The Wall Follower
Challenge Rulebook
Tasks
Explore a maze by wall following.
Build a map of the maze as the robots explores.
Plot the path the robot took on the map.
Return the robot to its starting location and the robot should stop automatically once it has fully explored the maze.
All tasks need to be completed within 15 minutes.
Multiple attempts are allowed. All tasks should still need to be completed within 15 minutes.
Here is a video to demonstrate how the wall following behaviour should look like:
Programming Software - MiROS
All participants should use MiROS as the programming software to code the robot.
Click here to download MiROS.
Naming Convention - MiROS Project
IMPORTANT:
You need to name your Workspace and ROS Package using your own full name. You are only allowed to create one Workspacea and one ROS Package.
The Robots - Codebots
Codebots are programmable robots designed for educators and students. Equipped with embedded computer, depth camera and LiDAR, Codebots are used to load your code and compete.
To find out more about Codebots, click here.
To book a Codebot to test your code in the lab, click here.
Arena Environment
The competition is held in an arena resembling an example layout of a maze constructed by walls made of white paper or plastic boards. The starting location is circled by red/white tape.
3 obstacles are placed in the maze and they are static throughout the competition.
Here is a photo of an arena:
Competition Procedure
Once your application is accepted, you can start your programming on MiROS.
You can test your code on a Codebot in our robotic lab from December 5 to 15. Or you can test your code with your own Codebot.
To book a Codebot lab session, click here.
You are required to submit your code generated by MiROS and a short video less than 5 minutes to demonstrate how you use MiROS and how you test your code on the Codebot by December 15. Your submission determines your eligibility to enter the final. Further instruction on the submission will be emailed to you once your application has been accepted.
We will announce the finalists on December 16.
On December 18, the finalists are either required to attend the competition in person or online via Zoom. For the online participants, the organiser will load your code to the Codebot for you.
How to win?
There are three winning criteria:
Least collisions with the walls and the obstacles.
If same amount of collisions occurred by different competitors, least time to complete all the tasks within 15 minutes is the winner.
Smoothest robot movements.
Scorecard
There are 4 scoring items:
Completion Time: Full score 5 points. -1 every 10 seconds delay after 60 seconds after 15 minutes required completion time.
Return to starting point and stop: Full score 5 points. +3 for going back, +2 more for full stop at the starting point.
Collision Avoidance: Full score 5 points. -2 for major collision, -1 for minor collision.
Smoothness of the path: Full score 5 points. -1 for jittering or rotating during cornering.
What is the prize?
The champion will win a Codebot or $500 cash.
The key dates
Registration closed: December 5, 2024
Testing dates: December 5 to 15, 2024
Code submission deadline: December 15,2024
Finalists Announcement: December 16, 2024
Final: December 18, 2024
How to participate?
Click the below Sign Up Now button to register.