Challenge Announcement Manual

NJRC 2013 CHALLENGE MANUAL

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National Junior Robotics Competition 2013

CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT MANUAL

Organised by: Sponsored by:

Supported by:


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CONTENT

1. An Introduction to the NJRC Pg 2

2. Format Of Competition Pg 3

3. The NJRC Challenge

Primary Division – Mission 1 Pg 7

Secondary Division – Mission 1 Pg 18

Tertiary Division – Mission 1 Pg 29

All Division Pg 41

Trial / Practice Playing Fields Pg 43

4. NJRC Awards Pg 44

5. Open Category Pg 48

6. Side Events Pg 49

7. Important Dates to Remember Pg 53

8. Challenge Week Schedule Pg 54

9. World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2013 Pg 56


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An Introduction to the NJRC The National Junior Robotics Competition (NJRC) is an exciting and unique event organised by Science Centre Singapore and supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR). This competition promotes strategy building, teamwork and creativity among student participants. 2013 is NJRC’s 15th anniversary. This annual competition started in 1999 and over the past years, more than 40,000 participants and 200,000 supporters had gathered for this premier robotics competition. Theme for NJRC 2013 Every year, the NJRC revolves around a specific theme and a challenge is revealed to the students. With NJRC celebrating its 15th year running, coupled with the celebration of the Science Centre Singapore’s 35th year anniversary, it is only appropriate that this year’s theme will be “Celebrating Science”. Teams The NJRC is divided into 3 categories:

Primary Division (for Primary 3 to Primary 6 students)

Secondary Division (for Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 students)

Tertiary Division (for 1st and 2nd year ITE/JC/Poly students) Each team; of not more than 5 students each, will work together in order to fulfill the missions of the competition. One or more teachers and/or parents can mentor each team. Mentors are to provide guidance and support, and are NOT allowed to work on the project for the students. Teams have to canvass for funds from the community around them. During the process of constructing their robots, students can request for assistance in technology know-how and entrepreneurial skills from industry partners. Expectations on Teams After the Challenge Announcement in July, teams will work on the different aspects of the competition. The primary task for the teams will be to build a robot to take on the challenge during the NJRC event. Using the LEGO® MINDSTORMS RCX (9794) or NXT® (9797) challenge kit, students have to construct and program their creation to overcome a specially designed and challenging course called “the playing field”. Teams will be allowed to use the LEGO 9694 color sensor. Their robots will compete with one another during the four-day challenge preliminary rounds. The top 40 teams from each category and Top 20 from tertiary category will vie for the top position during the Grand Finals on the last day of the NJRC. Apart from the building the best robot, teams are expected to conduct research on this year’s theme, which is “Celebrating Science”. They are to present their findings to a panel of judges during the pre-event presentation rounds. Teams will also present their competition learning journey that encapsulates their robot design, research work and all other work that they done for this competition. NJRC is an excellent opportunity for students to interact with their peers, teachers and judges (from tertiary institutions & various industries), during the course of the competition.


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The NJRC is about celebrating the process of learning through interactive and meaningful experiences.

Format of Competition

The competition will have three categories: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Level. It will run over a two week period, from 2nd of September to 14th of September 2013. The first week of the competition is the Presentation Week while the second week is the Challenge Week.

i. Presentation Week (2 September - 7 September 2012) During the presentation week, teams will present to a panel of judges the work they have done for this competition. These teams will be assessed for a number of awards which includes: a. The Best Mechanical Design Award b. The Best Programming Award c. The Best Research Award d. The Best Learning Journey Award e. The Best Presentation Award It is strongly recommended that each team brings a copy of their research, a laptop with the programme as well as the robot that they would be using in the competition. The presentation plays an integral part for those teams who wish to vie for the NJRC Championship Award. Teams are allotted 10 mins (5 mins presentation, 2 mins learning journey presentation, 3 mins Q&A) only. Note: Details and judging criteria for each award is listed under the ‘The NJRC Awards’

section.

