Rules of Robotica Competition
Updated
8/30/01
1 Introduction
Robotica is a three-event
competition featuring 24 Robots plus the design teams that build and operate
them.
This document provides the rules, regulations, and restrictions necessary to
ensure a safe and entertaining competition. Robot builders are urged to
be as creative as possible, within the framework of this document. The
show¹s producers will consider design features not approved in the framework of
this document on a case by case basis. Alternative features requested by
participants may be allowed if they are deemed safe and in keeping with the
spirit of the competition. Any changes in the approved specifications must be
approved in writing and will be made available to all participants in the competition.
BY ENTERING THE ROBOTICA COMPETITION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BUILDING AND
OPERATING ROBOTS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU AND YOUR TEAM MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU
ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CLAIMS AND DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE AND
CONTRUCTION OF YOUR ROBOT, AND THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM MEMBERS UNDERTAKE THE
CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR ROBOT AT YOUR OWN RISK.
YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NASH ENTERTAINMENT; RBI PRODUCTIONS, INC;
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC; AND THE LEARNING CHANNEL ARE IN NO WAY
RESPONSIBLE AND SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS FOR ANY SUCH CLAIMS
AND DAMAGES.
2 Competition Format
2.1
Advancement
All 24 competitors will compete in
one of twelve preliminary matches. Each preliminary match will consist of
two events. Preliminary match winners will move on to a semi-final match.
Each semi-final match will consist of one event. The six competitors who
win a final match will advance to the Championship Finals.
2.2
Event Types
There are two events to each
preliminary match.
1.
The
Gauntlet - Two robots start at the point of a diamond-shaped track. At
the start, they each travel in opposite directions down the track, collecting
points by knocking down or destroying obstacles and fixtures in their path.
After they have gotten past the obstacles on their leg of the track, they
continue down the opposite leg, past whatever rubble/obstacles are still
remaining. As the robots cross paths, they are allowed to battle each
other to accumulate points. When one or both robots reach the starting
point, they travel to the middle of the diamond, where they can accumulate more
points by destroying the fixtures there. When the final obstacle is
destroyed, the event is over.
2.
The
Labyrinth - Two robots start in the center of an open-channel maze. In
various parts of the labyrinth, the robots must pass obstacles and destroy
fixtures, both TBA. When all fixtures are destroyed (or
after a pre-determined amount of time), the robots exit.
After two events, one Robot will advance to the semi-final round, which
consists of one event.
3.
Fight
to the Finish - Robots will meet in an elevated arena. Surrounding the
arena will be a moat filled with spikes. The object of this round is to
disable your opponent and push him into the pit. At the start of this
round, the arena will be surrounded on all sides by walls or guardrails.
As the contest progresses, the walls will be lowered, exposing both
Robots to the danger of falling off the edge of the platform.
There will be six semi-final round winners (one winner for each episode).
These six will advance to the Finals. All Robots in the Finals will
compete in two Preliminary challenges. The two Robots with the highest
scores at the end of the preliminary rounds will advance to the "Fight to
the Finish" to determine the ultimate champion.
2.3
Scoring of Matches & Declaration of Winner
The impartial referee will have final authority on the
assessment of points, no exceptions.
1.
The
Gauntlet - Robots will receive points based on the number of obstacles and
fixtures they pass/destroy. The winner will be the robot that accumulates
the most points. Details TBA.
2. The Labyrinth - Robots will receive points based on the number
and difficulty of obstacles past and fixtures destroyed. The winner will
be the robot that accumulates the most points.
In the spirit of safe game play and fair sportsmanship, the impartial referee,
at his discretion, may stop play in order to place an immobilized robot back in
play. In this case, the clock will stop, and the immobilized robot will
receive a point deduction TBA.
The Robot that has accumulated the most points at the end of both events moves
on to the semi-final match.
If the Robots are tied at the end of the two preliminary rounds, both robots
will move on to the Fight to the Finish.
3. The Fight to the Finish - There is no scoring for this match.
The last machine left in the arena wins the event and moves on to the
Championship Finals. If both robots are pushed off the platform, the robot that
was on the platform last will be declared the winner. Total scores from the
qualifying rounds will be used to seed the six finalists in the Championship
Finals.
2.4 Event Frequency and Eligibility to
Compete
All Robot participants must be in good working order to take part in the
competition. In order to make this determination robots will be required
to successfully complete a qualifying round prior to the program taping. The
qualifying round will test robot's basic abilities and readiness to compete for
our specific challenges. Specifics of the qualifying
round TBA.
The robots that successfully complete the qualifying round advance to the
preliminary round. In the event that a robot is unable to compete, a
designated alternate robot will fill its slot. The choice of which
alternate robot will fill in is at Producer's Discretion.
Each preliminary round is made up of two events. The winner of the
preliminary round will compete in a semifinal match the day after the second
preliminary round.
1.
Preliminary
Round - After each event, operators and their teams will have fourty-five
minutes to make whatever repairs are necessary to their Robot. If a Robot
is not mobile (able to power up and move in at least two directions), then the
operator may take an additional 30 minute repair period, but will forfeit
points (TBA). Operators can continue to take additional 30-minute repair
periods at a forfeiture of points (TBA) until their Robot is operational. If
they opt not to take the extra time, their machine is placed in the Robot
impound until the competition resumes. Should both machines be immobile
after the initial 30-minute repair period and both require additional time, no
point penalty will be assessed. Participants may also use this repair
period to make modifications to their Robot in preparation for the next event.
Modifications must be approved by the Producers in advance.
2.
Semi-Final
Match - Participants advancing to the semi-final round will have 90 minutes to
make repairs and modifications to their Robot. Show's producers and
experts will have the right, at their own discretion, to afford more repair
time to ensure an even semi-final match.
The show¹s producers and experts determine all decisions regarding eligibility,
and their decisions are final.
2.5 Competition Arena Specifics
***Data included here is a rough approximation of sizes, weights and distances.
Subject to change.***
The general arena will be approximately 80 feet wide and 80 feet long.
However, each event will be configured differently.
1. The Gauntlet - The course is in the shape of a diamond. Each
side is identical, approx. 50¹ long with a turn
in the middle, and contains four increasingly difficult obstacles (ex. Glass,
paint cans, bricks, tiles). In addition, in each arch there will be a breakable
glass fixtures set at a height of approx. 4'-5'. The surface is painted
wood decking. In the center of the track will be a number of glass
fixtures, mounted vertically, to be destroyed by driving through them.
2. The Labyrinth - Possible
challenges: The sand trap will be approx. 4" deep, the sides will be
angled. The speed bumps will be approx. 6'x12"x1.5". The
push box will be approx. 4'x4'x4', 20-30lbs, and does not have wheels.
Breakable glass challenges will be set horizontal, approx. 2' from a
dead-end, and placed at varying heights from approx. 2' to 5'. FURTHER DETAILS TBA.
4. Fight to the Finish- Arena will be 16' square. The arena will be
elevated 8' off the ground. The surface is flat steel covered with
traction paint. Guardrails will stand approximately 1 to 2 feet tall on
all four sides of the arena. The center of the arena will be a 4¹ diameter
steel grate from which will spew intermittent smoke. Robots will enter
the arena from an 8-foot tall raised platform that connects to the raised
surface via a 6' wide bridge with guardrails. The bridge will retract
once the Robot has entered the arena. The spike pit will be approx. five
feet wide.
2.6 Decisions of Show's Producers, Experts, and Match Referees
The decision of show producers, experts and match
referees regarding scoring, eligibility and declaration of winners are final.
Producers reserve the right to make changes in the event rules and
competition specifications at any time at its own discretion.
Participants acknowledge that the Producers are not responsible for costs
incurred in the construction of Robots nor are the Producers responsible for
costs associated with any damage incurred as a result of their participation in
this event.
3. Robot Specifications
3.1
Size and Weight Restrictions
In order to be eligible, Robots must
be able to fit within the physical confines of the challenges. As such,
no Robot can be wider than four feet, taller than four feet, or longer than
four feet. Appendages that extend mechanically up to a foot beyond the
maximum in any direction may be incorporated into the robot¹s design.
Robots shall weigh no more than 210 lbs. in their heaviest configuration.
However, builders are urged to carefully examine the specific dimensions
of the arena to make sure their Robots will be able to maneuver.
3.2
Power Sources and Drive Systems
All Robots entered into Robotica
must be battery operated. No gasoline-powered engines of any kind will be
accepted.
All batteries must be shielded to minimize the chance of spills or leaks.
Shielding for car batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and similar
batteries must be pre-approved. "Gel cell" shielding does not
require pre-approval.
The primary concern of the Show's Producers is to ensure that Robots are safe.
To that end, Show's Producers reserve the right to disallow any power
source they, and/or their experts deem to be unsafe. Should this occur,
Show's Producers will provide operators with fair notice of such a decision.
3.3
Removable Power Link
All robots must be equipped with a removable power link.
Removing the link must disconnect power to ALL weapons and drive systems.
The link's location on the robot must be clearly marked, and be accessible
without the use of tools. The Show's Producers and Experts must deem the
robot "safe" with the link removed.
3.4
Weapons
All weapons located on a Robot must be cleared in
advance with Show's Producers.
This includes, but is not limited to, any and all hydraulic systems,
projectiles of any kind, flamethrowers, buzz saws, hammers and entanglement
devices. While no particular weapon is expressly forbidden, Show's
Producers, in the interest of safety, reserve the right to limit the use and design
of weapons.
Show's producers will work with builders and operators to ensure that certain
safety levels are maintained, while allowing builders maximum creativity.
If you make it to the Fight to the Finish, you will be required to have an
active weapon on your robot. Use of the active weapon is optional in the
preliminary rounds. An active weapon is one in which the action is remote
controlled separately from the drive system. Two
examples of an active weapon would be a saw, and a pneumatic
spike.
3.4.1
Flame Throwers
Flame throwers are allowed, however,
due to the Fire Codes of California and Los
Angeles, their use and design must be severely
restricted. Show's Producers and Experts will endeavor to allow any flame
thrower that they deem safe, however, they must also reserve the right to
require the removal or deactivation of the system prior to combat, based on the
on-site Fire Marshall's opinion. The following are general guidelines for
flame throwers:
…
Plans must be submitted to Show
Producer's for initial approval
…
WD-40, Propane, or Acetylene
powered
…
Output nozzle: 1/4" or
larger
…
Flame bursts: no longer than 5
sec. at a time.
…
Flames may not be used against
elements of the set
…
Fuel tanks must be shielded on
all sides by a minimum of 3/8" aluminum or equivalent
3.4.2
Pneumatic Systems
…
Tank pressure
maximum is 2000 PSI.
…
Gas expelled into the atmosphere
for any reason cannot exceed 100 PSI (excluding gas expelled due to retraction
of a gas-powered cylinder).
…
Operating pressure may not
exceed the maximum rated pressure of the lowest-rated component in the system.
…
Under no circumstances may any component be operated
beyond its maximum rated pressure (tank, hoses, cylinders, etc.).
…
Nitrogen or CO2 systems may be
used, provided above rules are adhered to.
Please see item (6) for specific examples of approved and disallowed
weaponry.
3.5 On-board Camera Systems
The Show's Producers request that all Robot Builders carry an on-board
camera system, to be provided by the show. Builders acknowledge that
while carrying the system is strongly encouraged, it is optional. They
also acknowledge that an on-board camera system, or lack thereof, will not have
any bearing on the outcome of a match. The weight of any camera system provided
by the show will not be counted included in the 210 lb. weight limit.
3.5.1
Camera System Specs
…
Recorder box
is 10"x9"x5" and must be mounted inside the robot.
…
The camera will be mounted through a 5/8" hole in a
strategic spot, so that the camera will have some of the robot (ex.: a
front-mounted appendage) in view.
…
Space behind the lens hole
should be at least 3" deep, with a 2.25" diameter.
…
The recorder can be as far away from the camera as
necessary.
…
Weight of the entire system is
56 oz.
3.6 Other Restrictions
All pressurized tanks must be shielded against damage
by a minimum of 3/8" of aluminum or equivalent on all sides.
Any robot that is found to be intentionally attacking a competitor's
removable safety link will be severely penalized, up to and including
disqualification.
There will be no weight allowance for "walkers."
Contestants must operate their robot via radio-control from the designated
area, i.e. "riding robots" will not be allowed.
Robots may not carry any device capable of operating autonomously or by radio
control when physically separated from the robot, or attached by a tether.
Robots must not destroy any elements of the competition arena, i.e.
"blasting" holes through the walls of the labyrinth. Any
substances placed on the arena floor must be pre-approved and easy to clean.
Any deliberate destruction of sets will result in immediate
disqualification. Decision of Show¹s Producers and Experts on these
matters is final, no exceptions.
4. Pit Area
At all times, common sense and safety practices must be followed.
