THE JOURNEY OF INCEPTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUTOMATION CLUB – HANOI UNIVERSITY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Origins: Fueled by Passion and Creativity

The Automation Club of Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (HUCE Automation Club) was born from the aspirations of engineering students who deeply loved technology. They sought to create a dynamic environment for practice, research, and creativity in the fields of Control Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation.

In the early days, the club was merely a small group of students sharing a common passion for robotics and automation. Together, they self-studied, researched, and shared knowledge about programming and circuit design. Their workspace at that time consisted only of small wooden tables, cluttered with components, wires, motors, and old laptops—yet, this humble setting was the birthplace of countless bold ideas.

Under the glow of soldering irons and the rhythmic sound of late-night keystrokes, the first members persevered, taking step-by-step actions to create their initial products: LED control circuits, line-following robots, product counting systems, and sensor-based control applications. It was from this ceaseless passion and dedication that the HUCE Automation Club was officially formed.

Taking Shape and Maturing

As the number of passionate students grew, the Club gradually transitioned into a more professional organizational structure – establishing an Executive Board, alongside Technical, Media, and Training teams.

Consequently, the Club evolved into a dynamic academic environment where students were empowered to:

• Gain hands-on experience with industrial equipment (PLCs, sensors, relays, pneumatic cylinders, etc.).

• Hone control programming skills (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, C/C++, Ladder Logic, etc.).

• Master the comprehensive process of designing and fabricating complete mechatronic models.

During this period, the Club also began participating in the Student Science and Technology Conference at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. The 2019–2020 academic year marked a significant milestone, as the Club’s projects were presented before the Scientific Council for the first time, serving as a testament to its commitment to serious and methodical research.

Expanding Horizons – Breakthroughs in Research and Competition

Moving beyond small-scale models, the Club gradually set its sights on university and national-level projects and competitions.

Members boldly ventured into contests such as Robocon, IoT Hackathons, and Youth Creativity Competitions. Large-scale metal-frame robots, integrated with pneumatic systems and complex sensors, were brought to life by the very hands and ingenuity of HUCE students.

Notably, 2019 marked a pivotal milestone when the HUCE Robocon Team – with members of the Automation Club serving as its core – officially competed in the Vietnam Robocon rounds and was broadcast on Vietnam Television (VTV).

The image of HUCE students on the Robocon stage—filled with confidence, enthusiasm, and a determination to complete their rounds with products they had personally researched and developed—stands as the clearest testament to the competence, passion, and unyielding spirit of the Club.

Beyond Engineering – A Culture of Unity and Spirit

Parallel to its academic endeavors, the HUCE Automation Club places great emphasis on cultivating a collective culture and a strong team spirit.

Collaboration extends far beyond the walls of the laboratory. Members frequently organize extracurricular activities, sports events, and bonding sessions—ranging from picnics and club anniversaries to exchange programs with students from other faculties.

All these efforts foster a friendly community where every member is encouraged to share knowledge and support one another’s growth.

A tradition of mentorship ensures that preceding generations pass down their experience and skills to those who follow. This cycle maintains a continuous stream of high-quality human resources, upholding the Club’s guiding spirit: "Igniting Passion – Carrying the Legacy – Fostering Growth."

Looking Towards the Future – Building a Solid Foundation for the Next Generation of Engineers

Today, the HUCE Automation Club stands as one of the leading technical organizations at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering in terms of both scale and prestige.

Moving forward, the Club aims to:

• Develop a series of workshops and intensive courses focused on control programming, mechatronics, and robotics.

• Strengthen partnerships with enterprises and technology organizations to unlock internship opportunities and secure equipment sponsorships for students.

• Sustain the Robocon, IoT, and AI Robotics teams to compete in both domestic and international arenas.

Operating under the motto:

"Creative Thinking – Innovative Action – Ceaseless Dedication"

The HUCE Automation Club continues to affirm its position as a cradle for nurturing passion, honing skills, and fostering the creative aspirations of students at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering.