Application of embodied artificial intelligence drives productivity growth in Vietnam.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undergoing a significant shift from the digital realm to the physical environment. Rather than being confined to processing data, images, or language in cyberspace, AI is now being embodied in robots, autonomous devices, and smart production lines...
The field of Embodied AI is experiencing a massive global boom. Source: The Week
Embodied AI is defined as an AI system integrated into a physical body—such as industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots, humanoid robots, UAVs, or autonomous vehicles.
This technology seamlessly integrates three core capabilities: perception (via cameras, LiDAR, and force sensors), reasoning (based on foundation models and world models), and flexible action (including movement, physical manipulation, and direct collaboration with humans). Combining AI's processing power with physical interaction capabilities expands the scope of AI applications into everyday practical activities.
EMBODIED AI IS EXPERIENCING A MASSIVE BOOM
The field of Embodied AI is experiencing a massive global boom. According to data from the *World Robotics 2025* report, 542,000 new industrial robots were installed globally in 2024 alone—more than double the figure from the previous decade. There are currently approximately 4.66 million robots in operation worldwide; Asia accounts for 74% of new installations, led by countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India.
Given the current pace of development, major financial institutions have issued highly optimistic forecasts; specifically, Goldman Sachs estimates that 6.5 million humanoid robots will be shipped by 2035, creating a market valued at $138 billion. Morgan Stanley even forecasts that by 2050, the robotics ecosystem could reach a valuation of $5 trillion, with approximately one billion robots in operation worldwide.
Speaking at the recent "First Vietnam Embodied AI Conference"—held under the theme "The New Productivity Era of Embodied AI: Vietnam – A Southeast Asian Pillar"—Mr. Do Duc Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC), stated that Vietnam views the development of embodied AI as a breakthrough tool to address labor shortages, enhance workplace safety, and improve the quality of economic growth.
At the inaugural Vietnam Embodied AI Conference—themed "The New Productivity Era of Embodied AI: Vietnam – A Southeast Asian Pillar"—recently co-organized by the National Innovation Center (NIC), AGIBOT, Great Education Technology Group, and ECOLIV Technology, AGIBOT showcased lines of humanoid, quadruped, and wheeled robots designed for industrial and educational applications. Photo: NIC.
The application of automation in key industries—such as electronics, textiles, food processing, seaport operations, and agriculture—is expected to contribute directly to the national goal of increasing labor productivity by 10–15% by 2030. Furthermore, this creates opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises to integrate into global value chains in sectors including components, precision engineering, specialized chips, and integrated software.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGIC POLICIES
To capitalize on this trend, Vietnam proactively established and refined its legal framework at an early stage. A major breakthrough was Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued in December 2024, which emphasizes the development of science, technology, and innovation as a core priority. In parallel, the Artificial Intelligence Law (Law No. 134/2025/QH15), effective from March 1, 2026, has established a structured risk management mechanism—categorized into high, medium, and low levels—and shifted from a "prior authorization" model to "post-market oversight." It also provides policies to support the piloting of new models and data infrastructure, alongside incentives for AI enterprises.
Beyond the legal framework, the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 21/2026/QĐ-TTg (dated April 30, 2026) officially designated "Robotics and Automation Technology" as one of the ten strategic technology groups prioritized for development. This national direction was further reinforced by Decision No. 1671/QĐ-TTg (National AI Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2045), which targets a comprehensive national transformation driven by AI. The strategy outlines ambitious goals, such as positioning Vietnam among the top three Southeast Asian nations for AI research, building an AI economy contributing approximately 6% to GDP, achieving $5 billion in AI product exports, and developing eight multi-scale Vietnamese-language AI models. To realize these objectives, Decision No. 1528/QĐ-TTg mandates the training of 10,000 high-level AI professionals—including 1,500 core technology experts—and the establishment of at least ten advanced training and research centers.
Nevertheless, to propel the technology further, Mr. Do Tien Thinh from the National Innovation Center (NIC) has proposed key policy recommendations aimed at implementing these strategic directions and objectives. Specifically:
Regarding institutional frameworks, the proposal calls for developing a dedicated national program for embodied AI, establishing specific regulatory sandboxes within hospitals, factories, and urban areas, and urgently issuing distinct safety standards to classify robot-related risks.
Regarding human resources and R&D, recommendations include promoting interdisciplinary training (AI+X)—such as mechatronics combined with physical AI—at key universities; supporting workforce retraining for robot collaboration; and establishing mechanisms to commission core technology research (e.g., sensors, edge processing chips) involving business-institute-university alliances.
Regarding infrastructure and markets, it is necessary to build shared testing facilities (for measurement, verification, and digital twins) and create open physical datasets; leverage public procurement to prioritize "Make in Vietnam" products in public projects; and boost FDI attraction to integrate Vietnamese enterprises into the global robot manufacturing supply chain.
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