15/10: FINAL UPDATE! Find out more here! And register here!
Registration is open until 10 November 2009.
To register for RoboDance and RoboChallenge together, REGISTER HERE!
RoboChallenge 2008 Academic Awards
Congratulations to the following winners, your trophies are being sent to your mentors for you already.
Top Scientist Award (Junior) Name: Zhang Han Org: Care Corner Student Care Centre (Admiralty) Team: CARE CORNER SCC (ADMIRALTY) TEAM 1
Top Mathematician Award (Junior) Name: SHWETHA SUBRAMANIAN Org: CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel Team: The Creaters
Top Scientist Award (Senior) Name: Jin Yuan Gan Org: Catholic High School Team: CHS Team 2
Top Mathematician Award (Senior) Name: Ching Chueck Hin Org: Bedok South Secondary School Team: OldSkool
Top Design & Technologist Award (Senior) Name: Yee Ling Org: CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) Team: 360 degrees
The list below shows students whose scores are so near to the top students', we feel that they deserve to be given a special mention, even though there are no awards designed for them. Well to each of you, try harder and you will get there next year:
Science (Junior) Leon Seow Yong Kang, Branden Low Jing Yi, Phyllis Ngor Rui Zhi Choy Wen Xu Goh
Mathematics (Junior) JING YING, ROSANNE Teo EN QI, ANGIE CHING Leon Seow Irene Novita Ayu Rui Zhi Choy Hui Ming Chiak Jie En Tie Emmanuel Lee Edward Lee Nigel Hong Jie Hui Koo Yi Yuan Low Gracia Leong
Science (Senior) Jun Rong, Collin Ng Yee Ling Mok Cherng Goh Hui Jie Tan Daphne Tay
Mathematics (Senior) Jun Rong, Collin Ng Adrian Chan Ee Ray
Science & Technology (Senior) Sherman Yong Chia Wei Yan Wesley Han Kwok Kwang
Raw Feedback about Academic Awards: 1. For an online quiz, if many students are going to be in the same lab at the same time, bandwidth being shared by so many will be insufficient, causing slow responses from the website. 2. A faster way to reset the password, probably via online methods like email, will be better. 3. Quiz questions, although seems to pick from a range of levels, and seeks to be more general, then purely academic, still favours the older student in each bracket. More age independent questions could be given, or smaller age brackets could be set, so that everyone competes in their own age bracket only. 4. Fun, with the count down clock ticking, really gets everyone excited. 5. Good to have such a short quiz, simple and exciting.
Testimonial
"Thank you for the RoboChallenge held on 4th July 2008 as my 2 teams enjoyed themselves very much. As for me, being a judge was a good experience to kill my time at this event. It was a real eyeopener to see so many amazing robots that children built.", Michelle Lim, Educator.
RoboChallenge 2008 July 20th Updates
The Academic Award winners will be announced soon. The quiz closed on Friday last week, 19th July 2008. Hope everyone had a better impression of how robotic knowledge is related to your academic studies. Thank you once again for your enthusiasm. The surge in internet traffic on the site was amazing, and could well account for the difficulties in logging in among some participants. Look out here soon for the award winners! Your certificates will be sent to your organisation soon as well.
RoboChallenge 2008 July 8th Updates
For all participants of RoboChallenge 2008. You can ask your teacher mentors to give you your username and password for attempting a 15 minute quiz. Once the results are clear and verified, you will be informed via elpmis.com, this website, and also through your teacher mentors. You can receive your awards from them if you have are successful.
Deadline: Complete this quiz before 18th July 2008 5pm please.
The exciting event has concluded on Friday 4th July. The winners have been found. You can read the full report from these two files, Report and ReportDetails. Congratulations to all the winners on Friday.
The competition is not completely over yet though. There are more awards, Academic Awards, that can be won. Participants will get the log in details from their mentors next week, then they can have the whole week to take the quiz. Once the quiz closes, the results will be made known to everyone, and the awards will be given out to the winners. Keep your eyes peeled to this site for another week for more exciting information about RoboChallenge 2008.
RoboChallenge 2008 June 30th Updates
This Friday being the big day, we would like everyone to have the latest information, whether you are a competitor, or just visiting to support your friends. So we have decided to let everyone into this website's Members' Zone (after you log in as guest with password as guestelpmis, disabled after 4th July 2008).
Latest updates in the Members Zone include
FAQ updated
List of registered teams
Sample rules have long been in this page. Do read it for a feel of what to expect on this Friday afternoon.
