Students of School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering are creative for the community with an orthopedic brace frame product to support people with disabilities and difficulty moving

With the topic "Research on optimizing the design and manufacturing of orthopedic trauma braces", students of School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering (SMAE) have excellently won the First Prize at the school level and were nominated for the Science and Technology Award in 2025. This is not only a typical research project, but also a vivid demonstration of the application of knowledge into practice, spreading humanistic values in the community.

In recent years, SMAE has always focused on scientific research activities of lecturers and students, the research capacity of lecturers and students is demonstrated through impressive numbers. Hundreds of topics at all levels have been successfully implemented. Hundreds of articles have been published in prestigious international journals (ISI/Scopus). Moreover, many inventions and useful solutions have been put into practical application. In particular, the passion for scientific research has been passed on to generations of students. The fact that some SMAE’s students have published internationally some topics with potential for practical application is a testament to the academic potential, global integration capacity and remarkable maturity of the student generation right from when they were still in school.

SMAE’s lecturers and students participated in the International Conference - SETSM 2025

Behind the success of the entire research group is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Tien Dat - Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics, the lecturer who ignited the passion and guided the group of talented students: Nguyen Duc Tung, in charge of 3D design and testing; Nguyen Viet Tuan Anh, in charge of durability simulation and assembly; and Nguyen Quang Minh, the group leader, in charge of 3D scanning, 3D printing, product evaluation, and data synthesis."

The idea for the topic comes from a very practical concern in Vietnam. Most orthopedic support devices must be imported with the high cost, causing difficulties for patients, especially in rural areas. From there, Mr. Dat and his team have cherished the ambition of creating a "Made in Vietnam" product , which is a personalized 3D printed brace and a mobility support device (exoskeleton). It is not only effective but also suitable for the physical condition and conditions of Vietnamese.

The process of manufacturing an orthopedic trauma brace

It is a combination of comprehensive solutions, technology application and practical life. From a personalized 3D printed brace to support emergency treatment to a mobility support device to help patients recover, which is a comprehensive and humane approach. Numerical simulation, structural optimization using finite elements, integrated design optimization and 3D printing technology with composite materials have created durable, lightweight, breathable and especially highly personalized products, which are suitable for each patient. The topic does not stop at theory but has clear experimental results. It has scientific articles published internationally. Moreover, it is in the process of completing intellectual property records.

The student group with the topic: "Research on optimizing the design and manufacturing of orthopedic trauma braces" won the first prize in school-level scientific research for the 2024-2025 academic year

Recalling the implementation process, the research group could not help but recall memorable memories. One of these memories is the sleepless night in the Lab to fix the printer to keep up with the schedule. "Although tired, everyone tried hard for the common goal. The moment of completing the product after many failures was the motivation for the whole group to believe in their abilities," Minh shared.

The biggest lesson that the students received was the spirit of perseverance and effective teamwork. From managing progress, handling practical problems, to appreciating the value of each small contribution in a large project. These experiences not only help them mature professionally but also shape their career path more clearly, with the desire to continue pursuing the direction of research, medical product design or applied engineering.

Nguyen Quang Minh (the group leader) - student of class TKCK & KDCN 1, K17 shared

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Hoang Tien Dat - Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics at the graduation project council of Mechatronics Engineering Technology major

The research team, who have fully experienced that journey, also want to send a message to the students of the next course: "Every student can do research if they are passionate and persistent enough. Don't be afraid to start from familiar topics with clear applicability. Students should look for enthusiastic instructors, boldly ask questions, cooperate together and always learn from reality. Success comes from the process of making efforts step by step."

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Hoang Tien Dat - Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Mechatronics with the research student group attending the International Conference - SETSM 2025

Students should let the pages of books, practice sessions, discussion hours with lectuers and friends become the launching pad for creative ideas. Moreover, students should be bold in the journey of scientific research. The topic "Research on optimizing the design and manufacturing of orthopedic trauma braces" is not only a scientific success, but also a vivid demonstration of the spirit of research, creativity and aspiration to contribute to the community of SMAE’s students, Hanoi University of Industry.