Vietnam seeks to turn robotics boom into homegrown technology

At GRECO 2026, held from Monday to Thursday along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, robots capable of dancing, playing chess, making coffee and interacting with visitors drew considerable public attention.

Beyond the demonstrations, businesses and educational institutions explored opportunities for cooperation across the robotics sector, from equipment supply and software development to system integration and workforce training.

According to a report by global strategy consulting firm Ken Research, Vietnam’s industrial robotics market was estimated at US$112 million in 2025.

The market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.88 percent between 2026 and 2031, reaching some $231.7 million by 2031.

Meanwhile, the country’s industrial robot density is estimated at 23-58 robots per 10,000 workers in the manufacturing sector.

Within the framework of the event, AICAP Group Joint Stock Company announced a strategic partnership with the China Robotics Industry Development Alliance (CDRA), AIBRAIN Company and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH).

The collaboration aims to connect domestic market demand with international robot suppliers while strengthening Vietnam’s capacity to deploy the technology.

Do Thanh Son, chairman of AICAP, said that Vietnamese engineers’ capabilities in software development and control algorithms represented an important resource, enabling domestic companies to participate more deeply in the robotics value chain.

Alongside their technology partnership, AICAP, CDRA and HUTECH also announced cooperation to connect research and education with the practical application of robotics in industry.

Nguyen Thanh Phuong, HUTECH’s vice rector, said the automation market needed professionals capable of understanding real-world problems, designing solutions and integrating robotic systems.

Universities are already training students in mechatronics and robotics, he said, but closer collaboration with businesses is essential.

Companies need to share practical experience and provide students with opportunities to engage with real-world applications.