College Invests 400 Million VND for Students Competing in Robocon 2026

The BKC PIONEER team from Saigon Polytechnic College stands as the sole representative from Ho Chi Minh City in the national Robocon 2026 finals, a rare presence for a college-level team from the southern region.

Comprised of six students specializing in mechanics, electronics, and programming, the team began their project in October 2025. They meticulously developed three distinct robot versions, iterating on designs to address issues like arm fragility and stability on inclines. "We redid it many, many times. There were many drawings and many different options," shared student Nguyen Truong Hong Phuc.

The team's dedication extended to living and working at the college for over two weeks straight to refine their robots. "The school arranged a room for the team to stay when needed," said first-year electrical student Nguyen Thanh Dat. This intensive preparation underscores the significant investment, both in time and resources, with the college allocating 400 million VND (approximately $15,700 USD) to support their Robocon journey.

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We redid it many, many times. There were many drawings and many different options.

Each robot, R1 and R2, has specific roles. R1 prioritizes speed and direct scoring, demanding quick reflexes from its operator, Ho Dang Thai Hoa. R2, requiring greater system stability, is handled by Vo Anh Tong, who noted the complexity of diagnosing issues that could stem from minor signal or sensor discrepancies rather than mechanical faults.

College principal Hoang Van Phuc highlighted that the students themselves initiated the idea of participating in Robocon, demonstrating a strong drive for practical application of their studies. The competition serves as a crucial platform for these students to apply their engineering knowledge and hone their problem-solving skills.

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The school arranged a room for the team to stay when needed.