Participants are invited to showcase their engineering skills in the Line Follower Robot race. Design a robot using custom components such as Arduino to accurately detect and follow a path marked by a black line. The goal is for the robot to navigate the track by following the black line as quickly as possible.
The main objective of a line follower robot is to autonomously follow a pre-determined path or line by using sensors to detect the line and a control system to steer the motors. Key objectives also include gaining practical skills in robotics and electronics, implementing and optimizing control algorithms, and applying this technology for tasks like industrial automation, logistics, and education.
– Follow a designated line: The robot must be able to detect and stay on a line, typically a high-contrast one like black on white, while navigating turns and straight sections.
– Develop sensor integration skills: Build and integrate a sensor array (like IR sensors) to detect the line.
– Implement control systems: Develop and program algorithms to process sensor data and control the robot’s motors.
– Gain experience with microcontrollers: Program a microcontroller (like an Arduino) to manage the robot’s movements based on sensor inputs.
– Optimize performance: Adjust algorithms and parameters to ensure accurate and efficient line following, especially at higher speeds or on complex paths.
– Industrial automation: Automate tasks like material handling in warehouses or manufacturing facilities by having the robot follow a defined pathway.
– Domestic applications: Develop a simple, automated device for tasks like floor cleaning or path guidance in domestic settings.
– Guidance systems: Create robots that can guide people in places like shopping malls or museums.
– Each team may consist of a maximum of 3 students participating in the competition.
– Rankings will be determined based on the time taken for the robot to complete the course from start to finish.
– If a robot exceeds a race time of 3 minutes, the judges reserve the right to terminate the race.
– The race may also be terminated if the robot leaves the designated playing field (not just the black line).
– The robot must be positioned behind the start line before the race begins.
– If the robot loses the line, it must return to the point where it lost the path and continue the race from that spot.
– Participants are not allowed to touch or interfere with their robot during the race. However, in emergency situations, participants may intervene only with the judges’ permission.
– Participants are responsible for their robots and their safety and will be liable for any damages caused by themselves, their robots, or their equipment.
– The organizers will not be held liable for any accidents involving participants or damages caused by participants, their robots, or their equipment.
– The referee has the authority to disqualify any robot or participant for violating the rules.
– No objections will be accepted against the decisions of the referee or organizers.
– Design robots are prohibited from taking shortcuts.
– Communication between participants and coaches is not allowed during the race.
– Each robot will undergo inspection prior to the race.
– The robot must be programmed to detect and follow a black line as quickly as possible.
– The maximum dimensions for the robot are 32 cm (width) x 32 cm (height), with no restrictions on its length.
– Participants are prohibited from using turbines in their designs.
– The robot must be fully autonomous and cannot be controlled by any wireless device. It should also not pose any danger or excessive annoyance.
– The robot must be equipped with an emergency switch that is large enough and clearly distinguishable for easy recognition.
– There are no regulations regarding the weight of the robot.
– The playing field has a white surface, with a black track line approximately 2 cm wide.
– The black line does not intersect itself but may split and rejoin.
– The minimum distance between the line and the edge of the playing field is 15 cm, and the minimum curve diameter on the field is also 15 cm.
– There may be slight elevation changes on the playing field.
– Each team’s score will be based on a maximum time of 15 minutes, starting with 900 points (15 x 60 seconds).
– The score will reflect the time taken for the robot to travel from the start to the finish line successfully, with each second counting as one point.
– For each time the design robot loses the pathway, 10 points will be deducted.
– If the design robot becomes non-functional or immobilized, 20 points will be deducted.
– The total team score is calculated as follows: Total Score = 900 – (exit time + lost pathway penalties + immobilization penalty).