1Robofest

Robofest 2005Informational Meeting

Lori Birman and CJ Chung

Lawrence Technological University

2Robofest

Agenda• Introductions & Overview of Robofest• 2005 Regional & International Competition Sites• Unique features of Robofest• Previous Robofest Challenges• 2005 Rules• 2005 Game Demos• Information for Host Organizers• Tips on Starting a Team• Technical Workshop Schedule • Warm-up Competition• Q & A

3Robofest

What is Robofest:

• Competition – require two robots that interact with each other

• Exhibition - to show off any creative autonomous robotics projects

Robofest is an annual ‘autonomous’ robotics contest for students grades 5th - 12th. Students can compete in two ways:

4Robofest

Goals of Robofest:• To spark young students' interest in

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

• Promote students' creative and innovative thinking

• Challenge and advance the scientific and engineering skills of students

• Recognize students' achievements • Promote good teamwork and work ethics • Build our future technical work force

5Robofest

Competition Divisions:• Junior Division:

5th-9th

Easier Problem Icon-Based Programming Language

• Senior Division: 9th-12th

More Difficult Problem Professional Programming Language

such as C or Java

6Robofest

2005 Robofest Regional and International Competition Sites:• Alpena Community College, Alpena, Michigan, April 2• Canton Charter Academy, Canton, Michigan, April 9• Hanul & Kid, China, (City and Date are TBD)• Delta College, University Center, Michigan, April 9• Hanyang University, Ansan, Korea, February 19-20• Hillside Middle School, Northville, Michigan, April 9 • Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, Michigan, April 9• Macomb Intermediate School District, MISD, Clinton Township, Michigan, April 9• Milk River School, Alberta, Canada, Date TBD• Robotech Center, Nashua, New Hampshire, Date TBD• Washtenaw Community College, (Tentative) Ann Arbor, Michigan, Date TBD

7Robofest

World Robofest, April 23, 2005, LTU, Southfield, Michigan:• Top Winners from each Regional and

International Competition Site will move on to Compete at World Robofest, April 23, on the campus of LTU.

• The number of teams to advance from each region will be decided in proportion to the number of teams for that site/division after the registration is completed

• We estimate there will be 20 junior competition teams, 16 senior competition teams, and 5 exhibition teams are invited

8Robofest

Unique Features of Robofest: • Focused on learning computer technologies• The dimension of the playing field is unknown• A part of the competition problem is unknown

until the day of competition -- even the condition of the playing field is dynamic

• Competition requires two robots per team• Maximize students' learning - No direct adult

help is allowed • Teams can use any robotic platform• Can use any programming language

9Robofest

Unique Features of Robofest Continued…• Can use any number of actuators, passive

sensors, and 3 active sensors

• Can use glue, tape, and any materials

• Nominal fees - $30 registration fee per team; $20 on-site check-in fee (tentative)

• Free Technical Workshops for registered Teams

• Offers on-line resources for teachers, coaches, and all participants

10Robofest

Unique Features of Robofest Continued…• It is simple, easy, modular, portable and

affordable to set up fields; playing field materials can be reused every year

• Centralized support for all Hosting Sites

• Every registered Student, Coach, and Team Volunteer will receive a personalized framed certificate

• Medals for all Registered Students

11Robofest

Unique Features of Robofest Continued…• During World Robofest, each registered

Student will receive an individual trophy at World Robofest;

• Winning Teams in various categories will receive large trophies

• [New] The top robots will be kept in a Robotics Display Case (Museum) at LTU – Teams will get reimbursements for their robots

12Robofest

1st Robofest, 2000

RoboTag

FireFighter Race

13Robofest

2nd Robofest, 2001

Registration had to be closed early…Handy Board Division for High School Teams was introduced

RoboMessenger

14Robofest

3rd Robofest 2002 Challenges:RoboRescuers

• Construct two robots to save Lego citizens trapped in a burning building.

• The robots interact with each other to transfer the oxygen masks and use “robotic strength” to remove the wall that blocks the victims.