Just as every year before this, you will only get to know what is the full details on the competition day itself. Everyone starts with a sealed envelope, at the same time, to solve the problem on hand. 100% knowledge, 100% independence are required of the participants. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
Date:4th July 2008 Venue: Catholic High Secondary Registration time: 2.30pm onwards. Time: 3pm - 7pm. Team size: 3 Age: 10-19 years old Fee: S$50 Email:
Once your registration is accepted, you will get a Username and Password to access this website's Members Zone page. In there, you will get even more information.
News 2008 July 3 - FAQ (latest in bold) By now, many teams have already built your robots and are testing on mock playing fields. Here are some questions we have received and answered. Please check if you face the same issues as your fellow RoboChallengers.
Q1. If the cups fall out of the playing field, can they still be retrieved by hand or by the robot? A. The playing field may be raised slightly to give the audience a better view of it. That means the cups may have fallen off the edges, and the robot cannot run out of the playing field, or risk getting caught at the edges or totally falling off. This means that the cups, once out of the playing field will be considered as 'lost in space' and cannot be retrieved for scoring any more.
Q2. Is the playing field on the ground? A. For the sake of audience viewing it, the playing fields may be lifted off the ground slightly, that means that robots better not move out of the field, or it may really fall off the edges, at which time, this run is deemed as over.
Q3. If the robot runs out of the playing field, is it alright? A. The robot is advised not to run off the playing field, because the playing field may be lifted off the ground, the robot may fall off the edge! That will be signal the end of this run.
Q4. Are there walls around the playing field? A. No.
Q5. Are the cups all standing upright? A. This will not be revealed until the secret RoboChallenge envelopes are opened.
Q6. What is the size limit of the robot? A. Fully extended, it must fit comfortably into a 25x25x25cm cube.
Q7. Are there any limits to the number of parts used? A. No limits.
Q8. Can Bluetooth be used? A. No. In fact, even Radio Frequency technologies for remote controlling the robot is not allowed. Any violation of this, or attempts to disrupt or control the robot remotely will deem the team to be disqualified. This rule is mostly to ensure that there are no advantages given to teams who have access to high technology compared to teams who have rudimentary kits only. This will ensure everyone competes on the same level as closely as possible. For unsure, please highlight before the actual day, by emailing to
, to ensure robots do not get censored at the last minute.
Q9. How big is the playing field? A. This will be revealed on the actual day via the secret RoboChallenge envelope.
Q10. What robotic kit is allowed? A. Any one.
Q11. Can you touch the robot? What about touching the touch sensor on the robot? A. You cannot touch the robot once the robot is totally out of the Safety zone. The exception is that, some teams have placed touch sensors on their robots itself, used to signalling to the robot, to turn, move or stop, etc. In such cases, touching the touch sensors are allowed. Note that the referees may decide to end a run, if touching the robot in such cases made the robot be moved by the hand's force, which is not allowed. We understand that in the excitement, pushing the sensors too hard, may nudge the robot physically, accidentally, but as long as the force seems to be affecting the robot's motion and/direction, the run will be ended by the referee in charge.
Q12. If the wires get entangled, can we unentangle them? A. Only if you are in the Safety zone. And the time keeps running.
Q13. Could the cups be raised or stuck to the ground? A. The cups may be raised slightly higher, rather than laid flat on the ground. The cups will not be stuck to the ground.
Q14. Can we end the run earlier? A. Yes, as long as you tell the referee 'Done!', the referee will end the run. To ensure that the referee is not confused by too many people shouting, a team member may be given a flag to raise to signal the ending.
Q15. Must we end in the Safety zone automatically? A. No need. You can touch, or 'catch' the robot once it has any parts moved into the Safety zone.
Q16. If 10 pieces of bricks, all attached, fall off my robot during the run, how is it counted for tie-breaking? A. It is counted as 1 piece. But you are not allowed to remove that piece from the playing field. And if subsequently, your robot breaks it up into even smaller 3 pieces, it is then not counted as 1 but as 3 pieces. Such scorings are checked at the end of the run only.
Q17. If a piece falls off a robot, and get pushed out of the playing field, how is it counted for tie-breaking? A. It is counted as 1 piece fallen off, even though at the end of the run, it is not in the playing field. The referees will have to be rather sharp to catch all these. Please assist them and be honest, you would expect the other competitors to be so too. Hope to have a fun and fair run with everyone's cooperation.
Q18. What will the teachers and mentors do during the whole event? A. The organisers will need the teachers and mentors to go around selecting, judging and voting for some of the awards. So they should be rather busy. They are not allowed to help the competitors anyway, so this will allow them to not feel too bored. To keep things simple, the voting by the teachers and mentors may be done in simpler and more open manners, like placing voting balls into open boxes, so that it is visible to everyone.