The Presentation

1) Presentation Content (5 mins)

This is an important section of your participation. Your findings will go on to determine if you have “the right stuff” for the Championship Award. The research topic this year will be to convince judges of the importance and relevance of the teams’ interpretation of the theme “Celebrating Science” and its impact in the present and future generations. Since the theme has a very wide scope it would also be best if the brainstorming and the rest of the scientific process is well documented and emphasized.

The presentation shall also include explanation(s) of your robot design and programming.

2) Learning Journey (2 mins) After the presentation of the research, teams are required to showcase their entire learning journey, co-operative work and members’ reflections during their participation in the NJRC.


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Teams are free to decide on their presentation platform (video, project timeline chart, learning journal, photo montage, etc). Presentation time is 2 minutes so any footage must not be longer than 2 minutes long. Teams are required to show their videos and footage on their own laptops during the presentations. Each team must also submit a CD containing a copy of the video. 3) Q&A (3 mins) Team members are to answer questions asked by the judges after their presentation. Presentation Preliminary (2 September - 5 September 2013) Teams will be allocated a specific time slot on one of the days to make their presentations. Each team is to present to one panel of judges, pitching on the awards for which the team is vying for. Presentation Finals (7 September 2013) During the finals, shortlisted teams will give a presentation focusing on the award for which they are being considered. E.g. Teams considered for the “The Best Research Award” are to pitch their presentation towards their research. Each team is given only 10 mins (5 mins presentation, 5 mins Q&A) for the presentation finals.

Important notes: Teams that are considered for the presentation finals will be informed through their touch-point (either their teachers-in-charge or their team leaders). Each team is to provide its touch-point’s contact number when they register for the presentation preliminary.

ii. Challenge Week (9 September – 14 September 2013)

The challenge comprises of two missions. Mission 1 is made known during the Challenge Announcement while Mission 2 is a surprise mission to be announced on the day of the challenge. Each mission comprises a variety of tasks, which the teams need to accomplish to earn points. Mission 1 will make up 30% of the final score while Mission 2 will make up 70%. Apart from designing their robots, teams may also decorate their booths, market themselves or their products, showcasing their entrepreneurship, and to impress a panel of judges who will assess them for a number of awards such as those listed below.


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Challenge Preliminary (9 September - 12 September 2013) Teams will spend a full day at the competition venue during the challenge preliminary. They will be informed of their allocated competition day prior to the challenge week. Teams should make sure their touch point contacts are registered.

The competition hall will be divided into 2 sections: (1) The quarantine area Each team will be assigned a work station located within the main quarantine area. The works station will be the team’s “pit” where the team works on their robot. There is a quarantine period in the morning and in the afternoon. During these periods, only 2 members from each participating team (students) are allowed in the quarantine area to work on their mission. The remaining team members are to stay at their marketing booths to conduct their marketing operations. (2) The marketing booths area Each team will also be assigned a booth located within the main competition hall. Teams may decorate their booths and use them as bases for their marketing operations. The booth areas will be open to all competitors, supporters, teachers, parents, public, etc. Judges will be visiting the booths during the quarantine period to assess each team for a variety of awards. Teams are advised to have at least one member present at their booths before the quarantine ends.

Each team will be assessed for the following awards:

a. Best Booth Design Award b. Entrepreneur Award

Note: Details and judging criteria for each award is listed under the ‘The NJRC Awards’

section.

The following is what the teams should expect during the course of the competition day.

The competition hall will open at 8 am. Teams are expected to stay from

8am to 6pm. No team shall exit the hall during the quarantine period unless the team has been disqualified, or under certain special circumstances.

Teams can calibrate their sensors at their allocated playing field during

the allocated time before the start of the quarantine.

Each team needs to accomplish two missions. Each mission allows a total of 2 actual runs. Mission 1 is attempted in the morning, and Mission 2 which is a surprise, is in the afternoon. The better result of the two runs for each mission will be considered for entry to the Grand Finals.