15Robofest

3rd Robofest 2002 Challenges:RoboRescuers, Advanced Div.

• Any robot programmed with High-level programming languages

• Must blow out the fire!

• The location of the birthday candle light is unknown

16Robofest

4th Robofest 2003 Competition

Mission Possible

Unknown challenges introduced

17Robofest

5th Robofest 2004 Competition

Earthquake Challenge

18Robofest

6th Robofest 2005 - RoboRelay

Complexity is similar to2002’s RoboRescuers

Junior Division

19Robofest

6th Robofest 2005 - RoboRelay

Senior Division

No Line

20Robofest

RoboRelay Junior Division

Crate

Crate

Robot1 Robot2

?

2” gap

4” gap (VHS tape)

12” 12”

18”

18”

...

?

The brightness of the competition area is unknown

21Robofest

22Robofest

Game Rules:• Unknown missions will be unveiled right after

opening ceremony

• For each round, whenever the team is ready to compete, come to the on-deck circle, staging area with the robots

• 2 minutes per game are given

• 2 chances (rounds) are given for each team

• Only two players are allowed in the official playing field. One minute will be allowed for setup before each round

• Team members are responsible for catching the robot if it falls off; Check the track

23Robofest

In Case of Any Failure:

• Team may start the first robot from the beginning for perfect score, or

• Team may retry only the second robot by starting it manually

24Robofest

Extra Points:

• If all missions are completed in a sequence from the beginning till the end without any human help, then extra 5 points will be given.

• Flash Extra Points: To encourage teams to try early in the first round, the first match teams will get 3 extra points. (If there are two official playing fields, then two teams will get the extra points). The second match teams will get 2 points, and the third match team will get 1 point

25Robofest

Robot Specifications:• The length of the robot must be less than or

equal to 12” However, during the game, the robot may extend its dimensions.

• You may use up to 3 active sensors; any number of passive sensors

• You may use any number/type of motors/servo motors

• Any material to construct your robot• You may use tape, glue, bolts and nuts, etc.• only one robot controller for each robot• Icon-based graphical programming language for

the Junior division.

26Robofest

Playing Field Construction: • Final shape and length will be unveiled on the

competition day

• For the 2nd robot, the path from the start line to the crossroad is straight and the length is unknown. The number of black lines between the start line and the crossroad is also unknown. The distances between those lines are uneven.

• All the edges (not the center area) of the shelves will be taped together using transparent packaging tape (2” width). If your robot is using skids, make sure they can slide over the tape.

27Robofest

RoboRelay Senior Division: Same as the Junior Division. Differences are:• Recommended programming language is

a text based high-level programming language

• The unknown parts denoted with the “?” marks will not contain any lines, but they will have combinations perpendicular corners

• The length of the white board is unknown. The length of the straight black line at the end of the path for the 1st robot is unknown

28Robofest

2005 Contest Divisions

Division Name

Robot Type Used

Recommended Programming Languages

Grds Team Size

Challenge

Junior Robot Competition

Any robots

Icon based visual programming language

5-9 2-7 RoboRelay

Senior Robot Competition

Any robots

High-level programming language such as C or Java

9-12 2-7 AdvancedRoboRelay

Exhibition Any robots

Any 5-12

Min: 1Max: 1+(2 x #Robots)

Any unique & creative project

29Robofest

Recommended topics for Robofest 2005 Exhibitions• Legged robot version of RoboRelay

• Legged robot dancing

• Using data logging capabilities of robots

30Robofest

How to Register Teams:1. Coach registration on the web at

www.robofest.net January 12 Robofest 2003 and 2004 coaches may used old

account

2. Confirm the registration at your email account3. Log on the coach account4. Select one regional site5. Register team(s)6. Pay registration fee ($30) online using PayPal7. Upload team and robot photo

31Robofest

Roles of Coaches:• Responsible for facilitating and overseeing team

members • Email to the coach is the primary and official

communication method between the team and the Robofest organizer.

