Ahead of the Robotics Round of the FPTU AI & Robotics Challenge 2025 organized by FPT University, 220 teams selected from high schools across the country after the initial AI programming round participated in a series of intensive training workshops designed to equip them with practical knowledge, hands-on skills, and experience in robot design and manufacturing.
The training program, hosted by FPT University, was conducted in the form of online workshops over five 90-minute sessions. Students were introduced to a general overview of Robotics to grasp basic concepts about robots and their applications in modern life. They were also introduced to the open-source VIA Robotics platform and the CMS learning system—foundational tools to help them build essential technological thinking and knowledge for the upcoming competition.
To thoroughly prepare for the Robotics round of FARC 2025, students were given early access to the challenge themed “Sustainable Agriculture.” The sessions included problem analysis, Q&A discussions, and guidance on using the digital design tool OnShape—a software that helps students visualize and model their robot ideas intuitively.
Students delved into the technical design process, from interpreting the problem to ideation and creating robot design drawings. They learned how to research and tap into academic and technical resources from the Robotics community. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to hear from experienced teams, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice in robot development.
Moreover, through the introduction of the Robotics challenge topic “Sustainable Agriculture” and tools like OnShape, students gained hands-on experience with real competition requirements. The training series focused on robot analysis and design skills, empowering students not only with technical knowledge but also with the ability to harness shared community resources within the Robotics field.
Thanks to its comprehensive and practical content, this training initiative not only boosts students’ confidence ahead of the Robotics round of FARC but also plays a key role in nurturing their passion for technology in the digital age.
Launched in late March, the FARC competition attracted nearly 800 teams from 59 provinces and cities nationwide. The AI programming round took place on May 31 and June 1 at five campuses of FPT University, drawing nearly 3,600 high school students. Teams developed their AI-based products on the PartyRock platform within six hours, under the theme “AI Accompanying Students in Climate Action.” The organizers awarded 2 First Prizes, 2 Second Prizes, 2 Third Prizes, and 6 Special Awards, with prize values ranging from VND 2 to 10 million per team. Outstanding representatives came from schools such as THPT Nguyen Gia Thieu (Ha Noi), THPT Vinh Linh (Quang Tri), THPT Nguyen Hue (Phu Yen), THPT Nguyen Cong Tru (Ho Chi Minh City), and THPT An Khanh (Can Tho), among many others.
Following that, the top 220 teams advanced to the regional Robotics rounds, held from June 16 to July 10 under the challenge “Sustainable Agricultural Robot.” Each match lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds, involving four teams. The teams are randomly paired into two alliances, each consisting of two teams and two robots. In the initial phase, alliances must work together to transport soil and seeds into greenhouses for crop production and harvesting. In the next phase, both alliances join forces to form a global alliance with the mission of balancing energy for seed production facilities and ensuring greenhouses are constantly replenished with necessary seeds.
At the national final (August 2–3), the organizers will award 2 First Prizes, 2 Second Prizes, 2 Third Prizes, along with multiple additional prizes and attractive scholarship opportunities from FPT University.
FPTU AI & Robotics Challenge 2025 is a national competition organized by FPT University for high school students. The contest not only offers students hands-on experience and technological creativity but also sparks passion for the STEAM field, fostering innovation and comprehensive skill development for the digital era.