Q19. Are parents, siblings and friends allowed to visit? A. Yes of course, supporters are welcome, but note that the auditorium, the venue, may not be conducive if everyone is milling around, and this may be the school's oral exam period, so silence is to be expected when outside the sound proof auditorium, try to be considerate for the kind school who volunteered their nice auditorium. So, any supporters would be expected to be unobtrusive as far as possible, to ensure everyone can operate comfortably.
Q20. Must we bring our own computers? A. If your robot is already programmed to be controlled by hand, like touching the touch sensors, waving at the ultrasound sensors, then you may not need any computers at all, or can share with other friends who are bringing. There are no computers provided at the venue. There will be some power supply outlets though, so you can charge your notebooks while there. It is advisable to fully charge your notebooks before coming, the event will be quite short, so most notebooks should survive the length of time. If you are still worried, we suggest you bring a multiplug, in case I run out of power supply points for so many teams. We will try to supply as many as is possible, with the help of the school, but there may really not be enough due to overwhelming response. We are already looking into larger venues for the future years, to ensure this growth is sustainable.
Q21. If we have questions who do we ask? A. You can email
, or ask your teachers who can forward your questions to us.
Q22. Must we use wheeled robots? A. No, you can use any type of motion enabling device. If yours can fly, we would be most excited to see it!
Q23. What time must we arrive? A. You should be registering between 2.30-3.00pm and be in the auditorium, seated by 3pm sharp. If you come later, you are disadvantaged because the briefing would be over, and the time will already have started, so you will continue with the same schedule as the teams who were on time. Most information will be in the secret RoboChallenge envelope released at 3pm, and if you are late, you can get the envelope at the registration desk outside the auditorium. There will not be a second briefing although you can continue to ask the organisers questions during the event, as long as they are available to answer. Note that if you are late, they are not obliged to brief you all over again, but they will be as helpful as they can, given their other duties on the actual day. Hope to have your understanding on this matter.
Q24. Can the mentor and teachers read the secret RoboChallenge envelope as well? A. Once opened by the team leader, the mentors and teachers can read and help to explain the contents, as there are some juniors who may not understand the rules clearly. Note that the mentors and teachers WILL be invited away for judging duties after a while, and they will not always be available to interpret those rules, so competitors must be clear and ask questions quickly to understand everything quickly.
Q25. Can I use BlueTooth to control the robot? A. No. No Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Just interact and control the robot via light, touch, ultrasound or other sensors that do not use RF. Q26. Can I use the NXT? A. Yes. Any type of robot. Note that there is a size restriction though. It must fit in a 25cm cube at all times as stated in the 'rules'. Q27. How many teams can our organisation send? A. No limits, just remember that we are all here to have fun and share, not to win, by sheer numbers. Q28. Are young and old kids competiting all together? A. Yes, but they are scored against only their peers. Primary school aged students are scored separately from the Secondary school ones. If a team comprises both age groups, they are competiting among the older group. Q29. How many teams are registered already? A. There are 22 teams at the moment, please log in to elpmis.com with username guest and password guestelpmis, and check the MembersZone page for the latest numbers. Q30. When does registration end? A. Registration period ends on 15th June 2008. Q31. Can a long wire be used to control the robot by a member? A. Yes, with a touch sensor at the end, probably. Note that tugging the robot by force will mean the team gets zero points for that run. Q32. Is it difficult to accomplish the mission? A. The most basic program written on the NXT via on-board programming, the 'NXT Program', is sufficient to solve the mission. Q33. Any sample programs? A. Try this with the NXT's on-board program. The 5 steps can be as follows:
Forward with no time limit,
Wait for touch sensor,
Turn right with no time limit,
Wait for touch sensor,
Loop.
You will then see that the robot with only 1 touch sensor, and 2 motors, is quite controllable already, always moving straight or spinning only, with some practice.
Q34. Can I use infra red remote control of the RCX? Or any form of technology that wirelessly control the robot? The wires are getting in the way.
A. No, to keep the entry level low and simple, and yet not to give advantage to teams who may be able to afford higher technology, compared to poorer teams with no such luxuries. Like BlueTooth and Radio Frequency (RF) technology, you are not allowed to use infra red technology which is also a form of wireless technology. In contrast, you are allowed to use the ultrasonic sensor, light and the sound sensor that comes with the NXT kit creatively to emulate wireless control.
“…help…” gasped the Scientists stuck in their space station BattleStar, they need help!
Your RoboRescue team has just arrived. You have barely 90 seconds left before their air escapes into the merciless cold vacuum surrounding them.
And yet you are unable to dock right beside the BattleStar, blocked by debris.
How can you cross the vacuum, the space, to reach the trapped people?
Frustration sinks in when you realize it is humanly impossible to get to them without crossing an expense of vacuum, space.
