iNexus International Round

Problem Statement

Build a legged machine that has to traverse across the designated path in the least possible time

To see the Arthrobot (Final Round) problem statement, click here.

View the Arena »

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2.1 Arena Specifications

Zone A:

Zone A is white in color. Also a narrow black strip of about 2 cm in the middle of the track will be provided to further aid autonomous machines. It is a plain surface apart from a step of height 3 cm, located at 1m before the finish line. A black color strip of 2 cm will be provided 6 cm before the step for step detection.

All the arena dimensions would be within 2% error or 10 mm whichever is maximum. However the error in the case of step would be within 2 mm.

Zone B:

Zone B is at the same level as Zone A and is black in color. A penalty shall be imposed on the machine if it enters in Zone B.

Figure 1: Top View (with dimensions)

Figure 2: Top View

Figure 3: 3D View

View the Machine Specifications »

3.1 Dimensions and Fabrication

1. The maximum allowed dimensions of the machine are 0.75 m X 0.75 m before the start line, there are no restrictions on height of the machine.
2. The machine should not weigh more than 10 kg.
3. The legged machines can have any number of legs.
4. If the machine uses an externally placed power supply, the dimensions of the power supply are excluded in the size constraint.
5. During the game, the machine can expand or detach itself into multiple parts provided it does not damage the arena in any way. The judges hold the right to subjectively determine if the machine violates this clause. However, any part of the bot that is detached during the run should also cross the finish line otherwise the minimum distance of the detached part from the starting line would be taken as the distance covered by the bot.
6. Machine can only use readymade mechanical parts. Readymade electronic kits are not allowed.Thus Participants can use any ready made electrical components to the level of chips and components however any assembling of those components will have to be done by the participant

3.2 Power Supply and Propulsion

1. The machine is allowed to have on-board power supply or external power supply.
2. The method of propulsion is at the discretion of the builder, provided it does not damage the arena in any way. The machine cannot use any mechanism which directly transmits the manual force to the machine. For example use of clutch wires is not permitted. The judges hold the right to subjectively determine if the machine violates this.

3.3 Controls

1. The machine can be completely autonomous or manually controlled, the condition being that only four controls for maneuvering are allowed on the control board for the manual control.
2. In case of wired mechanism, the wire must be slack at any point of time during the game. The length of wire extending from the control board to the machine must be more than 3 meters. Note that your controller board should be clearly visible from both sides.

3.4 Definition of Leg

1. Maximum of two legs can show dependent actuation.
2. No wheels or rotary wheel-like appendages will be permitted.
3. Traction belt with studs or roller chain with feet mounted in any orientation is not permitted.
4. The machine can only use its legs for the locomotion and negotiating the obstacles.
5. The entire weight of the machine must be completely supported by the machine legs.
6. All legs/appendages that are used to assist in balancing the machine, or locomotion, must separate (lift/hop/move) off the ground at some point during each walk/step cycle. i.e. they can not slide/roll across the ground.

View the Rules »

4.1 Competition Rules

1. If the specified requirements mentioned in the section 3.4 are not met then the team would be disqualified.
2. The run time starts from the moment any part of the machine crosses the starting line and stops the moment last part exits the finish line.
3. If the machine crosses Zone B or touches the white strip beyond the Zone B then the team will have to go for a rerun.
4. If the Machine enters the Zone B then half the time stayed in the Zone B will be added to the run time.
5. Each team will get a maximum time of 10 minutes which includes all the run times as well as the time taken by the participant to make minor changes in their machines in between the runs.
6. If a participant touches the machine in the middle of its run then the team has to go for rerun.
7. At each rerun 15% fraction of run time would be added to the run time.
8. Only the best rerun would be counted.
9. In case none of the teams are able to complete the track then the team which goes farthest distance will be regarded as the winner.
10. Advantages:
    
    1. Advantage on basis of number of legs: To encourage and also keeping in mind the difficulty of making.
       
       • The best run time of machine designs of 4 legs (Tetrapeds/Tetrapods) will be reduced by 10% (i.e. Run Time = 0.9 x Actual Run Time).
       • The best run time of machine design of 3 legs (Triped) will be reduced by 15% (i.e. Run time = 0.85 x Actual Run Time).
       • The best run time of machine designs of 2 legs (Biped) will be reduced by 20% (i.e. Run Time = 0.8 x Actual Run Time).
    2. Advantage on basis of power supply:
       The best run time would be reduced by 10% if an onboard power supply is used.
    3. Advantage on basis of automation:
       The best run time would be reduced by 20% in the case of completely autonomous machine.
       All the percentages would be added and not compounded. For example, for a completely autonomous biped with on board power supply its run time would be reduced by 50%.
    
    
    4. The decision of the Judges will be final when implementing the rules of the legged machine competition.
    5. Apart from first, second and third prize there would also be best design prize decided on the basis of design, innovativeness and uniqueness of the entry by the judges.
    
    

    4.2 General Rules

    1. The teams must adhere to the spirit of healthy competition. The teams must not damage the arena in any way. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any team indulging in misbehavior.
    2. Any team that is not ready at the time specified will be disqualified from the competition automatically.
    3. The machine would be checked for its safety before the race and would be discarded if found unsafe for other participants and spectators.
    4. The name of your machine must be prominently displayed on the manual as well as autonomous machine.
    5. Judges decision shall be treated as final and binding on all.
    6. The organizers reserve the rights to change any or all of the above rules as they deem fit. Change in rules, if any will be highlighted on the website and notified to the registered participants.
    
    

    4.3 Team Specifications

    A team must consist of 4 or less participants. Students from different educational institutes can form a team.

    
    

    4.4 Eligibility

    All students with a valid identity card of their respective educational institutes are eligible to participate in this competition at Techfest 2009.

    
    

    4.5 Registration

    Registrations for iNexus have ended.