts to disrupt their placements. One rule allowed teams to “interfere with an opponent’s ‘bí kíp võ công’ to deduct points,” adding a layer of strategic conflict. This dynamic was evident in the final, where LH-FOF’s ability to recover a dropped item under time pressure highlighted the importance of adaptability.
Experts praised the event’s emphasis on real-world problem-solving. “This isn’t just about robotics—it’s about designing systems that can operate in unpredictable environments,” said an organizer. The 2026 edition marked a shift from previous years, with teams prioritizing AI-driven decision-making over purely mechanical solutions, reflecting broader trends in technology education.
Broader Implications for STEM Education
The victory by Đại học Lạc Hồng underscores the university’s long-standing reputation in robotics and engineering. Since its first Robocon win in 2015, the institution has consistently produced teams that blend technical expertise with creative strategy. This streak has positioned the university as a leader in Vietnamese STEM education, with its curriculum increasingly focused on AI and automation.
However, the competition also revealed gaps in the national robotics landscape. While the top teams demonstrated advanced capabilities, many participants struggled with basic navigation and sensor calibration. This disparity highlights the need for expanded access to training resources, particularly for institutions in rural areas. As one judge noted, “The gap between the elite and the rest is widening, and we must find ways to bridge it.
