When AI walks among us

When AI walks among us

Vietnam is quietly becoming one of Asia’s most promising robotics hubs.

Dr Hai-Nguyen (Hann) Nguyen, a lecturer in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering from RMIT Vietnam, believed the nation is on the brink of a transformation – one that could redefine how society works, lives, and learns.

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From factory floors to everyday life

Since 2017, Vietnam has seen a rapid uptick in robot adoption, driven by free trade agreements, surging foreign investment, and its expanding role in global manufacturing. The country now rivals regional neighbours like Malaysia and Thailand in robot density and was ranked the world’s seventh-largest market for industrial robots.

But there’s a catch. “Adoption is still concentrated in foreign-owned factories,” Dr Nguyen said. “Vietnamese SMEs and other sectors are falling behind, often due to the high costs and complexity of robotics.”

While firms like VinFast and Vinamilk are exploring robotics, most local enterprises lack access to capital, talent, or ready-to-use technology. Global leaders in robotics, from the US to China to the UK, are pursuing either deep research and development or targeted sectoral adoption. For Vietnam, a hybrid path seems most viable.

“We need to adopt proven technologies while building local capabilities,” Dr Nguyen said. “This dual-track strategy is what will enable us to leap forward.”

Despite the hurdles, the pace of development is quickening. Robots are moving beyond pick-and-place tasks on factory lines. Humanoid robots now navigate crowded streets, perform basic cooking preparation or even execute complex movements like parkour, and some can learn tasks by watching YouTube.

“This isn’t science fiction anymore,” Dr Nguyen said. “We’re seeing the early signs of robots stepping into human environments – and staying there.”

“There’s a misconception that robotics is just about hardware. It’s actually about full-stack engineering, from embedded systems to artificial intelligence. Our educational and policy ecosystems are just beginning to catch up.”

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'robot-ai-2' In 25 years, AI may be seen as robots assisting daily life, from tending rice fields to caring for the elderly and streamlining logistics in Vietnam. (Photo: Kindel Media – pexels.com)

Looking toward 2050, Dr Nguyen expected AI to be inseparable from its physical forms. “Ask someone what AI is in 25 years, and they’ll likely point to a robot helping them in their home or workplace.” In Vietnam, this could mean robots tending to rice fields, assisting the elderly, or streamlining logistics in remote regions.

The impact on the workforce will be complex. Automation replaced around 66,800 low-skilled jobs in Vietnam between 2018 and 2022 but also created over 154,000 high-skilled positions.

“That’s a clear signal,” Dr Nguyen said. “If we invest right, robots won’t just take jobs, they’ll make better ones.”

Vietnam’s 25-year leap starts now

To prepare for the robotic future, Vietnam must chart a strategic, inclusive path. “While global powers are investing heavily in either deep research and development or sector-specific innovation, Vietnam’s strength may lie in a hybrid approach – adopting proven technologies while nurturing homegrown capabilities,” Dr Nguyen explained. “This isn’t just about catching up; it’s about aligning with our national strengths and industrial ambitions.”

The Vietnamese government has already recognised robotics as a strategic priority, embedding it into national innovation plans. However, bridging the so-called “valley of death” for hardware start-ups, where promising ideas often stall due to lack of funding, remains a critical challenge. Targeted support, including incentives and infrastructure investment, will be vital to sustain momentum.

Private-sector innovation must also rise to the occasion. Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models could help SMEs overcome high upfront costs, while partnerships with universities and research institutes can accelerate the development of locally adapted solutions.

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'robot-ai-3' There’s a growing need for full-stack roboticists – engineers who excel in both hardware and software and are firmly grounded in the core sciences behind robotics. (Photo: RMIT)

Education reform is equally urgent. “We need engineers who can design, program, and deploy robots – true full-stack roboticists,” Dr Nguyen urged.

“Full stack roboticists are individuals who are not only proficient in hardware and software, but also deeply grounded in the foundational sciences that underpin robotics,” Dr Nguyen explained. “We need a new generation of engineers who can transform ideas into intelligent machines that function effectively in the real world.”

Yet, most current programs still teach hardware and software in isolation. The next step is to integrate these disciplines through hands-on projects, internships, and cross-disciplinary learning. This holistic approach is essential to cultivating the next generation of roboticists.

With institutions like RMIT Vietnam leading the way, we are well-positioned to drive this transformation – empowering students to become innovators who can build intelligent systems that thrive in real-world environments.

As a researcher and educator, Dr Nguyen felt the stakes are personal. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Vietnam,” he said. “We’re not only catching up, we’re shaping how robotics will be used in Vietnam as well as other emerging markets.”

To young people considering their future, his message is simple: be bold. “Robotics may be demanding, but it promises rewarding experiences and meaningful opportunities to impact society positively. If you want to build the future, this is your moment,” he said.

Vietnam 2050: The vision ahead is a thought leadership series powered by RMIT Vietnam’s academic experts, exploring what Vietnam could become over the next 25 years. Each article unpacks potential major shifts – from smart cities and education to tech and entrepreneurship – offering bold predictions and practical ideas for a future-ready nation. Discover more insights here.

Story: Ha Hoang

Thumbnail image: phonlamaiphoto | stock.adobe.com

02 October 2025

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