INNOVATEX 4.0 - Line Follower Challenge

Overview: InnovateX 4.0 is the flagship 111-event technology movement of Presidency University, uniting innovation, competition, and future-driven engineering under one platform. Scheduled from April 6–9, 2026, it is designed to host 10,000+ participants across technical, hardware, software, management, and interdisciplinary domains. InnovateX is not just a fest — it is a launchpad for ideas, talent, and technological excellence. About the Event: The "Trail Blaze" Line Follower Challenge is a classic robotics competition that tests the precision, speed, and intelligence of autonomous robots. Part of the INNOVATEX 4.0 fest at Presidency University's MakerSpace Cluster, this event challenges participants to design, build, and program a fully autonomous robot capable of navigating a complex, unknown track. Eligibility: Team Composition: Teams must consist of exactly 4 members. Inter-College: Teams can be formed across different specializations (e.g., CSE, ECE, Mechanical) within the same college. Inter-college teams are not permitted; all team members must be from the same college. Event Format & Rounds: The competition is an offline, half-day event consisting of three rounds. The actual track design will only be revealed on the event day. Round 1: Preliminary  Process: All registered teams participate in timed runs on a standard track. Qualification: The top 10 teams with the fastest and most accurate runs advance to the next round. Round 2: Semi-Final  Process: The top 10 teams compete on the track. Qualification: The top 5 teams advance to the final round. Round 3: Final  Process: The top 5 teams compete on the track layout to determine the winners. Problem Statement: Participants must design and construct a fully autonomous, wireless line follower robot. The robot's task is to successfully traverse an unknown track in the shortest possible time while adhering to strict design specifications. The robot must follow a thick black line (3cm width) on a white surface and navigate various elements including: Sharp turns Curved paths & hairpin bends Acute angles Intersections and crossovers Maze sections and junctions Rules & Specifications: Technical Specifications: Autonomy: The robot must be completely autonomous and wireless. No manual intervention is allowed once a run begins. Communication: Any form of wireless communication (Bluetooth, RF, WiFi, etc.) is strictly prohibited. Dimensions: The robot must fit inside a 20cm x 20cm x 20cm box at any time during the competition. Weight: Maximum weight is 3kg (with a 5% tolerance). Power: Maximum voltage anywhere in the robot must not exceed 16.8V DC. Teams must declare their battery capacity, as bonus points may be awarded for energy efficiency (distance per mAh). Safety: The robot must include a fail-safe mechanism (e.g., auto-stop). All components, including batteries and wiring, must be securely assembled. No flammable, high-voltage, or hazardous materials are allowed. Operational Rules: Line Following: The robot must follow a 3cm thick black line on a white background. Speed Modes: The robot must autonomously support at least two speed modes (e.g., a "Precision Mode" for turns and a "Turbo Mode" for straight paths) based on sensor data. Track Navigation: Shortcuts or skipping sections of the track are strictly prohibited. The robot must navigate the entire designated path. Penalties & Disqualification: Disqualification: Exceeding weight or size limits. Use of any prohibited wireless communication. Unsafe operation or use of hazardous materials. Plagiarism or code reuse. Misconduct or unethical behavior. -30 Points: Manual intervention during a run. Taking shortcuts or skipping sections of the track. -10 Points: Incomplete work or failure to submit required components.  Registration & Final Submission: Process: Teams must register online via the provided QR code or link before the deadline. On the event day, bots will undergo a screening process to verify specifications against the rule book. Final Submissions: Qualified teams must submit: A working robot. Source code and schematics. A report (optional but recommended).