On the morning of May 11, 2025, at the Maker Space of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), the final round of the LIBEROBOTS 2025 competition officially kicked off. This event is not only a robotics programming contest but also a platform to ignite the passion and creativity of engineering students.
Opening ceremony of LIBEROBOTS 2025 final round
LIBEROBOTS, short for “Liberation Robots,” is an academic competition organized by the Innovation and Application Club (IAC) in collaboration with the CKM Scientific Research Club. It is geared towards first-, second-, and third-year engineering students. This year’s contest holds special significance as it is part of the activities celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025). The competition encourages students to apply their technological thinking, design skills, and programming abilities to retell historical stories through the language of engineering.
The opening event was attended by:
Mr. Nguyen Doan Xuan Truong – Standing Deputy Secretary of the University Youth Union,
Dr. Đặng Quang Khoa – Head of the Department of Manufacturing Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology,
M.Sc. Le Tan Cuong – Director of the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer,
M.Sc. Nguyen Thanh Tan – Deputy Head of the Welding and Metal Technology Department,
M.Sc. Tran Ngoc Thien – Secretary of the Faculty Youth Union and Head of the CKM Scientific Research Club,
along with representatives of academic clubs, students, and especially 16 teams competing in the final round.
From the preliminary round, LIBEROBOTS 2025 attracted 26 teams. After a rigorous selection process and technical training sessions, the top 16 teams advanced to the finals. Each team brought forth unique and creative robot designs—optimized in programming and rich in symbolism. Many teams drew inspiration from Tank 390, the iconic vehicle that marked the legendary moment of April 30, 1975.
Robots Simulating the Historic Tank 390
The competition rules required each team to design and program a fully functional robot that had to complete two phases: manual obstacle navigation, followed by autonomous mode combat on the arena floor. This presented a complex challenge demanding knowledge of mechanical engineering, algorithm processing, control programming, and strong teamwork.
What set LIBEROBOTS apart was not the number of participants but the technical quality and creative spirit of the entries. Despite some limitations in timing, the competition showcased the serious investment of the teams in terms of technology, mechanics, and design aesthetics. Several robots were crafted with meticulous mechanical detail, compact in size but highly agile and equipped with intelligent obstacle-avoidance capabilities.
Technical Storytelling: Designing Robots to Narrate History
LIBEROBOTS 2025 was more than an academic activity; it was a training ground for developing critical thinking and creativity in engineering students. From the early phases of ideation, model design, and programming, to presenting before a panel and live competition, every stage contributed to enhancing students’ problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—crucial abilities for thriving in today’s tech-driven world.
Awards and Recognition
The organizers announced the prize structure for the top-performing teams:
01 First Prize: 2,000,000 VND + Certificate of Merit
01 Second Prize: 1,500,000 VND + Certificate of Merit
01 Third Prize: 800,000 VND + Certificate of Merit
03 Consolation Prizes: 500,000 VND + Certificate of Merit
Additionally, all finalist teams received certificates of participation, bonus training points, and the opportunity to have their work recognized in their academic portfolio.
Award Ceremony Highlights
LIBEROBOTS 2025 was not just a technology competition—it was a space for students to express technical thinking, personal confidence, and collaborative spirit. The event carried special meaning as part of the 50th Liberation Day celebrations, encouraging students to use technology to retell history in the language of engineering.
More than a contest, LIBEROBOTS 2025 delivered the message:
Technology is not just a skill—it is a way to tell stories, to connect, and to shape the future.