On July 21, 2026, Yaskawa Electric Vietnam, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCM-UTE), successfully hosted the Final Round of the Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026.Designed for students passionate about robotics, motion control, and industrial automation, the competition provides a platform for participants to apply their technical knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. It also reflects Yaskawa’s long-term commitment to fostering industry–academia collaboration and developing the next generation of highly skilled engineering talent for the future of manufacturing.
Launched in May 2026, Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026 attracted 26 student teams, including 21 teams from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCM-UTE) and 5 teams from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT). Following the preliminary and semi-final rounds, the top six teams advanced to the final round, where they competed using Yaskawa’s industrial robot and motion control technologies.
More than a technical competition, YRMC serves as a platform for students to gain hands-on experience with advanced automation technologies while applying their academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges through a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach. The competition also helps participants strengthen their technical expertise, programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork in an industrial setting.
Hands-on Experience with Yaskawa Technologies
During the final round, finalists completed practical challenges using equipment at the Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Lab. Their performances were evaluated by a panel of Yaskawa experts and HCM-UTE faculty members based on several key criteria, including:
- Task completion
- Execution time
- Accuracy
- Creativity and optimization of programming and motion control solutions
Supported by Yaskawa engineers and technical specialists serving as mentors and judges, students not only demonstrated their technical capabilities but also gained valuable insights from industry professionals. The competition provided participants with firsthand experience of real industrial applications while fostering innovation, collaboration, and practical engineering skills.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ryutaro Kuwamura, General Director of Yaskawa Electric Vietnam, emphasized that alongside business growth, Yaskawa is committed to creating long-term value for society by investing in education and talent development. He highlighted that Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers by inspiring students to embrace emerging technologies, gain hands-on industrial experience, and develop the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the manufacturing industry.
The companionship of partners in the industrial ecosystem
Besides Yaskawa Electric Vietnam and HCM-UTE, the program was also accompanied by automation partners such as Nam Phuong Viet, Hung Long, IDEA, and other enterprises operating in the industrial ecosystem.
Businesses attended not only as guests but also directly connected with students through exhibition areas, career counseling, and sharing job opportunities. This serves as a bridge helping students better understand the practical needs of businesses while opening up many internship and career development opportunities in the field of Robotics and Factory Automation.
Recognizing Excellence
After an exciting showcase of technical skills, innovation, and teamwork, the judging panel carefully evaluated each team’s performance based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including accuracy, completion time, operational stability, and solution optimization.
The following teams were honored for their outstanding performance at the Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026:
- First Prize: Team 26 (Advising Lecturer: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Phong) with two members Phan Minh Nam and Nguyen Van Thao.
- Second Prize: Team 17 (Advising Lecturer: M.Sc. Tran Minh Kiet) including Luong Nguyen Tung Nhan, Huynh Van Huu, Pham Gia Kiet; and Team 21 (Advising Lecturer: M.Sc. Tran Minh Kiet) including Truong Ngoc Trieu, Bui Viet Tien Dung, Tran Nguyen Thanh Loc.
- Third Prize: Team 1 (Advising Lecturer: Dr. Duong Minh Thien) including Pham Le Huy Truc, Dang Minh Hoang, Nguyen Tan Dung; Team 4 (Advising Lecturer: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Van Thuyen) including Lai Duc Thuat, Tran Huu Nguyen Thanh, Nguyen Bao Thang; and Team 19 (Advising Lecturer: M.Sc. Tran Minh Kiet) including Tran Minh Tu and Le Dang Khoa.
Fostering the Next Generation of Engineers
At Yaskawa Electric Vietnam, we believe that technological innovation goes hand in hand with human development. Through the Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026, we not only provide an academic platform for students to apply their knowledge but also strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial applications.
Investing in education and talent development has always been a key part of Yaskawa’s long-term commitment. By partnering with universities, sharing advanced technologies, supporting laboratory facilities, organizing technical competitions, and providing students with opportunities to engage in real industrial environments, Yaskawa aims to nurture a new generation of engineers equipped with strong technical expertise, innovative thinking, and the skills required for the era of smart manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Yaskawa Electric Vietnam will continue expanding its collaboration with universities, industry partners, and the broader automation ecosystem to help develop highly skilled engineering talent and contribute to the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s manufacturing industry. This commitment reflects our vision of “Today & Beyond”—delivering advanced automation solutions for today while investing in people to create lasting value for the future.
Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026 through the lens of HTV
he Yaskawa Robotics and Motion Challenge (YRMC) 2026 was featured by Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV), highlighting the competition’s inspiring moments and its contribution to engineering education and industry–academia collaboration.
Watch the HTV feature below to relive the event’s highlights and memorable moments.