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After the first run, teams can go back to their work station at the

quarantine area and wait for the team coordinators to call for Run 2. Teams may opt not to do Run 2.

No trial runs will be allowed on the competition fields. (Teams who want

to do their trials can use the trial playing fields provided at the competition venue.)

The top 40 teams from each of the Primary and Secondary Divisions and the top 20 teams from the Tertiary Division will proceed to the Grand Finals. The Grand Finals will have a total of 100 teams (40 Primary, 40 Secondary, 20 Tertiary) to vie for the Best Robot Performance Award, and eventually the Championship Award.

Grand Finals (14 September 2013)

The top 40 teams from each of the the Primary and the Secondary Divisions and the top 20 from the Tertiary Division will pit their robots against one another to vie for the Best Robot Performance Award. Details of the Surprise Mission will only be made known in the morning of the Grand Finals after quarantine starts. They will be given approximately three hours to modify their robots to accomplish this mission. Results from the Surprise Mission will be used to determine the Best Robot Performance Award.


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The NJRC Challenge PRIMARY DIVISION

MISSION 1

This year we are celebrating 15 years of National Junior Robotics Competition! Science

Centre Singapore is putting together a big celebration with the help of the teams.

In mission 1, the teams will help prepare for the celebrations. Each category is responsible

for a different task.

Primary Category: Your task is to deliver the right drinks to the Sorting Bins and

clean up the area. Then, make your way to the holding area to await your next task.

The team starts off with 5 “coloured bricks” which represent the drinks. The coloured

bricks are red, blue and green. These bricks are randomly drawn by a member of

your team before the start of the run.

Each drink is to be placed in its corresponding coloured area which represents the

Sorting Bins. Then, the cylinder must be moved from the Cylinder Zone to the

Storage Area. Lastly, you must end the game by entering either Finish Zone A or

Finish Zone B.

1. Playing Field

The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props

and the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics

and LEGO elements.

The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1180mm (width) and has 40mm high walls all

around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements,

colour codes and dimensions.


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All measurements are in mm.

The dimensions of the playing fields, props and scoring elements may have some

deviations, approximately ±5mm. the lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.

Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However, they are not

allowed to test their robot on the actual playing field.

Copies of the drawings are available for download at http://www.njrc.com.sg/documents.php

http://www.njrc.com.sg/documents.php


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2. Scoring Elements

2.1. There are a total of 6 drinks; 2 of each colour. 5 will be chosen randomly at the start

of the run. Drinks represented by the bricks below:

Made up of four 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two 1 X 2 LEGO tiles at top

The picture above shows how each drink is built.

2.2. The Trash Can is represented by the clear acrylic tube painted grey internally. The

dimensions are: 100mm height, 60mm in external diameter and 3mm thickness. The

picture below shows the tube.


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3. General Rules, Game Play and Scoring

3.1. Each mission has 2 runs and the duration of each run is 2 minutes.

3.2. Only 2 team members are allowed in the playing field area.

3.3. Teams must heed all instructions from the referees during game play.

a) Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may forfeit the

run and be awarded zero points.

3.4. Teams are forbidden any form of communication devices or remote control

throughout the competition at any time during the competition.

3.5. Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start zone.

a) The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the start of the

run. The robot must also be motionless.

b) The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the start of the

run.

c) Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements for

placement on the field.

d) Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game, either to be

placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.

e) Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring elements in

any manner.

3.6. Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the robot.

a) Once the run has started, the robot can expand its extensions.

b) During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field except for

the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.

3.7. Restarts: Teams may request a restart at any point during the run.

a) The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and acknowledged by

the referees.

b) The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start zone.

c) In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on the playing

field except their robot.

d) If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the elements

will not be forfeited.

e) The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will not be reset

for a restart.

f) Time runs on, even if a restart is declared.

g) Only one restart is allowed per run.

