Robot Ramble

Robot Ramble (Robo Cross) is an event in which participants must design and build a robot capable of performing various tasks. This robot must meet certain parameters, such as size, method of control, electricity used, and overall safety. In 2007-2008, teams were required to navigate their robot on a 4 foot by 4 foot playing field picking up the following items: a tennis ball, 4 d cell batteries, 4 ping-pong balls, and 4 4x2 peg legos. These items were then required to be placed into an 11 oz. coffee can or out in various zones.

The challenge was that this box was the same size as the maximum dimensions of the robot, and was also (if the team desired) filled with 3 balloons that could be popped for additional points. Any objects that left the playing field were considered out of bounds (can't be scored) and if the can was knocked over or pushed outside of the playing field teams could not score any points. Each item carried a certain point value, based on location, difficulty to pick up, etc. A 3 minute time limit increases the already-stiff challenge, while also providing a means of tie-breaking in the event of a tie. Because of this element of time, it was not only important to strive for a perfect score, but also to ensure that the task was completed in the shortest time possible, creating a vital need for many practice runs and time for properly calibrating/adjusting the device.

2008 Playing Field

 * 4 ping pong balls
 * D cell batteries
 * 1 tennis ball
 * 4 legos (4x2)

Getting Started
The Ultimate link- http://www.soinc.org/events/robocross/index.htm

Build a board/playing field. There are many ways to get started, but the easiest way is with a kit.


 * http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-robotics-vexplorer.shtml This is a good beginner design, but to get over the Molding, you need to modify the wheels.


 * http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-robotics-starter-kit-parts.shtml A bit more advanced, you can modify this but it is mainly to add on to.

Miscellaneous Links:
 * http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=1


 * http://www.mrrobot.com/


 * http://mindstorms.lego.com/Products/Default.aspx

Lego Mindstorms are also a good idea.

Some ways to pick up


The .psd file to edit the above image can be found here.

Science Olympiad National Tournament Student Self Check List
Before turning in your robot for impoundment, please check the following qualification parameters for your robot. Robots that do not meet these parameters may compete but will be ranked after those robots that do. Additionally, if a RC robot is operating on a band other then 27, 49, or 75 Mhz it is not in compliance with FCC regulations and may not compete in the Robo Cross event.


 * No more than one robot may be used by a competing team.
 * Remote Controller must be powered by a battery, which is not to exceed 9.6 volts.
 * Robot must fit into a 30cm cube prior to the start of competition. Teams may "Cram" into the box.
 * Robot is powered by commercial batteries. (Its really the only way to determine your voltage, and homemade batteries are just too dangerous)
 * Batteries (In each circuit) do not exceed 9.6 volts.
 * Only electric circuits � no hydraulics, pneumatics, or fluidics.
 * If a transmitter is used, it is to be powered by a commercial battery with an output not to exceed 9.6 volts. (That mean no laptops or 8 AA 1.5v batteries, one alternative can be 8 1.2 rechargeable AA batteries)
 * Robots must have a legible I.D.
 * RC models are in approved frequency range � 75Mhz, 49Mhz, or 27Mhz. (Rule: 1-k) (It's actually illegal for land vehicles to operate at any other frequencies. Do not buy Aircraft transmitters; however, some manufactures sell the same transmitters for Land use.)

Bring to competition:
 * A copy of the rules
 * Any clarifications from soinc.org, in case the judges aren't aware of the clarifications. This is especially important at invitationals, when judges are less likely to have read all the clarifications.
 * Duct tape
 * Scissors and/or knife (box cutters, etc)
 * Repair Kit, because sometimes the judges will let you repair on the spot.