Cobots

Event Overview: Event Name: COBOTS – Collaborative Robotics Challenge Cluster: MakerSpace Cluster Type: Robotics Competition Mode: Offline Team Size: 3–4 members Duration: Half-day (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Venue: Indoor hall, minimum 8m × 8m clear floor space Max Teams: 8 (first-come-first-served) Budget Cap: ₹15,000 per team for both robots combined Event Objective: Build two robots to complete a Search & Retrieve mission inside a 6m × 6m obstacle arena. Scout Bot: Fully autonomous Maps obstacles, finds payload (yellow tennis ball), transmits coordinates wirelessly Arm Bot: Semi-manual control Uses Scout Bot’s map to navigate, grip payload, and return to home base Mission completes when payload is deposited in home base within 12 minutes Technical Specifications: Scout Bot: Max dimensions: 25×25×25 cm, Max weight: 3 kg Battery: 12V, 3A continuous, fuse mandatory Microcontroller: Arduino / ESP32 / Raspberry Pi Control Mode: Fully Autonomous Communication: NRF24L01 or 2.4GHz WiFi Sensors: 3x Ultrasonic, IMU, Color sensor Payload gripper not required Chassis must be self-fabricated Arm Bot: Max dimensions: 25×25×25 cm, Max weight: 3 kg Battery: 12V, 3A continuous, fuse mandatory Microcontroller: Arduino / ESP32 / Raspberry Pi Control Mode: Semi-Autonomous / Manual allowed Communication: NRF24L01 or 2.4GHz WiFi Sensors: Minimum 1 ultrasonic front Payload gripper required Chassis must be self-fabricated Prohibited: Pre-built robot kits Pre-mapped arena or hardcoded obstacle positions Arm Bot independent sensors for payload Commercial platforms used as-is Event Structure: Opening (9:00–9:20 AM, 20 min): Rules briefing, run-order draw, Scout Bot control mode declaration Inspection (9:20–9:40 AM, 20 min): Bot inspection for dimensions, weight, battery, fuse, BOM, gripper Walkthrough (9:40–9:50 AM, 10 min): Teams walk arena, obstacle layout shown, arena sealed afterward Competition (9:50–11:50 AM, 120 min): Each team gets 15-minute slot: 2 min setup, 12 min mission, 1 min reset Deliberation (11:50–12:10 PM, 20 min): Judges finalize scores Final Ceremony (12:10–1:00 PM, 50 min): Scores announced, prizes distributed, certificates awarded, group photo Mission Slot Timeline (per team): 0:00–2:00 → Setup, bots in home base, inspection confirmation 2:00 → Scout Bot activated (autonomous run starts) ~4–5 min → Scout Bot locates payload, transmits coordinates Arm Bot operator navigates using Scout map to retrieve payload 12 min → Hard time limit, run ends Submission Guidelines: Bill of Materials (components + prices, under ₹15,000) Control Mode Declaration (Fully / Assisted / Semi-Autonomous) Wireless Frequency Declaration (RF module + channel) Both robots present for inspection Judging Criteria: Scout Bot Coverage: 24% (3 zones, pro-rated for partial coverage) Scout Bot Payload Detection & Transmission: 16% Arm Bot Navigation via Scout Map: 20% Arm Bot Payload Pickup: 20% Mission Completion (Payload in Home Base): 20% Time Bonus: +20 points if mission completed under 8 min Control Mode Multipliers: Fully Autonomous = 1.0x Assisted Autonomous = 0.8x Semi-Autonomous / RC = 0.6x Penalties & Disqualifications: Scout Bot exits arena: -10 points per occurrence Obstacle displaced: -5 points per obstacle Manual data relay instead of wireless: -30 points + navigation bonus forfeited Arm Bot uses independent sensors: -20 points Entering arena during run: zero score Pre-built kit chassis: disqualification Budget limit exceeded: disqualification Bot emits smoke/sparks: run terminated Unsafe battery: bot barred until replaced Misconduct / plagiarism / unsportsmanlike behavior: disqualification Awards: 1st Prize: ₹30,000 2nd Prize: ₹20,000 3rd Prize: ₹10,000 Guidelines & Notes: Respect judges, volunteers, and peers Handle robots and batteries safely Document build process (photos/videos/notes) Written appeals accepted within 5 minutes of score announcement Participation certificates awarded to all valid participants