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