3.8. End of Run: The run ends when:

a) The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s).

b) The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.

c) When time runs out.

d) If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or otherwise), the

run will be stopped by a referee.

e) If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off the robot immediately

and will not score any points thereafter. If there are any scoring elements on

the robot or possessed2 by it, the elements are forfeited.

3.9. Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it to

acknowledge the score.


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a) Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run. Maximum

time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.

b) Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referee’s decisions must

inform the referee after the run and before leaving the playing field area.

3.10. Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the following

are not valid reasons for a re-run:

a) Battery failure

b) Robot durability

c) Any deviations in the playing field setup, within the declared margins

3.11. The chief referee has final say on all scoring, game play and re-run

decisions.

a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may be

disqualified from the competition.

b) The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.

c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game play and

scoring before the start of the competition.

3.12. The chief referee and referees will not review any form of recording at any

time during the competition.

1. entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring

elements 2. possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position

relative to the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.

4. Mission 1 Game Play and Scoring

4.1. Before the start of the run, one member of the team will draw 5 drinks randomly. The

sequence of drinks drawn will determine the sequence of depositing drinks into

sorting bins.

4.2. Teams will then load the drinks into their robot.

4.3. The team places the robot at the Start Zone and starts when the referee gives the

signal.

4.4. The robot begins by bringing the drinks and placing them completely into the

appropriate sorting bins in the correct sequence.

a) Placing a coloured drink into its matching coloured bin is worth 10 points each

(maximum 50 points).

b) The drinks must be dispensed one at a time and dispensing sequence must be

clear to the referee.

4.4.b.1. Teams will be awarded a bonus of 10 points for successfully dispensing

drinks in the correct sequence.

4.5. The robot then brings the Trash Can out of the Cylinder Zone and into the Storage

Area completely.

a) Bringing the Trash Can out of the Cylinder Zone completely is worth 10 points.

b) Bringing the Trash Can into the Storage Area completely is worth 10 points

(standing vertical) or 5 points (other orientations).

4.6. The robot then proceeds to the Finish Zone.

a) The entire robot entering Zone A completely is worth 10 points.

b) The entire robot entering Zone B completely is worth 20 points.


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4.7. Scores will be taken at the end of the run except for the sequence score (Refer to

4.4.b.1)

4.8. Run time will be recorded for tie breaking.

Colour Object (5 objects) Cylinder Position Finish Position

Placed correctly into the colour

bins

Placed in the correct

sequence

Outside original position

completely

Into storage area completely

Zone A

Zone B

Standing Vertical

Not Standing Vertical

10 pts per object

10 pts 10 pts 10 pts 5 pts 10 pts 20 pt


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SECONDARY DIVISION

MISSION 1





Your task is to uncover pots and retrieve the empty pot to the Finish zone to await

your next task.

There are 2 types of coloured pots – “grey pots” which represent pots with a flower

and “black pot” which represent the empty pot. These pots will be randomly placed in

the Challenge Object Area (grey squares) and surrounded by a “fence”.

The fences must be removed to reveal the pots. Only the black pot is to be moved

out of its area and into the Finish Zone. The game ends when you enter the Finish

Zone, with or without the black pot.

1. Playing Field

The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props and

the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics and

LEGO elements.

The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1800mm (width) and has 50mm high walls all

around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements, colour

codes and dimensions.


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deviations, approximately ±5mm. The lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.

Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However they are not





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2. SCORING ELEMENTS 2.1. There is 1 black pot and 3 grey pots with flowers. The position of the black pot

will be chosen randomly at the start of the run. Pots are represented by the

bricks below:

Black pot Grey Pot

The Black Pot is made up of six black 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two black 4 X 1

LEGO flat and two black 2 X 1 LEGO flat on top

The Grey Pot is made up of six grey 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two grey 4 X 1

LEGO flat and two grey 2 X 1 LEGO flat on top. It is attached with one green

LEGO flower stalk, one red LEGO flower and one yellow 1 X 1 LEGO round

plate.


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The pictures above shows how each pot is built.

