Robots at ABU Robocon 2024: Embodiments of Intelligence and Aspirations for a Better Future

This afternoon (August 25), the official opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) 2024 was heldat the Quảng Ninh Provincial Sports Complex. ABU Robocon 2024 features 13 teams from 12 countries and territories, with two teams representing Vietnam.

The following 13 teams are competing in ABU Robocon 2024:

1. Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), National Television of Cambodia (TVK), Cambodia

2. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Shandong Radio and Television (SDRT), China

3. Alexandria University, Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), Egypt

4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), China

5. Nirma University, Doordarshan TV (DDI), India

6. Yogyakarta State University, Republic of Indonesia Television

7. Toyohashi University of Technology, NHK (NHK), Japan

8. University of Technology Malaysia, Radio Television Malaysia

9. National University of Mongolia, Mongolian National Public Radio and Television

10. Tribhuvan University IOE Pulchowk, Nepal Television (NTV)

11. King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Mass Communication Organization of Thailand (MCOT)

12. Hung Yen University of Technology and Education (Team 1), Vietnam Television (VTV)

13. Hung Yen University of Technology and Education (Team 2), Vietnam Television (VTV)

With the theme "Harvest Season", the competition promises intense and creative matches that celebrate the value of traditional agriculture. The theme was chosen to honor the importance of agriculture, particularly rice cultivation in terraced fields, a unique aspect of Vietnamese culture. The robots will perform tasks simulating the rice growing process, from sowing to harvesting.

The event is not just a competition but also an opportunity for young people to socialize, learn, and share experiences. In addition to the official matches, the organizers have planned various side activities, including programming and robot building workshops, and tours of the   Ha Long Bay Natural Heritage Site.

VTV Times is pleased to publish the opening remarks by Mr. Đinh Đắc Vĩnh, Deputy General Director of VTV and Head of the ABU Robocon 2024 Organizing Committee.

Dear Comrade Le Thanh Long, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister;  

Comrade Le Ngoc Quang, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, General Director of Vietnam Television;  

Comrade Cao Tuong Huy, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the   Quang Ninh Province People's Committee;  

Mr. Ahmed Nadeem, Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), and distinguished guests present at the Quang Ninh Provincial Sports Complex,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Robot Contest – ABU Robocon 2024, we warmly welcome our distinguished guests, representatives of international television stations, Robocon teams from 12 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region, and all viewers watching the live broadcast of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Robot Contest!

Mr. Dinh Dac Vinh, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television, and Head of the Organizing Committee of ABU Robocon 2024, deliver the opening remarks.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This is the fourth time that Vietnam Television has been selected by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to host the ABU Robocon competition, making a significant contribution   to the promotion of exchange and cooperation among members. We are now gathered in the beautiful city of Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, to witness the exciting, dynamic, and thrilling technological displays at ABU Robocon 2024 with the theme "Harvest Season".

To celebrate the value of agriculture, VTV chose the theme "Harvest Season", featuring the image of rice growing interraced fields, a distinctive feature of Vietnamese culture. The participating robots will simulate the rice cultivation process, from sowing to harvesting, in differentterrains, and will have to perform tasks such as grabbing, releasing, shooting, and recognizing colors and images, along with solving algorithms to achieve "Golden Harvest" victories. These innovative challenges, highly praised by ABU, add a new dimension to the competition and push  students and teams to their limits.

The 13 teams that have competed in the preliminary rounds provided the audience with exciting   moments and impressive "Golden Harvest" victories for the audience. This demonstrates the boundless creativity of the students and reflects the determination and drive  of young people who are and will become the  leading engineers and scientists of the future. The robots they have created are not just machines, but embodiments of intelligence and aspirations for a better society.

The outcomes of today's competition are not just about prizes but also about strengthening international relationships and fostering friendships among students from different countries and territories. The competition has helped us understand the importance of international cooperation in technology and has created new opportunities for us to grow together.

Distinguished Guests,

For  the success of ABU Robocon 2024, VTV extends special thanks to the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, People's Committee, departments, and the people of Quang Ninh Province for their utmost professionalism and support in organizing the event which contributed greatly  to its success. We hope the delegates and contestants will have meaningful experience in a dynamic, hospitable, and beautiful Quang Ninh, home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I would like to  thank all the teams, mentors, judges, referees, and partners who have accompanied and contributed to the success of ABU Robocon 2024.

Finally, I wish all the team calm, confidence, and many "Golden Harvest" victories, delivering impressive performances with youthful spirit, enthusiasm, and purity. You are all winners, and today's successes will be the start of even greater achievements in the future.

I wish all the distinguished guests, thep articipating teams, and the beloved spectators good health and success. May ABU Robocon 2024 be   a great success.

Sincerely thanks!