The final round of the 2026 Automation Machine Design Competition took place on 11 March 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, concluding a multi-stage engineering challenge co-organized by MISUMI Vietnam and Ito Vietnam.
An industrial challenge for future engineers
The program attracted 267 students in 54 teams from eight technical universities across southern Vietnam. Launched in November 2025, it progressed through concept simulation, detailed design, presentation and technical review before reaching the final.
Finalists were asked to complete an automated Pick & Place system design that met demanding technical requirements while also optimizing investment cost. The task reflected the practical trade-offs automation engineers manage when developing production equipment.
Learning beyond the classroom
Participants combined mechanical, electrical and automation knowledge to build solutions for a realistic manufacturing problem. The competition emphasized systems thinking, teamwork, technical communication and the ability to explain and defend engineering decisions.
By connecting students with current industrial standards and professional design expectations, the program helped translate academic knowledge into skills that can be applied in modern production environments.
Recognizing practical and applicable design
Team 2TKRM won first prize, followed by Metrology Bravo in second place and LH-LTA in third. The results recognized solutions that combined technical quality, cost awareness and potential for practical application.
Ito Vietnam’s participation reflects a broader commitment to developing engineering talent and strengthening the connection between universities and the automation industry in Vietnam.
This company update summarizes reporting by Tạp chí Công Thương. Participation figures, competition stages and final results are attributed to the original article.
Read the original coverage by Tạp chí Công Thương