2.2. The Pots are placed within the Fences. Fences are represented by the bricks

below:

Fence

The Fence is made up of sixteen black 1 X 6 LEGO beams with holes

The picture above shows how the fences are built.


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3. GENERAL RULES, GAME PLAY AND SCORING




a) Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may

forfeit the run and be awarded zero points.



3.5. Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start

zone.

a) The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the

start of the run. The robot must also be motionless.

b) The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the

start of the run.

c) Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements

for placement on the field.

d) Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game,

either to be placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.

e) Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring

elements in any manner.

3.6. Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the

robot.


b) During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field

except for the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.


a) The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and

acknowledged by the referees.

b) The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start

zone.

c) In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on

the playing field except their robot.

d) If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the

elements will be forfeited.

e) The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will

not be reset for a restart.




a. The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s).

b. The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.

c. When time runs out.

d. If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or

otherwise), the run will be stopped by a referee.

3.8.a.1. If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off

the robot immediately and will not score any points thereafter.


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If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2

by it, the elements are forfeited.

3.9. Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it

to acknowledge the score.

a) Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run.

Maximum time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to

complete the run.

b) Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referee’s

decisions must inform the referee after the run and before leaving the

playing field area.

3.10. Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the

following are not valid reasons for a re-run:

a) Battery failure

b) Robot durability



decisions.

a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may

be disqualified from the competition.


c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game

play and scoring before the start of the competition.



1entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring elements

2possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position relative to

the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.

4. MISSION 1 GAME PLAY AND SCORING

4.1. The team places the robot at the Start Zone, after which the team may not

modify the robot or its software in any way.

4.2. Before the start of the run, one team member will draw for the position of the

Black Pot.

4.3. The team starts the robot when the referee gives the signal.

4.4. The robot will then cross the Drain and head towards the Pots.

a) Successfully crossing the Drain is worth 10 points. The points will only

be awarded once.

4.5. The robot then moves the Fences out of the Challenge Object Areas.

a) Each Fence moved outside the Challenge Object Area is worth 10

points. (maximum 40 points)

b) Successfully moving all Fences outside the Challenge Object Area is

worth an additional 20 points.

c) The entire Fence must be completely outside any Challenge Object

Area.

4.6. Grey Pots must not be moved out of the Challenge Object Area.


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a) Each Grey Pot inside the Challenge Object Area without a fence

is worth 5 bonus points each. (maximum 15 points)

4.7. The robot must move the Black Pot out of the Challenge Object Area

completely.

a) Successfully moving the Black Pot is worth 10 points.

4.8. The robot then proceeds to the Finish Zone.

a) The entire robot entering the Finish Zone is worth 10 points.

b) The entire robot entering the Finish Zone with the Black Pot is worth

a bonus 10 points (combined with 4.7.a this is worth 20 points).

4.9. Scores will be taken at the end of the run except for crossing the drain score

(Refer to 4.4.a)


Passing through Drain

Fence moved outside

Challenge Object Area

All Fences moved outside


Black Pot moved outside


Finish condition

without Black Pot

with Black Pot

10 pts 10 pts per fence

20 pts 10 pts 10 pts 20 pts

Bonus: 5-point bonus for each Grey Pot inside the Challenge Object Area without a fence.


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TERTIARY DIVISION

MISSION 1





Your task is to identify the blown light bulbs from the good light bulbs and remove

them. The robot must then be able to indicate the number of blown light bulbs that

needs to be replaced.

There are a total of 12 red and blue balls representing the light bulbs. Blue balls

represent “good” light bulbs, which must not be removed. Red balls represent the

“blown” light bulbs, which must be brought back to Start Zone.

The ratio of red/blue balls and their placements will be drawn by a team member

before the start of each run.

1. PLAYING FIELD

The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props and

the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics and

LEGO elements.

The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1180mm (width) and has a 40mm high wall all

around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements, colour

codes and dimensions.

*the location of the balls is only an example.


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deviations, approximately ±5mm. The lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.

Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However they are not





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2. SCORING ELEMENTS

2.1. LIGHTS BULBS ARE REPRESENTED BY THE BALLS BELOW:

Blown Light Bulb Good Light Bulb

2 X 2 Black LEGO plate

The light bulbs are made up of red and blue LEGO balls and are placed on a black 2 X 2

LEGO flat

3. GENERAL RULES, GAME PLAY AND SCORING




a) Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may

forfeit the run and be awarded zero points.



3.5. Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start

zone.

a) The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the

start of the run. The robot must also be motionless.

b) The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the

start of the run.

c) Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements

for placement on the field.

d) Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game,

either to be placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.


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e) Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring

elements in any manner.

3.6. Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the

robot.


b) During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field

except for the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.


a) The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and

acknowledged by the referees.

b) The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start

zone.

c) In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on

the playing field except their robot.

d) If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the

scoring elements will be forfeited.

e) The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will

not be reset for a restart.




e. The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s) and stops.

f. The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.

g. When time runs out.

h. If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or

otherwise), the run will be stopped by a referee.

3.8.a.1. If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off

the robot immediately and will not score any points thereafter.

If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2

by it, the elements are forfeited.

3.9. Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it

to acknowledge the score.

a) Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run.

Maximum time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to

complete the run.

b) Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referee’s

decisions must inform the referee after the run and before leaving the

playing field area.

3.10. Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the

following are not valid reasons for a re-run:

a) Battery failure

b) Robot durability



decisions.

a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may

be disqualified from the competition.



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c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game

play and scoring before the start of the competition.



1entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring elements

2possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position relative to

the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.

4. MISSION 1 GAME PLAY AND SCORING

4.1. The team places the robot at the Start Zone, after which the team may not modify

the robot or its software in any way.

4.2. Before the start of the run, a team member will draw the ratio of the red: blue balls.

These are either, 2:10, 3:9 or 4:8.

4.3. There are a total of 14 ball holders on the playing field. A team member will

randomly draw the positions of these balls. The referee will then place the balls onto

the ball holders. There will be two empty ball holders.

4.4. The team starts the robot when the referee gives the signal.

4.5. The robot must only remove the red balls, and carry them. Each red ball

successfully removed from its original position is worth 5 points.

a) A red ball is considered "carried" only if the ball is in contact with the robot and

not with the playing field at the end of the run.

b) The blue balls must remain in their original positions. Each blue ball in its

original position is worth 5 points.

4.5.b.1. To get these points, the robot must have at least removed one red ball

from its original position.

4.6. After collecting the red balls, the robot will proceed back to the Start Zone and must

come to a complete stop (motionless) to end the run.

a) Successfully “carrying" at least one red ball and stopping at any “finish position”

is worth 10 points.

4.6.a.1. Successfully “carrying" all red balls and stopping at any “finish

position” is worth additional 20 points.

b) The number of red balls drawn at the beginning of each run determines the

"finish position" at the Start Zone.

4.6.b.1. For example, if 2 red balls were drawn, the robot must stop in Zone 2.

If 4 red balls were drawn, the robot must stop in Zone 4.

c) Stopping at the correct “finish position” is worth 10 points.

4.6.c.1. The robot is considered to have stopped at the “finish position” if the

furthest contact point is in the “finish position” area.

4.6.c.2. The furthest contact point is the point at which any part of the robot

touches the playing field (including side walls) and is furthest away from

the platform. See illustrations below for details.


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4.7. If the robot is not motionless at the end of the run, then it will be considered to have

finished in the incorrect “finish position”.

4.8. Scores will be taken at the end of the run.


Red ball Blue ball At least one red

ball carried to

Base

All red balls

carried to Base

Finish position

Removed from

original position

Stay on original position

Removed from

original position

Stay on original position

Correct zone

Incorrect zone

5 pts per ball

0 pt 0 pt 5 pts per

ball 10 pts 20 pts 10 pts 0 pt


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FOR ALL DIVISION

1. Robot Regulations

1.1. The robot and its attachments will be checked by a Robot Inspector to ensure that

only legal parts are used.

a) Teams may be disqualified if any illegal parts are used.

