As the 4.0 industrial revolution shifts towards embodied artificial intelligence (AI), humanoid robots are increasingly replacing humans in smart factories worldwide. Recognizing this trend, William Hieu Nguyen, the youngest son of businessman Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, decided to invest in "knowledge infrastructure" through IPPTech.
The Global Humanoid Robotics Challenge (HRC 2026) is a key initiative within this investment strategy. As the strategic partner and exclusive distributor for UBTECH Robotics in Vietnam, William Hieu Nguyen aims to bring advanced technology closer to university classrooms. According to him, mastering humanoid robot technology is essential for Vietnam to remain competitive in the global value chain. This reflects a desire to elevate intellectual capabilities, enabling students and researchers to directly access leading technological advancements.
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William Hieu Nguyen, general director of IPPTech. Photo: IPPTech |
William Hieu Nguyen, general director of IPPTech. Photo: IPPTech
HRC 2026 offers total prizes valued at 500,000 USD, comprising cash and advanced research equipment packages to support the research and development capabilities of higher education institutions. The competition runs from March to June, with online qualifying rounds held in a simulated environment. These rounds feature four core tasks: sorting components on a workbench, sorting on a dynamic conveyor belt, precise assembly according to technical requirements, and complete carton packaging. The finals will take place in China in September. The deadline for qualifying round registration is before 15/4.
To prepare for the peak competition phase, the organizing committee will hold an online kick-off meeting on the afternoon of 7/4. During this meeting, the Expert Council will officially launch the qualifying rounds, providing detailed operational procedures and technical evaluation criteria. The organizers will also directly address questions about the regulations, ensuring all participating teams understand the competition roadmap.
"This is an opportunity for Vietnamese students to directly build international capability profiles and connect with global technology corporations", William stated.
Through the competition, he aspires for Vietnam to become a regional robot training hub, believing that our young intellectual teams are ready.
Additionally, IPPTech is launching the ROBOG competition in Vietnam. This global youth robot challenge platform was founded by UBTECH, a world leader in humanoid robots and AI. The competition aims to ignite scientific passion, nurture technological talent, and develop strategic thinking among Asian students. Following national rounds, the ROBOG Asia Cup 2026 will be exclusively organized by Big Dipper Studio in Hong Kong from 22 to 25/6.
This arena is designed for students aged 7 to 16, competing in a 2v2 cooperative combat format across two distinct categories: Planet Action, which focuses on AI applications, automatic image recognition programming, and strategic thinking; and Igniting Action, a high-intensity, 100% manual control direct combat challenge requiring mechanical skills and sharp tactical reflexes.
Beyond the competition, all participating teams will experience a STEAM course at a Hong Kong university and visit Cyberport, an advanced academic space and technology hub that includes a newly opened AI supercomputing center.
In addition to these competitions, IPPTech supports delegates from Vietnamese educational institutions in attending the Global Humanoid Robot Education Forum and Advanced Training, scheduled from 19/4 to 23/4 in Guangxi, China. This program is for experts, lecturers, and researchers to discuss AI talent strategies and robot deployment processes in industrial environments.
For IPPTech, integrating humanoid robots into university curricula is a strategic move to supply high-quality human resources for major corporations, thereby realizing the government's digital economy goals.
Nhat Le
Registration and contact information:
Official website: ubtechvietnam.edu.vn
Hotline: 091 559 41 03.
Organizing entities: IPP Technology and Education Company Limited (IPPTech), a member of IPP Group, and UBTECH Robotics Inc.