But wait! You have a non-human team mate! Your robot team mate ROBO can move in vacuum!
You think aloud.
“…Let ROBO go through vacuum, I can still maintain control to ensure human common sense is around when needed…yes!”
Enough thinking. Time to ACT!
The action plan:
Send in ROBO. Enter the BattleStar. Grab the victims. Bring them back to your RoboRescue team.
“ROBO!” you barked.
“Activate!” “Go! Go! GO!”
The above may be just a story, but the situation can happen when we humans explore Space further.
This is the theme for this year's competition. As before, you will only get to know what is the full details on the actual day itself. Everyone starts with a sealed envelope, and at the same time, to solve the problem on hand. 100% knowledge, 100% independence are required of the participants. Join us for an afternoon of fun!
Date:4th July 2008 Venue:Catholic High Secondary Auditorium Registration time:2.30pm onwards. Time:3pm – 7pm. Team size:3 Age: 10-19 years old Fee: S$50 Email:
Bring your own laptop, and extension cord if you need more power sockets. Registration will close by 15th June 2008.
This is the most prestigious award that a RoboChallenge competitor can win. The winner represents the team with the most well rounded performance. They impress everyone easily with their ability wherever they choose to present themselves.
Best Mission Score Award
The robot that scores the highest during their mission will walk away with this price. As in all success stories, they can fail many times, but we will only record their best scores, encouraging everyone to give their best and never give up.
Best Mechanical Award
The team that displays, through their robot, an ability to construct with mechanical function in mind, in contrast to just considerations for form.
Most Creative Award
This award celebrates the team with the most creative design. Form defines beauty in all human inventions. This team shows the best in human designs.
Best Teamwork Award
Any team can perform well, but the best team performs well under pressure, enjoying every bit of challenge they face. This team’s members show off their ability to coorperate and encourage each other under the most difficult situations.
Judges Award
There are always teams that exhibit excellences in areas that the Judges find difficult to fit under other Awards. The Judges Award is given to the teams that Judges feel deserve a special mention for their areas of excellence. Judges will explain if such teams exist and deserve these awards.
Academic Awards
These are awards given to participants who demonstrate understanding in curriculum, and chosen beyond-curriculum, knowledge. They may be tested during the event itself via stage quizzes, or even before or after the event via online quizzes. The format will be released to the successful registrants nearer the event.
Top Scientist Award
Science quiz winner
Top Mathematician Award
Mathematics quiz winner
Top Design & Technologist Award
Design & Technology quiz winner
RoboChallengers newbies and veterans
2008 Teams
(updated at least weekly, please check back here often. Your team name being listed here is also indication of successful registration.) Bedok South Secondary School, OldSkool Bedok South Secondary School, Biomechanica Bedok South Secondary School, Xperimental Care Corner Student Care Centre, CARE CORNER SCC (ADMIRALTY) TEAM 1 Care Corner Student Care Centre, CARE CORNER SCC (ADMIRALTY) TEAM 2 Catholic High School, CHS Team 1 Catholic High School, CHS Team 2 Catholic High School, CHS Team 3 CHIJ OLGC, ACER CHIJ OLGC, B.A.Y Robomakers CHIJ OLGC, G.I.Y Robomakers CHIJ OLGC, The Creaters CHIJ OLQP, Robo Girls CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 1 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 2 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), 23Q CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 3 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 4 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 5 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 6 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Team 7 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Dice3 CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Fang CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Footsteps CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), J-Cube CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), MAR CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), Thrillers Anonymous Chung Cheng High School (Main), SIASOB Damai Secondary School, AYI Damai Secondary School, DJ2 Damai Secondary School, Trojan Horses Nan Hua High School, NHHS1 Nan Hua High School, NHHS2 Secret Chamber, Crusader Knights Secret Chamber, Arabian Knights Secret Chamber, King Arthur's Knights Secret Chamber, Paladin Knights Secret Chamber, Celestial Knights Serangoon Garden Secondary School, SGS1 Serangoon Garden Secondary School, SGS2 Serangoon Garden Secondary School, SGS3 Serangoon Garden Secondary School, SGS4 Serangoon Garden Secondary School, SGS5 West Grove Primary School, Alpha Knights West Grove Primary School, Beta Storm West Grove Primary School, Delta Ace West Grove Primary School, Epsilon Red West Grove Primary School, Gamma Titans West Grove Primary School, Omega Stars West Grove Primary School, Sigma Fire West Grove Primary School, Zeta Angels Yuhua Secondary School, What Ever! Yuhua Secondary School, Anything Yuhua Primary School, Cybernatics A Yuhua Primary School, Cybernatics B
RoboChallenge
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