RULES

Machine Specifications:

Dimensions and Fabrications:

1. 1. The machine should fit in a square of size 200 x 200 mm. There is no height limit.No tolerances are allowed.
2. 2. The autonomous robot must be stable and must stand on its own at the beginning of the run when put in the starting point. Robots not fulfilling this criterion will be disqualified.
3. 3. During the run, the autonomous robot can expand itself, provided that it does not damage the arena in anyway. However, the machine should not leave anything behind while tracing the path. The machine should not scratch, damage or destroy the track or the accompanying parts of the arena.
4. 4. All bots found damaging the arena will be immediately disqualified. The final decision is at the discretion of the Organisers.
5. 5. The teams are allowed to use ready-made sensor kits. However, they are not allowed to use lego-kits, ready-made microcontroller boards or any other similar assemblies.

Power Supply and Propulsion:

1. 1. The machine must be completely self-contained and should receive no outside assistance. It should not use an energy source employing a combustion process.
2. 2. Machine should have an on-board power supply. No external power supply is allowed.
3. 3. Potential Difference between any two points on the machine should not exceed 24V DC.

Scoring system:

1. 1. The checkpoint 1 carries 20 points.
2. 2. The checkpoint 2 carries 30 points.
3. 3. The checkpoint 3 carries 40 points.
4. 4. The checkpoint 4 carries 50 points.
5. 5. The placing of box carries 60 points.

Total maximum scores = 200 points

Tie breakers:

In case of a tie of scores between two teams, teams will be given preference on the basis of following criterions in the given order

1. 1. Minimum time taken by robot to cross same number of checkpoints.
2. 2. Minimum number of hand touches.

First two points mentioned above will not be considered for the elimination round.

Competition:

1. 1. Each contesting team will be given 2 minutes as dry run on arena.
2. 2. In the dry run, teams can calibrate sensors and explore the entire arena to find the checkpoints.
3. 3. After dry run, programming of the robot is not allowed.
4. 4. The starting procedure of the bot must be simple and must not involve giving the bot any manual force or impulse in any direction.
5. 5. The match is of three minutes. The run-time clock will commence after two-minute dry run time, even if the operator is still adjusting the sensors or the bot is searching for checkpoints.
6. 6. Once the match is started, only one member of each team, i.e. the operator will be allowed to enter the arena after the permission from the organisers.
7. 7. The match shall start from the start box. The machine will start only in one direction as specified by the organisers. It cannot start in either direction. The operator may abort run at any time.
8. 8. The robot can enter the upper zone only after completing the ground zone checkpoints.
9. 9. The robot can enter the upper zone only by climbing the ramp.
10. 10. Robot can push the box only after completing all the checkpoints.
11. 11. As soon as one of the autonomous robots, successfully deposits the box, the match is concluded and the same team wins.
12. 12. The robot should not physically damage the wall and the box.

Checkpoints:

The arena will have 4 checkpoints. All the checkpoints will be black in colour. It is mandatory to cross through all the checkpoints. The two checkpoints are fixed. The two checkpoints are of variable type of checkpoint, which will be placed anywhere in Ground zone of respective side. Position of this checkpoint will be conveyed to team at the time of match. These checkpoints are as follows:

1. 1. First checkpoint is at the first node marked by green coloured node. (As shown in pictures.)
2. 2. Second and third checkpoints are variable checkpoints. Probable positions are marked as purple nodes in diagram. These checkpoints will be a Black coloured node in Ground zone.
3. 3. Fourth checkpoint is marked by green coloured node in diagram after final ramp.
4. 4. Checkpoint will be considered as cleared only when the entire robot crosses through checkpoint.

The possible positions of variable checkpoints are marked in purple colour in following image.

Hand Touch:

1. 1. If an operator touches the robot during run, this will be considered as a hand-touch and the robot must be put back at the last restart or checkpoint crossed. (Robot can be removed after completion of match, i.e. after placing the box.)
2. 2. The operator can take any number of hand touches with prior permission from judge. There is NO penalty for a hand touch (with prior permission) though the robot must be placed back at the start or last checkpoint crossed.
3. 3. Even if a participant takes a hand touch, the clock will keep running and will not be reset as the robot starts again from the previous restart point.
4. 4. If a robot ‘gets into trouble’ the operator can ask the judge for permission to take a hand touch and restart the robot at start or last checkpoint. If the operator touches the robot without prior permission of the judge during run time, 10 points will be deducted.

General Rules:

1. 1. Any team that is not ready at the time specified will be disqualified from the competition automatically.
2. 2. The machine will be checked for its safety before the match and will be discarded if found unsafe for other participants and spectators.
3. 3. It should not make any marks on the floor of the arena. Any robot found damaging the arena will be immediately disqualified.
4. 4. Only one member of the team is allowed to handle the robot.
5. 5. Participants are not allowed to keep anything inside the arena other than its autonomous robot.
6. 6. Laptops/personal computers are not allowed near the arena. Other Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. devices must be switched off. The organizers hold the right to check for these devices and their usage.
7. 7. No robot is allowed to use any flammable, combustible, explosive or potentially dangerous processes.
8. 8. The time measured by the organizers will be final and will be used for scoring the teams. Time measured by any contestant by any other means is not acceptable for scoring.
9. 9. Operator must wear socks.
10. 10. In case of any disputes/discrepancies, the organizers’ decision will be final and binding. The organizers reserve the rights to change any or all of the above rules as they deem fit. Change in rules, if any, will be highlighted on the website ( www.mind-spark.org ). Participants are requested to check the website regularly for updates.