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.
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Master's degree holder Nguyen Duc Tai (far left) receives the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour's Creative Labor Certificate in 2025 for his three-axis camera robot. |
After joining An Giang Vocational College, he realized 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 practice computer vision and industrial automation in the classroom.
Rather than relying solely on textbooks, students program 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 Labor's Creative Labor Certificate in 2025, following the same honor for his autonomous robot project in 2022. In 2023, he was honored 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 labor 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.
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Lecturer Nguyen Duc Tai during a teaching session at An Giang Vocational College |
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-sanitizer dispensers during the COVID-19 pandemic and organized free electrical repair programs 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 modernize vocational education, improve training quality and support the development of a highly skilled workforce for An Giang and the Mekong Delta.
Source: VNA