Lac Hong University wins third prize at 2026 Asia-Pacific Robot Contest

The ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 (ABU Robocon 2026) was officially held on August 23 at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, China, with 16 teams from 15 countries and territories taking part. This annual technology competition is organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.

LH-FOF team from Lac Hong University competes at the contest. Photo: Cong Nghia

Vietnam was represented by LH-FOF, the team from Lac Hong University in Dong Nai City, which had won the 2026 Vietnam Robot Creation Contest (Robocon Vietnam 2026).

Inspired by the training journey of a Kung Fu practitioner, this year's competition emphasized discipline, precision, teamwork, and composure. Under the competition format, each team used two robots to work together to complete a series of tasks on the field, including navigating challenging zones, assembling simulated weapons, collecting martial arts scroll boxes, and devising strategies for a tic-tac-toe challenge.

Japan’s team (in dark blue) and LH-FOF from Lac Hong University (Vietnam) receive third-place awards. Photo: Cong Nghia

In the qualifying round, LH-FOF performed confidently in both matches to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

In a tense quarterfinal, LH-FOF repeatedly scored points while successfully blocking Thailand's team. The Vietnamese team went on to claim an emphatic "Kung Fu Master" victory with 210 points, advancing directly to the semifinals.

In the semifinal, LH-FOF faced a strong Hong Kong 1 (China) team, which had defeated China's team in the opening quarterfinal. After a string of consistent performances, LH-FOF unexpectedly encountered technical problems and was forced to bow out to the Hong Kong side.

LH-FOF team receives the Best Design Award at the contest. Photo: Cong Nghia

LH-FOF team receives a special technology award from the competition’s main sponsor. Photo: Cong Nghia

By reaching the semifinals, LH-FOF and Japan's team were both awarded third place. Hong Kong (China) 1 defeated Hong Kong (China) 2 in the final to claim the ABU Robocon 2026 championship.

In addition to the third-place finish, Lac Hong University won the Best Design Award and the Outstanding Technology Award, further highlighting the team's technical and engineering capabilities.

Members of the LH-FOF team and their team advisor at the competition. Photo: Cong Nghia

The ABU Robocon 2027 final will be held in Indonesia.

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho