4. Course of the competition
Robots compete across three challenges. Highest sum of points (Section 5) wins.
4.1 Challenge 1 — Stair-climbing
4.1.1 Aim
Robots run one-by-one. Reach the top as fast as possible, climbing steps with legs only; no other parts may touch the staircase.
4.1.2 Course time
Measured from start signal until both feet are on the top platform. Max 5 minutes; otherwise highest reached step is recorded.
4.1.3 Timekeeping
Electronic gates or referee stopwatch; recorded time is final.
4.1.4 Autonomous control
After start, robot must remain fully autonomous and be disconnected from any network.
4.1.5 Interruptions
- A. If the robot falls, one second chance; restart from the first step.
- B. If it falls or gets stuck (battery, thermal, script error, etc.), one retry is allowed after up to 10 minutes for fixes; restart from first step. Best attempt counts.
- C. If the team declines the retry or cannot fix in time, the first attempt stands.
4.2 Challenge 2 — Obstacle Sprint
4.2.1 Aim
Robots run individually. Complete the obstacle course in the shortest time.
4.2.2 Challenge course & flow
Important: One person can operate a maximum of 2 robots.
- A. Total window: 90 minutes (adjustable by organizers).
- B. Each robot has 3 attempts in three 30-minute slots (one attempt per slot). Missing a slot forfeits that attempt. Slots may be adjusted.
- C. Per attempt time limit: 3 minutes. One restart allowed, from the start position, if stuck.
- D. If not finished in 3 minutes, attempt is stopped and distance covered is recorded.
- E. Rankings use each robot’s best time.
- F. Judges’ decisions are final; arguing may lead to disqualification for that match.
- G–I. Teams must respect room/waiting-area protocols and schedule. PLEASE DON’T BE LATE — WE WILL NOT WAIT! If called and not present within 5 minutes, the robot is disqualified.
4.2.3 Time & distance keeping
Timing from start signal to finish line. If not finished or stuck, measure distance. Best time or distance is retained.
4.2.4 Autonomous control
After start, robot must remain fully autonomous and offline (no networking).
4.2.5 Interruptions
One restart from the start position if the robot gets stuck.
4.3 Challenge 3 — Weightlifting
4.3.1 Aim
Pick up the bar at the receiving line, carry it below the head to the lift line, lift it over the head, then walk to the finish line with the bar raised.
4.3.2 Course & flow
- A. Only one robot in the arena at a time.
- B. Start behind the starting line.
- C. Before each attempt, the operator declares the intended number of CDs; the referee loads the bar accordingly.
- D. Event duration: 3 hours. Unlimited attempts; referee records each robot’s best lifted weight.
- E. After 3 hours, points are assigned based on best attempt.
- F–H. Start signal → pick up at receiving line → walk to lift line below head → with at least one foot on the lift bar line, raise overhead.
- I. Success: both legs cross the finish line while the bar is supported only by the hands above the head.
- J–M. Conduct, room protocol, and schedule rules as in 4.2; judges’ decisions are final.
4.3.3 Autonomous control
Post-start, the robot must remain fully autonomous and offline.
4.3.4 Interruptions
If a robot fails to start, one restart is allowed. If it still fails, another robot may proceed; the failed robot may re-queue per referee discretion.
