Tokyo— This year’s ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest, which took place in Tokyo today, was won by a team from Vietnam’s Lac Hong University. ABU Robocon is an annual contest that brings together robots designed and built by selected teams of university students in the Asia-Pacific region. It started in 2002, and is also an international program co-production in which participating TV stations air highlights of the contest from the images provided by the host broadcaster.

This year, it brought together 19 teams from 18 countries and regions under theme “The Landing Disc” inspired by the traditional Japanese game of Tosenkyo, in which a folding fan is hurled at a target. In the contest, the teams had their robots throw and try to land polyurethane discs resembling folding fans on seven spots of differing heights.

Today, Vietnam’s Lac Hong University and Malaysia`s Universiti Teknologi Malaysia overcame tough rivals to reach the final. Lac Hong University’s high speed and careful control of its robot ultimately shone through, enabling it to beat Malaysia’s team and emerge as the champion. This is the 6th title for Vietnam’s team and the highest record in ABU Robocon history. Meanwhile, as represented Japan, Tokyo Institute of Technology was narrowly beaten in the semi-finals, while the University of Tokyo was stopped in the quarter final match.

NHK will broadcast the contest in nationwide program, “ABU Robocon 2017”. It is scheduled to be aired on NHK GTV (terrestrial channel) on Monday, September 18. ABU Robocon 2018 will be held in Vietnam.