“Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Innovation” competition ignites creativity in youth

Binh Duong is building a new-generation industrial ecosystem based on science, technology and innovation in line with the province's Planning for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050. Notably, the province is focusing on completing investment procedures to establish a concentrated information technology zone, develop a science and technology park. These initiatives are considered as a nucleus and a new growth driver for the province based on science, technology, transitioning to new production models. To successfully achieve these goals, along with a modern industrial infrastructure system and a seamless transportation network, a highly skilled workforce is a decisive factor in meeting the development needs of emerging industries.

Contributing to the development of innovative thinking

With the aim of creating a science-technology and creativity-oriented playground for primary and secondary school students across the province, provincial Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with provincial Department of Education-Training and Youth Union, organized the "2024 Binh Duong Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Innovation” competition. According to Nguyen Viet Long, Director of provincial Department of Science and Technology, the competition contributed to inspiring a passion for scientific research, spreading enthusiasm for exploring robotics among students. It provided them with opportunities to interact with robots, become familiar with basic programming languages and develop essential skills such as observation, focus, patience, logical thinking, creativity, teamwork, presentation and critical reasoning.

Nguyen Van Loi, Secretary of provincial Party Committee presents the first-place award in the primary school category to Dong Hoa B Primary School

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Van Loi, Secretary of provincial Party Committee emphasized that the "Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Innovation” competition is a concrete solution to ignite creativity in young generations. The competition is not only a science and technology playground, but also an opportunity and foundation for students to develop innovative thinking, practical skills and an startup spirit. He affirmed that students will be the key contributors to building a smart, green and sustainable Binh Duong in the future. The Secretary of provincial Party Committee expressed pride in witnessing the enthusiasm and talent of the participating students and hoped they would continue nurturing their passion and strive to learn, making more contributions to the development of their hometown, Binh Duong.

Promoting creative ideas

Driven by a desire to find solutions for fire and explosion incidents, Dong Hoa B Primary School’s team in Di An city conceived an idea of creating a robot designed for patrol vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances and future autonomous vehicles. These robots can automatically detect potential fire hazards or report fire incidents while operating on roads or within factories.

Nguyen Thi Thanh An, teacher of the team shared that although the participating students were only in third and fourth grade, they were incredibly intelligent and creative. With her guidance, they were able to think independently and assemble their designs. The competition was instrumental in fostering their thinking and creative ideas. "I hope there will be more meaningful playgrounds for students to experience and bring their ideas to life", Mrs. An expressed.

Nguyen Quoc Vinh, a fifth-grade student from Dong Hoa B Primary School shared his excitement: "After many days of practice, our team won first prize in this competition. I’m extremely happy and thrilled that our efforts, along with the guidance of our teachers, have been rewarded. Through the competition, I feel more confident in exploring science and technology, developing creative ideas and applying technology to daily life. We hope that in the future, our school will introduce programming as a subject, allowing all students to engage in developing creative ideas and turning them into products that benefit the society".

Huynh Anh Tuan, Permanent Vice Chairman of provincial Informatics Association and Head Judge of the competition noted that this year's event was larger in scale, both in terms of the number of participants and the products submitted, compared to previous competitions. He emphasized that through the competition; students not only met the basic programming requirements for operating robots, but also demonstrated additional creativity in their projects.

Reported by Phuong Le-Quang Tri-Translated by Kim Tin