1.2. Each team is allowed one NXT or RCX on the robot in the playing field area.

a) Teams may alternate between NXT and RCX between Missions only.

1.3. The robot and attachments can be built using any number of parts, motors and

sensors found (shown at the end of this section) in the LEGO 9797 set, if NXT is

used, or in the 9794 set, if an RCX is used.

a) A robot cannot be built using parts from both sets.

b) No other parts from other educational or non-educational sets are allowed.

c) Teams may add/remove/replace any parts in their robot and/or attachments

between Runs.

1.4. The starting size of the entire robot* must be a maximum of 250mm long by

250mm wide or smaller.

a) All extensions may be retracted and must not touch/lean on the sizing box

during inspection.

b) The robot can be powered to retract the extensions. However, it must be

motionless.

c) Teams will be asked to remove any part of the robot that fails these criteria

and the robot will be re-inspected.

d) Robots using attachments must be sized with the attachments attached to the

robot. If there are multiple attachments, each attachment(s) configuration must

be sized with the robot.

1.5. Attachments must not be built with a NXT or a RCX.

1.6. Teams can only use any versions of NXT-G, RoboLab or NI LabView to program

their robots. Teams who are found using any other programming software will face

immediate disqualification from the entire Mission.

1.7. Teams are not allowed to tamper, copy, upload or download programs to/from

another team’s NXT/RCX. Teams will be disqualified if caught.

1.8. Teams are not allowed to clone robots from other teams. Schools or teams may

be disqualified if the Chief Referee or Chief Robot Inspector deems the robot to be

a clone.

1.9. Any NXT within the competition must have its Bluetooth Interface switched off

throughout the competition. Non-compliance may result in disqualification of the

team from the competition.

1.10. Teams are not allowed to modify any legal parts in any way. Teams will face

immediate disqualification from the entire Mission if their robots are found with any

such modified parts.

1.11. The NJRC Chief Robot Inspector will have the final say on all robot build and

regulations decisions.

a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful or/and rowdy manner may be

disqualified from the competition.



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c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the robot regulations

before the start of the competition.

*entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions, etc, and any scoring elements ⁻attachments: an assembly of parts that add functionality to the robot. A part alone is not

considered an attachment. (e.g. a motor or a sensor are considered parts. A motor with a beam attached to it, for mounting purposes, is considered an attachment)

RCX Sensors and Motor NXT Sensors and Motor

9758

Light Sensor

9842

Motor with Tacho

5225

Lego Technic

Gear Motor

9843

Touch Sensor

9844

Light Sensor

9889

Temperature

Sensor (9V)

9845

Sound Sensor

9891

Angle Sensor

(9V)

9846

Ultra Sonic Sensor

9911

Touch Sensor

And Leads

9694

Color Sensor


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Trial/Practice Playing Fields To help teams with the preparation for the challenge, there will be trial playing fields set up at various locations within the Science Centre. (2 Primary, 2 Secondary, 1 Tertiary) These trial fields will be set up and be made available for use (through reservation) from 15 July 2012 to 23 August 2013 or as otherwise decide by the organiser. All teams are allowed to book the trial fields for their test runs from Monday to Friday (between 9-11am, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm and 3-5pm) on a first-come-first-served basis. Each school is allowed to reserve up to 2 bookings per week only. Registration can be done via email to [email protected]. The bookings will be confirmed ONLY when a confirmation email is sent to the applicant. (Please allow a minimum of 3 working days for bookings of trial playing field).

