Line Follower Turbo — Official Rules

Short Description

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

• EDF requirement: Robots must be equipped with an Electric Ducted Fan (EDF).
• Open participation — anyone can compete.

1. General Requirements

1.1 Size and Weight Limits

• A. Max robot size: 250 × 250 mm. Max weight: 1000 g. All 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.
• D. Robot must be equipped with an EDF. EDF functionality is verified during Homologation.

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.
• Robots have unlimited attempts within an organizer-announced session window.
• Turbo session: total window 90 minutes — first 45 minutes all participants must record at least one time; last 45 minutes unlimited attempts.

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. Teams must 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.

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 time recorded is 3 minutes.

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. Line Follower Turbo — Specifics

Line Follower Turbo is the most extreme Line Follower format.

• The track includes loop segments; the line continues through loops in a straight, continuous manner with no intersections.

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.
• G. EDF functionality test: robot is placed upside down; EDF is powered on to verify operation.

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
• Info on team rooms and competition area map
• Promotional materials
• Explanation of group formation
• Maps for team rooms and competition areas