The contest theme “Loy Krathong, Lighting Happiness with Friendship” attracted 19 teams from universities and colleges of 18 countries and territories this year. Among them, Thailand had 2 teams – Thailand 1 and Thailand 2. In addition, there was the participation of 2 teams from Russia and Laos for the first time.

 

The quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds tensely took place with the presence of Indonesia, Laos, Japan, Thailand, and Mongolia, …The team of Viet Nam consisting of Bui Van Dat, Nguyen Tien Dung and Nguyen Chien Thang excellently defeated teams from universities of Fiji and Turkey in the qualifying rounds and of Laos in the quarterfinal.

 

Entering the semifinal round, Vietnam met Thailand 2. The Vietnam’s team was highly appreciated as a strong rival by experts. However, due to a small technical fault, the team lost its initial speed. As a result, the team lost the chance to enter the final round of the contest.

 

Ending the contest, universities of Indonesia and Vietnam won the same third prizes. Vietnam’s team has also been honored with an award sponsored by Toyota. Thailand 1 and Thailand 2 won the first prize and the second prize of the 2011 Asia-Pacific Robot Contest, respectively.

Robot Contest organized by ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union) was first held in 2002 with the aim to develop creativity and invention skills of youths as well as create the opportunity for them to learn and tighten the good relationship.

 

Besides above- mentioned prizes, the Organizing Board awarded some prizes such as ABU Robocon Award, Grand Prix, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Ups, Best Idea Award, Best Engineering Award, Best Design Award, Special Awards.

 

Up to now, teams from Ho Chi Minh University of Technology took first place in the competitions of 2002, 2004, and 2006 for three times and Lac Hong University won the second prize in Cairo, Egypt in 2010.

The final round of the 2012 ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest will be held in Hong Kong.