Objective

The objective of this event is to evaluate student knowledge of the application of electricity and magnetism, especially as it applies to circuitry, electrical sensors, electrical motors, and computer programming.  The objective of this contest is to create a robot that is designed to move as quickly as possible through a series of hallways and turns until the robot reaches the finish line.  Students will design the mechanical apparatus, plan and implement the robot control mechanisms, and finally write the software instruction set that will be responsible for controlling the autonomous unit.

Robot Specifications

1. The robot must use the ARDUINO UNO robotics controller that will be supplied to each competitor.
2. The following proximity sensors and servo motors will be supplied:
   • 1 Parallax Ping Ultra Sonic Range Finder
   • 1 Continuos Rotation Servo
   • 2 DC Motors with gear box
   • 1 Arduino Motor Shield.
     

3. The following voltage sources will be supplied, but you may choose to include any additional approved voltage sources:
   1. 9V Battery and battery pack (for Arduino)
   2. 7.4 V Battery pack (for Motors)
      
4. The competition judges must approve any additional sensors or any other device that interfaces with the controller during the design phase of the construction. Any materials can be used to construct the robot.

Competition Parameters and Rules

1. The competition arena will be a walled in course consisting of 20 cm wide corridors. The corridors consist of a series of 90 degree turns. The “maze” only has one solution, so the robot cannot actually “get lost”. The challenge will be to move through the hallways and turns as quickly as possible.
2. Robots are not allowed to climb over any walls, or attempt to destroy any walls.
3. At no time after the time trial has begun may the robot be touched.
4. The the best time taken for two heats will be the competitor’s time.
5. IF at any time the robot becomes “stuck” or incapacitated, that time trial will be determined by the judges as a disqualification.

Performance Metrics

• Design and Fabrication = 40%
  Will be determined by the design and fabrication standards outlined by the Academy Staff.
• Operational Test = 30%
  Successful completion of an operational test that will determine the eligibility of your robot to be able to advance to the final competition.  Your robot must be able to move successfully within a walled box.
• Final Competition = 30%
  The competition course will be revealed the day of the competition.