VJTI Robotics Challenge: Arena, Rules and Scoring Explained
The VJTI Robotics Challenge (VCR) was the flagship competition of the Autobots track. This page condenses the rulebook that was published for the festival. It is a historical summary and the rules are not current.
The task
Each team built two robots: one operated manually by a single member and one fully autonomous. Inspired by the national Robocon contest, the challenge asked the pair to work together on an atomic-themed course. Up to six students could form a team, and members from different institutions could join forces. The organisers said every team would receive a certificate of excellence, except disqualified ones.
The arena
The field measured 660 by 500 centimetres. It included a start area for each robot, a zone holding the “particles”, a black grid with white lines for the autonomous robot (squares of 27 cm, lines 3 cm wide), a manual zone, a key zone, a depositing zone and an atom model with two orbits and a nucleus. The electrons, protons and neutrons were lightweight foam cylinders, and the key was a foam block.
Gameplay
Two methods were permitted. In the first, the autonomous robot used a clamp to pick particles that the manual robot had placed in its zone. In the second, particles were placed directly on the autonomous robot. Either way, the sequence was similar:
- The manual robot moves particles to the autonomous robot.
- It then fetches the key from the ramp and drops it in the depositing zone, which releases the autonomous robot.
- The autonomous robot navigates the grid to a leaving zone.
- The manual robot places electrons and then the nucleons in the atom model.
Main rules
- A run lasts a maximum of three minutes.
- The manual operator cannot change during a match.
- Each robot may move only in its own zone.
- A dropped particle must be replaced by going back to the source zone.
- The autonomous robot gets a five-minute dry run to explore the grid.
- Restarts are allowed if a robot drops a particle, but the clock keeps running, and organisers must approve any removal.
- Only organisers handle the particles. Laptops are banned near the arena and wireless devices must be off.
- The organisers may stop any robot they consider dangerous. Flammable or explosive processes are forbidden.
- Official timing is final, and ties are settled in favour of the team that deposits its token first.
Robot specifications
| Autonomous robot | Manual robot | |
|---|---|---|
| Start size | 40 x 40 x 60 cm | 50 x 50 x 60 cm |
| Maximum weight | 8 kg | 12 kg |
| Control | Fully autonomous, no human contact after start | Wired remote, one operator |
| Other limits | Single body, only one robot, ready-made controller boards allowed | No ready-made Lego kits; ready-made gear assemblies are allowed |
Scoring
Points were awarded for placing the key (10), for moving each particle to the autonomous robot or zone (10 each), for delivering particles to a leaving zone (10 each) and for each electron placed in the atom (30 each). Penalties of 10 points applied when a robot strayed into the wrong zone, and 20 points when a robot entered an opponent’s zone.
Violations and disqualification
Each violation cost 10 points, and five violations in one match meant disqualification. Violations included entering an opponent’s space, interfering with an opponent, or leaving the arena. Teams could also be disqualified for unfair play, ignoring referees, receiving remote instructions for the autonomous robot or deliberately damaging equipment. The organisers reserved the right to modify the rules.