Line Follower Enhanced — Official Rules

Short Description

The objective is to complete the course in the shortest possible time while accurately tracking the line from start to finish.

Anyone may compete in this challenge.

1. General Requirements

1.1 Size & Weight Limits

• A. Max robot size: 250 × 250 mm. Max weight: 1000 g. Robots must pass inspection before competing.
• B. No sticky traction aids. Any surface-contacting part must not be able to pick up and hold a standard A4 sheet (80 g/m²) for more than 2 seconds. Checked at homologation and may be rechecked anytime.
• C. A visible competition number (provided by organizers) must be displayed on the robot; see Appendix 1.

1.2 Course Time

Timing runs from crossing the start line until crossing the finish line (front-most part determines crossing).

1.3 Time Limit

• Max 3 minutes per complete run.
• Overall qualification window: 135 minutes to make 3 attempts.
• After a 10-minute break, the eliminatory phase begins with the best 8 or 16 robots.

1.4 Timekeeping

Electronic gate or referee stopwatch (as available). Recorded time is final. Final classification uses each robot’s best time.

1.5 Autonomous Control

• After crossing the start line, robots must remain fully autonomous or be disqualified.
• No touching the robot, except to stop it if it exits the competition area.

1.6 Event Flow & Conduct

Important: One person can operate a maximum of 2 robots.

• A. Session limit 90 minutes (may be extended). In the first half, all teams must log at least one run; robots without a run have priority.
• B. In the second half, unlimited attempts.
• C. Best time per robot counts.
• D. Judges’ decisions are final; arguing may lead to disqualification for that match.
• E. Until homologation, teams stay in their assigned rooms; move to waiting area only when called.
• F. After homologation, next-up teams remain in the waiting area; leaving only with referee approval or for repairs, and must return at the time set by the referee. Missing the first call loses the trial.
• G. After each trial, return to the assigned room.
• H. Follow the schedule on the website and in team rooms. PLEASE DON’T BE LATE — WE WILL NOT WAIT! If called and not present within 5 minutes, the robot is disqualified.
• G. If only three robots finish the course after qualifications, the classification is final and the best time wins.

1.7 Losing the Line

• Upon losing the line, restart from the start position.
• If the line is lost a second time in the same attempt, the recorded time is 3 minutes.
• Each attempt is entitled to one restart if the robot loses the line.

1.8 Course Specifications

• White rectangular field with a black 15 mm line.
• Start/finish line and electronic timing gate present.

1.9 Line Course Characteristics

• A. No crossovers (no self-intersections).
• B. Switchbacks/hairpins allowed; adjacent line sections ≥ 15 cm apart (center-to-center).
• C. Distance from line center to arena edge ≥ 15 cm.
• D. Minimum curve radius: 7.5 cm.
• E. Sharp angles may occur, but not smaller than 90°.

1.10 Power of Officials

Officials’ decisions regarding rules and event conduct are final.

2. Requirements for Line Follower Enhanced

2.1 Interruption

A single 100 mm gap (straight section only) appears in the line. A straight extension of the incoming line leads to the continuation.

2.2 Obstacle

A brick (approx. 25 × 12 × 6.5 cm L×W×H) is placed on the course. The robot must navigate around it to rejoin the line.

2.3 Seesaw

A seesaw (length ≥ 500 mm; pivot height ≤ 120 mm) is placed on the course. The black line continues across the seesaw.

3. Homologation (Technical Inspection)

• A. Dimension check with a 250 × 250 mm bottomless box/frame placed over the robot.
• B. Weigh-in: ≤ 1 kg.
• C. Traction check: must not hold an A4 sheet (80 g/m²) for > 2 seconds (may be rechecked anytime).
• D. Robot is not restrained after homologation.
• E. After approval, the first team remains in the waiting area; others return to their rooms.
• F. Verify visible competition number on the robot’s exterior.

4. Declaring Objections

• A. No objections against judges’ decisions.
• B. The team lead may raise regulation doubts to the Committee before the match ends; if absent, raise them to the judge before the match ends.
• C–D. Regulatory matters, complaints, or misconduct are addressed with Relativity Robotics Challenge organizers or referees.

5. Flexibility of Rules

As long as fundamentals are respected, organizers may modify or remove rules if changes are published prior to the event and applied consistently.

6. Liability

• A. Teams are responsible for robot safety and any accidents caused by their members or robots.
• B. The Relativity Robotics Challenge organization and its team are not responsible or liable for incidents/accidents caused by participating teams or equipment.

Appendix 1 — Team’s Folder

• Numbers for each robot
• Participation diplomas
• Team member badges
• Information on team rooms and competition area map
• Promotional materials
• Explanation of group formation
• Maps for team rooms and competition areas