An Giang (VNA) – Amid the hum of machinery and the rhythmic movements of robotic arms in the training workshop of An Giang Vocational College in An Giang province, lecturer Nguyen Duc Tai patiently guides students through programming commands on computer screens.
For years, the 39-year-old has worked to bring advanced technologies once found only in modern factories into vocational classrooms, helping bridge the gap between education and industry.
Turning ideas into practical training tools
Tai developed a passion for scientific research and technological innovation while at university, believing science should be applied to solve real-world problems.
After joining An Giang Vocational College, he realised the school's training equipment lagged behind technologies used by businesses, while purchasing modern machinery required significant funding. Instead of waiting for new equipment, he designed and built training models himself.
One of his most notable innovations is a three-axis camera robot integrating precision mechanics, control programming and AI-based image processing. Built using Jetson Nano, Arduino, Python, OpenCV and YOLO, the model enables students to practise computer vision and industrial automation in the classroom.
Rather than relying solely on textbooks, students programme robots, train AI image-recognition models and develop complete automation systems during practical sessions. Tai said this hands-on approach helps them master new technologies while meeting industry demands.
His work has earned widespread recognition. He has led numerous research projects and won prizes at national competitions for self-made teaching equipment. His three-axis camera robot received the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour's Creative Labour Certificate in 2025, following the same honour for his autonomous robot project in 2022. In 2023, he was honoured as one of Vietnam's outstanding young teachers.
Helping vocational students master AI
After more than a decade in vocational education, Tai has built a learning environment where students gain early exposure to AI, robotics and automation.
He said his greatest reward is seeing students confidently enter the labour market with the skills to master new technologies.
One example is Nguyen Quoc Thang, a final-year mechatronics student who, under Tai's guidance, learned robot programming, automation system design and scientific research. In 2025, Thang won second prize at the Mekong Delta Intermediate and College Startup Competition with a project applying the Internet of Things (IoT) to agriculture.
Many of Tai's students have also earned prizes at the national Euréka Student Scientific Research Awards and provincial innovation competitions, highlighting the effectiveness of combining research with practical training.
To nurture creativity, Tai founded the Mechatronics Innovation Club, where students transform ideas into products serving the community. The club has developed automatic hand-sanitiser dispensers during the COVID-19 pandemic and organised free electrical repair programmes for poor households and farmers.
Among Tai's former students, many now work as engineers and technicians at major companies, while others continue developing AI and automation solutions in their workplaces.
Nguyen Thanh Hai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of An Giang Vocational College, described Tai as one of the school's outstanding young lecturers in scientific research, innovation and digital technology application. By turning complex technologies such as AI, robotics and machine vision into accessible lessons, he has inspired students to pursue research and innovation.
Through his practical teaching methods and technological innovations, Tai is helping modernise vocational education, improve training quality and support the development of a highly skilled workforce for An Giang and the Mekong Delta./.