Show's Producers reserve the right to eject any builder who is, in their
opinion, being negligent or unsafe in any manner.
4.1 Personnel
Operators must approve all pit crew personal with Show Producers. All
pit crew personnel must be willing to appear on camera, wear uniforms provided
by the show, and must sign on-camera release forms.
At a future date, Show Producers reserve the right to make a determination
limiting the number of pit crew members per team.
4.2 Allowable Materials
Operators may bring as many spare parts as they wish. However, it is
strictly forbidden to bring a replacement Robot to swap out during the
competition. Pre-assembled, replacement parts must first be cleared with
Show's Producers.
Show's Producers, and their experts, reserve the right to disallow any
materials they deem unsafe from the pit area.
4.3 Testing Area
Show's Producers will provide teams with a testing area, which may be used,
at the operator's discretion, between rounds.
4.4 Impound Area
Robots will be sent to an impound area under the following scenarios.
1. After a Robot and operator has exhausted their 45 minute repair period,
should show producers not be ready to begin the next event, Robots will be
placed in impound until such time producers are ready to continue.
2. At the conclusion of each day's competition, Robots will be placed in
impound overnight.
3. During any day of the competition in which an operator's machine is not
competing.
4. When placed in impound, operators can have no access to their machines.
Impound area will be guarded against tampering 24 hours a day.
4.5 Frequency Allocation
Operators may not use their R/C transmitter for robot testing, unless they
are displaying the tag corresponding to their Operating Channel/frequency.
For this reason, Builders are encouraged to bring a choice of two or more
sets of crystals, as well as a servo controller for testing components on their
robot. Frequency tags will be distributed in a check-out/check-in
fashion.
5 Contestant Selection Process
Robotica is both a robotics competition and a television show.
Thus, the 24 contestants selected to participate will be based upon
several different criteria.
All participants will be required to complete a personal profile form that will
seek information one the background and history of each participant.
5.1 Ability to Construct a Viable
Robot
Contestants must be able to demonstrate an ability to construct and operate
a Robot capable of competing in the various challenges. Factors to be
considered will include, but are not limited to, training in mechanical
engineering, past experience in robot combat competitions, previously
constructed robots and financial means.
5.2
Willingness to Appear on Camera
Contestants must be comfortable
appearing on camera. This is far more difficult than it might seem.
Using their expertise in such matters, Show Producers will pre-interview
all potential contestants to determine those most suitable for the program.
5.3
Casting Considerations
In an effort to make the most
interesting and entertaining television program possible, Show Producers will
attempt to find contestants with personal stories that coincide with the themes
of the show. Thus, Show Producers might give extra consideration to
contestants with dynamic, unusual or otherwise entertaining story lines.
5.4
Scheduling Conflicts
Contestants must be able to attend
championships in Los Angeles,
California on the pre-determined
date of their particular event. Contestants must also be traveled to Los Angeles at a
reasonable cost. Show Producers will make best efforts not to allow
scheduling and financial considerations stand in the way of selecting
contestants, but reserve the right to make such a determination if they deem it
necessary.
5.5
Decisions of the Show Producers
Decisions of the Show Producers
concerning selection of contestants are final. Show Producers will make
every available effort to give potential contestants not selected for this
competition first consideration for future competitions.
6
Specific Examples of Approved/Disallowed Weapons
6.1 Approved
…
Inflatable
air bag (NON-automotive)
…
Magnets
…
Pneumatic lifting/flipping
shovel
…
10" pneumatic-powered spike
…
8.25" carbide tipped
steel-cutting circular saw blade
…
Tethered grappling hook on a
winch
…
Hydraulic crushing jaw
…
CO2 powered pneumatic system
with a hammer/pick/saw on an arm
…
Oil slick (limited 1 fluid ounce)
…
8-10 8" saw blades mounted
vertically across the front of the robot
…
36" horizontally rotating
steel blade
…
Air cannon containing a net
(Only two net shots allowed per round)
…
"spinning mass"
weapons
6.2
Disallowed
…
Compressed
oxygen for use in flame throwers
…
Automotive airbags
…
Liquid fuel (non-propane) flame
throwers
…
Road flares/uncontrolled flame
…
Electric shockers
…
Devices that interfere with
other competitor¹s radio control
…
Dropping metal filings
…
Gunpowder
…
Spraying corrosive substances
