Nguyễn Đỗ Quốc Anh, an alumnus of the University of Science under Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, developed the compact robot after several years of experimentation and research. The Intellectual Property Office granted the patent at the end of 2025, recognising the device’s novelty and technical creativity.
The robot belongs to the “micromouse” category, small autonomous machines designed to navigate spaces independently. According to MSc. Cao Xuân Nam, who leads the Robotics-IoT laboratory where the project was developed, such robots are widely studied internationally but remain relatively rare in Vietnam’s patent landscape.
Quốc Anh’s design integrates motors, sensors and processors within an extremely compact structure while maintaining speed and operational stability. The device is intended primarily for research and training, allowing students to develop their own navigation algorithms and test optimisation methods rather than relying on pre-programmed systems.
“The biggest challenge was finding suitable components and optimising the sensor system”, Nam said. “From circuit design and manufacturing to soldering components, Quốc Anh handled most stages himself, while lecturers mainly provided guidance and support with the patent application”.
Quốc Anh’s interest in electronics began during childhood in the former Pleiku City of Gia Lai province, where he frequently dismantled broken toys and household devices to understand how they worked. In seventh grade, after discovering materials on Arduino embedded circuits, he began designing simple electronic systems capable of controlling lights, motors and sensors.
His experiments expanded steadily. By high school he spent much of his time studying programming and electronic components independently. Inspired by online videos of robotics projects abroad, he began translating foreign documents to overcome language barriers and learn the technical principles behind robot design.
His first major project, a robotic arm controlled by a smartphone, earned a consolation prize at the National Science and Engineering Fair for high school students. The experience motivated him to pursue Information Technology at the University of Science.
Although smaller robots exist internationally, Quốc Anh said achieving such compact dimensions under Vietnam’s research conditions represented a significant challenge. “The smaller it gets, the harder it becomes”, he said. “But that challenge forces me to keep learning”.
The development process faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, when obtaining electronic components became difficult. However, the quiet laboratory environment also allowed the research team to concentrate on refining the device.
In early 2026, Quốc Anh will travel to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at Lakehead University under a scholarship covering full tuition and part of his living expenses. His planned research will focus on agricultural monitoring robots, which he believes have strong potential for application in modern farming.
Reflecting on his journey, Quốc Anh credits perseverance rather than natural talent for his achievements. “Just keep working and improving step by step,” he said. “Results may not come immediately, but if you don’t give up, opportunities will appear”.
His accomplishment highlights the growing role of young researchers from Vietnam’s provinces in advanced technology fields and underscores the importance of supportive academic environments in nurturing innovation. From small university laboratories, ideas such as Quốc Anh’s miniature robot may open new paths for technological development and digital transformation.