• Recruit team volunteers including technology mentors

• Provide at least a volunteer for either setup or cleanup at the hosting site

• Responsible for entering/updating the team data and uploading team photos

• Collect Consent & Media Release Forms. Submit at check-in

32Robofest

Robofest is Not for Adults:• There will be judges/proctors in the

competition area. • If any adult wants to give help to their

team for any reason, the adult must get permission from the judges/proctors

• Only team members with badges are allowed in the pit (team table) area

• No adults are allowed to be in the pit area, except team coaches with badges in case there is a need

• It is strongly suggested that, for security purposes, the coach must watch the team table area, especially when the team plays

33Robofest

Team's Responsibility Prior to Opening Ceremony:• Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. All the teams

must check-in by 8:30am. Teams must use the team table assigned by the organizer. Please do not change the team tables. Judges may visit the team tables

• Teams must have inspection and interview before the competition begins. Submit the hard copy of your program to judges during the inspection

34Robofest

Team's Responsibility During Competition:• In the competition round 1, each team member

must introduce her/his role and accomplishments using a microphone to Judges & the public. Each team will have one minute for the team introduction.

• Exhibition team member must introduce her/his role and accomplishments using a microphone to Judges & the public, too. They will have 5 minutes for the presentation and demonstration of the project.

35Robofest

Team's Responsibility During Competition Continued…..

• For the competition, teams need to implement new additions for the unknown missions and adjust programs to allow for the variation in the new environment.

• It is the team's responsibility before the game to ensure the track is in satisfactory condition.

• Lego teams only: whenever new programs are downloaded, both your robot and the IR tower MUST be covered by a box.

36Robofest

Team Checklist for Robofest Competition Day:• $20 check-in fee (tentatively)• A laptop for each team• Hard copy of programs to give to judges• Only for exhibition teams: poster boards to

introduce the exhibition description and all the necessary materials for the exhibition.

• A power strip and power cord• Cardboard box to cover your robot and ID

tower when downloading (Lego teams only)• Extra batteries • Signed Consent & Media Release forms

37Robofest

Competition Winners:• There will be winners for various

categories, including Best Performance

• For Best Performance, the average of two rounds will be used to determine finalists

• Best Performance winner is selected from performance during the Finalist Round, not from the cumulative average of the three rounds. (There will be no Semi-finalist Round.)

38Robofest

Judging and Prizes:• Top winners will win large trophies

• Competition Performance winners are directly decided by the final competition results

• Judge’s Award winners are decided by several categories including, but not limited to: performance (reliability), originality, creativity, functionality, programming, construction, teamwork, team spirit, presentation, and new technology used

• Every registered student will receive a framed certificate of achievement and a medal

39Robofest

How Teams Advance to World Robofest - Competition Division:• Average performance score – 80% (note

that finalists will use the average of best two)

• Robot Inspection & Interview – 5%

• Team public presentation – 5%

• Source code inspection – 10%

40Robofest

How teams advance to World Robofest - Exhibition Division:• Originality (creativity) – 40%

• Public presentation performance (reliability) – 20%

• Usefulness – 10%

• Complexity and functionality – 10%

• New technologies used –10%

• Source code inspection – 10%

41Robofest

Check List for Regional and International Host Sites:• Time Schedule for Hosting Facilities:

AM Event: Three hour Friday evening setup recommended, Actual event from 8:00 am-12:30 pm (4.5 hours, no lunch )

PM Event: 9 am- 12:30 pm setup, Actual Event 12:30 - 5:00 pm

• One table with chairs and an electrical outlet per team, (3’x 6’ or banquet rounds)

• One table for check-in with chairs, and one table for awards

• If 20 teams, two playing fields and two practice playing fields are needed (LTU will provide each site with the playing fields.)

