Introduction to Robofest and Robofest 2005 revised 1

Introduction to Robofest and Robofest 2005 (revised 1 -6 -05) Lori Birman and CJ Chung Lawrence Technological University Robofest 1

Contents • • • Robofest 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 2

What is Robofest: Robofest is an annual ‘autonomous’ robotics contest for students grades 5 th 12 th. Students can compete in two ways: • Competition – require two robots that interact with each other • Exhibition - to show off any creative autonomous robotics projects Robofest 3

Goals of Robofest: • To spark young students' interest in • • • Robofest 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 4

Competition Divisions: • Junior Division: § 5 th-9 th § Easier Problem § Icon-Based Programming Language • Senior Division: § 9 th-12 th § More Difficult Problem § Professional Programming Language such as C or Java Robofest 5

2005 Robofest Regional and International Competition Sites (as of Jan 10) : • • • • Robofest Alpena Community College, Alpena, Michigan, April 2 St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas, April 9 Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, April 9 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 Macomb Intermediate School District, Clinton Township, MI, April 9 Milk River School, Alberta, Canada, 4 -9 Robotech Center, Nashua, New Hampshire, 3 -5 Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 4 -8 Carman-Ainsworth Junior High, Flint, Michigan, 4 -9 6

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 Robofest 7

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 • • Robofest 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 8

Unique Features of Robofest Continued… • Can use any number of actuators, sensor types, and sensors • Can use glue, tape, and any materials • Nominal fees - $30 registration fee per team; $20 on-site check-in fee • Free technical workshops for registered teams • Offers video-conference and on-line resources for teachers, coaches, and all participants Robofest 9

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 Robofest 10

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 Robofest 11

st 1 Robofest, 2000 Fire. Fighter Race Robo. Tag Robofest 12

nd 2 Robofest, 2001 Robo. Messenger Registration had to be closed early… Handy Board Division for High School Teams was introduced Robofest 13

3 rd Robofest 2002 Challenges: Robo. Rescuers • 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. Robofest 14

3 rd Robofest 2002 Challenges: Robo. Rescuers, Advanced Div. • Any robot programmed with High-level programming languages • Must blow out the fire! • The location of the birthday candle light is unknown Robofest 15

4 th Robofest 2003 Competition Unknown challenges introduced Mission Possible Robofest 16

5 th Robofest 2004 Competition Earthquake Challenge Robofest 17

6 th Robofest 2005 - Robo. Relay Junior Division Complexity is similar to 2002’s Robo. Rescuers Robofest 18

6 th Robofest 2005 - Robo. Relay Senior Division No Line Robofest 19

Robo. Relay Junior Division The brightness of the competition area is unknown Robofest 20

Robofest 21

Game Rules: • Unknown missions will be unveiled right after • • • Robofest 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 22

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 Robofest 23

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 Robofest 24

Robot Specifications: • The length of the robot must be less than or equal • • • Robofest to 12” However, during the game, the robot may extend its dimensions. You may use any number of sensors/sensor types You must use only one (8 bit micro-processor based) robot controller for each robot. 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. Icon-based graphical programming language for the Junior division. 25

Playing Field Construction: • Final shape and length will be unveiled on the competition day • For the 2 nd 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. Robofest 26

Robo. Relay 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 1 st robot is unknown • The last unknown mission may require missions for both robots. Robofest 27

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 Robo. Relay Senior Robot Competition Any robots High-level programming language such as C or Java 9 -12 2 -7 Advanced Robo. Relay 5 -12 Min: 1 Any unique Max: & creative 1+(2 x project #Robots) Exhibition Robofest Any robots Any 28

Recommended topics for Robofest 2005 Exhibitions • Legged robot version of Robo. Relay • Legged robot dancing • Using data logging capabilities of robots Robofest 29

How to Register Teams: 1. Coach registration on the web at www. robofest. net § § 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Robofest January 12 (Tentative) Robofest 2003 and 2004 coaches may used old account Confirm the registration at your email account Log on the coach account Select one regional site Register team(s) Pay registration fee ($30) online using Pay. Pal Upload team and robot photo 30

Roles of Coaches: • Responsible for facilitating and overseeing team • • • Robofest 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 31

Robofest is Not for Adults: • There will be judges/proctors in the competition • • Robofest 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 32

Team's Responsibility Prior to Opening Ceremony: • Doors will open at 8: 00 a. m. All the teams must check-in by 8: 30 am. 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 Robofest 33

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. Robofest 34

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. Robofest 35

Team Checklist for Robofest Competition Day: • • Robofest $20 check-in fee 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 36

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. ) Robofest 37

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 Robofest 38

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 – 6% • Team public presentation – 6% • Source code inspection – 8% Robofest 39

How teams advance to World Robofest - Exhibition Division: • Originality (creativity) – 35% • Public presentation performance • • • Robofest (reliability) – 25% Inspection & Interview – 8% Usefulness – 8% Complexity and functionality – 8% New technologies used & others – 8% Source code inspection – 8% 40

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, • • Robofest (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 41

Check List for Host Continued… • Gym Score Board or Multimedia Projector & Screen • Sound System • Arrangements for the playing (or singing) of the • • • Robofest 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 42

Check List for Host Continued… • 2 autonomous robotics experts for Judge’s • • Robofest 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 43

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 Robofest 44

Services LTU Provides to Hosts: • Promotion of your organization through Website, • • • Robofest 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. 45

How to Start a Team: • Ask us to give a presentation at your school • Find students who already has Lego Mindstorms • • • Robofest ($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 46

Comparison of FLL and Robofest - I When Registration fee Tournament fee Playing field material (must buy every year) FLL (FIRST Lego League) Sep-Dec $150 $40 - $60 $50 + shipping and handling. Must purchase from FLL. Cannot be reused. Required Table Costs $200 -$400 (w/o labor) Team size / No. of robots Up to 10 / 1 Robofest Jan-April $30 $20 (tentative) Initially around $50 and reusable every year. Can be purchased at local stores None (crates or equivalent) Up to 7 /2 Robot / Lego / RCX code or Any Programming Lang. Robo. Lab only Robofest 47

Comparison of FLL and Robofest - II Student Age Direct adult help Exhibition? Personalized certificate? National Championship? Encourage adaptable solutions Research Presentation Robofest FLL Robofest 5 th-9 th (middle school only) ? , not checked No No 5 th-12 th (Middle and High) Not allowed, checked Yes Yes (in April) Yes, April 23, World Robofest Yes No (dimension of the playing field is known and fixed) Yes No 48

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, tentatively Robofest 49

Free Workshop Schedule: (All Sessions will be held at LTU) • Sat. Jan. 29, 2005, 9 am-Noon, RCX code • • • Robofest workshop for registered teams Sat. Feb. 5, 2005, 9 am-Noon, Robo. Lab workshop for registered teams Fri. Feb. 11, 2005, 8 am-1 pm, Robotics Exploration Day for invited High School students Sat. Feb. 12, 2005, 9 am-Noon, Le. Jos Java workshop for registered teams Sat. Feb. 19, 2005, 9 am-Noon, NQC workshop for registered teams Fri. Mar. 11, 2005, 8 am-1 pm, Robotics Exploration Day for invited High School students 50

Warm-up Competition: • Saturday, March 5 at LTU – all Teams will • • Robofest 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 51

Thank You 1010 Robofest – Inspiring Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Robofest 52