KOTRA is supporting the entry of domestic robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) companies into Vietnam, which is emerging as a hub for advanced manufacturing. As Vietnam expands its investments in smart manufacturing and automation, the demand for K-robots and manufacturing AI solutions is also increasing.
KOTRA announced that it will operate a "K-Robot Pavilion" at the Vietnam International Machinery Industry Expo (VINAMAC EXPO 2026) from May 14 to 16 at the I.C.E International Exhibition Center in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Korea Robotics Industry Promotion Agency.
VINAMAC is Vietnam's leading manufacturing exhibition, now in its 23rd year. It attracts over 300 companies from around 20 countries and more than 10,000 industry professionals annually, covering a wide range of advanced manufacturing fields, including industrial machinery, robotics technology, automation, transportation, and control.
Five innovative Korean robotics companies are participating in the Korean Pavilion, showcasing automation equipment, sensors, and components for smart processes. They are also conducting over 50 export consultations with 17 local buyers, including Vietnam's automation company, ITEK Automation Solutions.
Vietnam has recently accelerated its manufacturing modernization efforts. The Vietnamese government is promoting the development of automation, robotics, AI, and smart factory industries through its "Smart Manufacturing Development Strategy." According to market research firm TechSci Research, Vietnam's robotics market is projected to reach approximately $400 million by 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of around 4% until 2030.
Exports of Korean-made robots to Vietnam are also on the rise. According to customs statistics, exports of industrial robots to Vietnam surged by 67% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching $15.29 million in 2025, a 12.4% increase. In the past three years, exports of transport and loading robots have increased thirteenfold, and exports of automation solutions have risen by 40%.
Industry experts anticipate that rising labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers in Vietnam will drive demand for solutions that combine process automation packages with maintenance, rather than simple equipment.
Interest from local manufacturing, robotics, and system integration (SI) companies has been strong since the first day of the expo. A representative from a Vietnamese SI company visiting the Korean Pavilion remarked, "The K-Robot Pavilion is impressive as it is structured like a complete smart factory package. We focused on consulting with companies that possess applicable technologies for our clients, and we plan to continue discussions on actual project applications with several of them."
Following the Hanoi robotics exhibition, KOTRA will hold a "Korea-Vietnam AI Innovation Day" in Ho Chi Minh City on May 20. This event aims to uncover overseas demand for AI transformation in manufacturing through consultations and pitches from domestic AI innovation companies.
KOTRA's Southeast Asia and Oceania Regional Headquarters Director, Koo Bon-kyung, stated, "Collaboration in advanced industries between our two manufacturing powerhouses can provide opportunities for both Korean and Vietnamese companies in exports and technology development. As Vietnam transitions from a production base to a hub for advanced manufacturing, we will do our utmost to help our robotics and AI industries seize new opportunities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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