• Chair or bleachers for spectators

• Stop watches for Judges

42Robofest

Check List for Host Continued…• Gym Score Board or Multimedia Projector & Screen• Sound System• Arrangements for the playing (or singing) of the

National Anthem(s)• Optional concession stand (could be a school

fundraiser) • Ropes to surround official playing fields• Facility Host official to make welcoming remarks,

assist with awards presentations• Access to photocopier • Support and volunteer staff• 2 Competition Judges per playing field

43Robofest

Check List for Host Continued…• 2 autonomous robotics experts for Judge’s

awards

• One score/time keeper

• On-site program for all attendees, LTU will provide site hosts with copy and logos

• Optional Video and Camera crew

• Optional Public relations assistance for press releases

44Robofest

Materials LTU Provides to Hosts:• Official playing field materials

• Official Robofest Banner

• Directional yard signs

• Team signs for team tables

• Name badges and framed certificates of participation for all registered students

• Winner Trophies for 20%-25% of the registered teams

• T-shirts and small gifts for volunteers and staff

45Robofest

Services LTU Provides to Hosts:• Promotion of your organization through Website,

New Paper articles, Press Releases, etc.• On-line Team registration for all competition

sites; each host will have an administrative account to get/manage all the team info

• On-line account to recruit and manage your volunteers

• Judge training at LTU, practice competition on March 5 at LTU

• Template files, copy and logo for designing your on-site competition program flyer

• Signage, badges, trophies, certificates, medals, etc.

46Robofest

How to Start a Team:• Ask us to give a presentation at your school

• Find students who already has Lego Mindstorms ($199) at home

• Find parent volunteers (engineers) who are interested in helping

• Register your team on the web on Jan. 12, 2005

• Put together a playing field

• Ask students to attend free workshops at LTU

• Assign some of the team work as (group) homework

• Integration as an after-school program

47Robofest

Comparison of FLL and Robofest - I

FLL (FIRST Lego League) Robofest

When Sep-Dec Jan-April

Registration fee $150 $30

Tournament fee $40- $60 $20 (tentative)

Playing field material (must buy every year)

$50 + shipping and handling. Must purchase from FLL. Cannot be reused.

Initially around $50 and reusable every year. Can be purchased at local stores

Required Table Costs $200-$400 (w/o labor)

None (crates or equivalent)

Team size / No. of robots

Up to 10 / 1 Up to 7 /2

Robot / Programming Lang.

Lego / RCX code or RoboLab only

Any

48Robofest

Comparison of FLL and Robofest - II

FLL Robofest

Student Age 5th-9th (middle school only)

5th-12th (Middle and High)

Direct adult help ?, not checked Not allowed, checked

Exhibition? No Yes

Personalized certificate?

No Yes

National Championship?

Yes (in April) Yes, April 23, World

Robofest

Encourage adaptable solutions

No (dimension of the playing field is known and fixed)

Yes

Research Presentation

Yes No

49Robofest

Registration Schedule:• Tue. January 11, 2005, around Noon,

finalized official rules will be posted on the Robofest website www.robofest.net

• Wed. Jan. 12, 2005, registration on the web begins

50Robofest

Free Workshop Schedule:(All Sessions will be held at LTU)• Sat. Jan. 29, 2005, 9am-Noon, RCX code

workshop for registered teams• Sat. Feb. 5, 2005, 9am-Noon, RoboLab

workshop for registered teams • Fri. Feb. 11, 2005, 8am-1pm, Robotics

Exploration Day for invited High School students• Sat. Feb. 12, 2005, 9am-Noon, LeJos Java

workshop for registered teams • Sat. Feb. 19, 2005, 9am-Noon, NQC workshop

for registered teams• Fri. Mar. 11, 2005, 8am-1pm, Robotics

Exploration Day for invited High School students

51Robofest

Warm-up Competition:

• Saturday, March 5 at LTU – all Teams will need to pre-register with LTU.

• Any team, both Competition and Exhibition

• Host Organizers may want to attend for on-site practice

• Practice & Training for Judges

• Volunteers may want to attend for on-site practice

52Robofest

10101010Thank You

Robofest – Inspiring

Students in Science,

Technology, Engineering,

and Mathematics