The Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI) is finalising detailed technical and budget proposals for two state-commissioned research tasks approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade: a dual-arm industrial robot with integrated machine vision and AI for electronics assembly, and a machine-vision and AI software platform for smart manufacturing. Both tasks were proposed by VASI and are the first strategic-technology tasks in the industry and trade sector.
Why it matters for manufacturers and buyers in Vietnam
Most automation equipment and industrial vision systems used in Vietnamese factories are still imported. State-commissioned R&D in these fields signals a clear policy push to build a local base of automation suppliers – with the potential for shorter lead times, on-site engineering support and lower total cost for electronics and manufacturing plants operating in Vietnam, including FDI factories.
The groundwork is already visible on the factory floor: a VASI member company has trialled several functions of a dual-arm industrial robot in its own plant, at an estimated build cost of around one third of comparable imported equipment.
The two approved tasks
On 23 September 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) approved the tasks under Vietnam’s special National Science, Technology and Innovation Programme on Strategic Technologies:
- Decision 2370/QD-BCT – design and manufacture of a dual-arm industrial robot with integrated computer vision and AI for electronics assembly lines.
- Decision 2371/QD-BCT – development of a computer-vision and AI software platform for smart manufacturing in the processing and manufacturing industries, to be completed within 24 months of contract signing.
Under Vietnam’s “commissioned task” model, the government defines the technology it needs and selects a qualified organisation to lead the work through a competitive review of capability and budget. VASI’s advisory team is now completing the technical description and cost estimates for both tasks.
VASI’s view
Speaking at MOIT’s conference on strategic technology in early October 2026, Dr. Truong Thi Chi Binh, Vice President and Secretary General of VASI, said that as global supply chains restructure, industrial self-reliance increasingly decides whether manufacturers can compete and keep their orders. VASI is focused on import-substituting products, mastery of production equipment and lower costs – goals that depend on closer collaboration between government, enterprises, research institutes, universities and large corporations.
Partner with VASI
VASI represents around 400 member companies across Vietnam’s supporting industries – precision mechanics, moulds, plastics and rubber, electrical and electronic components – many of them tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers to multinational manufacturers.
Technology partners, automation integrators and manufacturers interested in co-developing, piloting or sourcing these solutions are invited to contact VASI: Mr. Phong, +84 945 983 992, info@vasi.org.vn.
Sources: Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam; Cong Thuong Newspaper via VCCI.
