Surpassing numerous teams from around the world, the 2HDK student team from the Faculty of International Training, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), under the guidance of lecturer Tran Minh The Uyen (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), proudly secured Third Place globally in the Altair Student Contest 2025 – Quarter 3, a prestigious competition for international engineering students.
The team’s project focused on optimizing a 6-degree-of-freedom robotic arm component using topology optimization on the Altair Inspire software platform. Their impressive result reduced the component's weight by nearly 41% while still meeting stringent durability and operational requirements—clearly demonstrating their effective application of modern engineering simulation tools to real-world mechanical problems.
Project link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=2-ZlD24UGl4
The 2HDK team consisted of students Trinh Chan Hung, Nguyen Trong Hieu, Dinh Huynh Thien Dinh, and Truong Quoc Khai from the Faculty of International Training, with guidance from lecturer Tran Minh The Uyen of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Despite having only a few weeks to prepare, the team showcased effective teamwork, creative thinking, and strong application of technical knowledge. Their success is not only a testament to each individual’s professional capabilities but also to the high-quality engineering education provided at HCMUTE.
The 2HDK team from the Faculty of International Training
Notably, in the 2023 season, HCMUTE students also made a strong impression by winning second and third place in the Asia regional round. In 2024, students from both the Faculty of International Training and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering again demonstrated their exceptional abilities by taking first and second place globally in April. This consistent track record laid a solid foundation for their breakthrough in 2025, with the 2HDK team earning third place globally in Quarter III—a proud achievement that further elevates the international standing of HCMUTE’s Faculty of International Training students.
Regarding the project’s concept, lecturer Tran Minh The Uyen shared that the topic followed the official prompt from the organizers, which challenged participants to optimize a real-world mechanical part—whether in terms of size, weight, or geometry. The students chose to work on a 6-DOF robotic arm, a typical component in automation.
Mr. Tran Minh The Uyen (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering) – Supervisor of the 2HDK team
Throughout the process, the team selected Altair Inspire for simulation and applied topology optimization after conducting thorough research to ensure the required simulation conditions were met. In just a few short weeks, they mastered the software, step-by-step analyzing, calculating, and developing an optimal design solution.
According to Mr. Uyen, the biggest challenge was that the team had to learn a new software tool while deeply understanding the technical requirements of the component—all under tight time constraints. However, thanks to their serious work ethic, proactive attitude, and the lecturer’s support, the team overcame all obstacles and produced an impressive simulation project.
When asked how he felt about the team’s global third-place finish, Mr. Uyen said:
"I am very happy and proud to see the students take initiative in their work, and especially confident in presenting their project in English."
He noted that the project's high level of real-world applicability—such as weight reduction, material savings, and compliance with strict durability and precision requirements—helped the team stand out among competitors worldwide. Their optimized design could be applied in material or goods transportation systems or automated part-feeding systems in mechanical processing, thus improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
This achievement not only recognizes the students’ and lecturer’s efforts, but also stands as a proud milestone for the Faculty of International Training and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, showcasing HCMUTE’s commitment to practical, internationally-oriented engineering education.
Commenting on the role of simulation in technical training, Mr. Uyen emphasized:
"Modern simulation tools like Altair Inspire help shorten the path from idea to product, minimize trial-and-error processes, and give students a clearer understanding of real engineering problems."
Aware of this importance, Mr. Uyen and the faculty are encouraging students to engage more in simulation-based projects, especially those with practical value and strong industrial applicability. Additionally, mastering international engineering software tools boosts students’ confidence as they transition into global work environments.
The 2HDK team’s success is also a result of HCMUTE’s strategic emphasis on practice-based education, encouraging students to actively participate in international technical competitions. In recent years, the university has continuously invested in enhancing students’ English proficiency, research and practical skills through innovative teaching methods, expanded industry collaborations, and early access to advanced engineering software. These initiatives empower HCMUTE students to confidently enter the global stage, conquer modern engineering challenges, and affirm the value of Vietnam’s technical workforce in the era of global integration.