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,