NJRC 2013 CHALLENGE MANUAL C

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The NJRC Awards The Championship Awards

This is the most prestigious award that a team can win. It is bestowed on the team that embodies the NJRC spirit. Teams are considered for the Championship Award based on their overall excellence and total learning experience during the course of the competition. As a Championship Award recipient, the winning team is recognised as being outstanding and the assessment is based on the scores of the top 40 finalists according to the following weightage:

30% on Robot Performance (Surprise Mission Score)

30% on Best Presentation (40% Research, 20% Learning Journey, 40% Presentation skills)

20% on Technical Excellence (50% Mechanical & 50% Programming Skills)

20% on Soft Skills (50% Best Booth Design, 50% Entrepreneurship)

Technical Awards

The Best Robot Performance Award

For the team whose robot accumulates the highest scores in achieving the various mission objectives on the playing field, based on the Surprise Mission in the finals.

The Best Mechanical Design Award

For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application of mechanical design principles, as shown by their robust or sturdy, consistent and dependable robot.

Criteria

1 Structural design

2 Locomotion

3 Navigation

4 Overall design & integration

The Best Programming Award

For the team that demonstrates a sound understanding of programming and the challenge requirements by creating the most ingenious and sound programme to run their robot effectively and efficiently.

Criteria

1 Overall understanding of the programme

2 Modularity

3 Strategy

4 Overall design & integration


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The Best Strategy Award

For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application of mechanical design and programming principles, as well as translating their knowledge and skills into robots with excellent performance in the mission.

Criteria Weightage (%)

Mechanical design 25

Programming 25

Mission 1 25

Surprise Mission 25

Team Performance Awards

The Best Presentation Award

For the team that best exhibits creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in its presentation, and that demonstrates that “WOW” factor to the panel of judges during the interview session.

Criteria

1 Creativity

2 Fluency

3 Confidence

4 Flair

The Best Research Award

For the most informative research related to the theme.

Criteria

1 Contents

2 Research skills

3 Learning value

4 Teamwork

The Best Learning Journey Award

For the team that best demonstrate the highest levels of learning, application, analysis, synthesis, critical evaluation, self-awareness and the ability to maintain a reflective log of their learning journey.

Teams are free to decide on their presentation platform (video, project timeline chart, learning journal, photo montage, special apps etc). Presentation time is 2 minutes so any footage must not be longer than 2 minutes long.

Criteria

1 Contents

2 Critical & creative thinking

3 Reflection & self awareness

4 Teamwork


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Other Awards

The Best Booth Design Award

For the team that designs and puts up the most creative and outstanding booth.

Criteria

1 Aesthetic value

2 Creativity

3 Originality

4 Team effort

The Entrepreneur Award

For the team that displays entrepreneurship through their exceptional (marketing) efforts with the most effective, interesting or original marketing ideas and/or gimmicks. It can be in the form of a product, a service or advertising and/or promotional media, with the purpose of “selling” their team and championing their cause. In addition, they must secure sponsorship (financial or otherwise) from other agencies and/or organizations.

Criteria

1 Finance

2 Management

3 Sales & marketing

4 Corporate image

The Best Newcomer Award

For the most enthusiastic and spirited novice team from a school participating for the first time, and which shows overall excellence in its performance.

The Best Cheer Team Award

For the school which gives the best cheer to support their participating teams with the most innovative stunts, high-spirited members and spectacularly visual and audio cheer(s).

The Best Mascot Award

For the most creative mascot designed and displayed or the most impressive attire the team or the school wears on any of the competition days.


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The Side Events Awards

The side events are designed to encourage participants who are new to robotics and would like to have a go at it. The NJRC has 2 side events:

SumoBot Sprint Race

The Most Bizarre Robot Design Award

For the team that shows the most outstanding creativity in their robot design (during the side events): the most unique, bizarre, aesthetic design screams for and grabs one’s attention! Robots may look attractive, weird or humorous, but they must look unique.

Special Recognition Award

The Judges’ Award

Apart from the awards listed above, the Judges may present up to FIVE (5) other awards to teams and/or individuals that have displayed outstanding attributes (during the competition) that set them apart in a unique way. These awards allow the judges the freedom to recognise the most remarkable teams for which a standard does not exist.

Judges’ awards include:

The Against-All-Odds Award

For the team who has faced numerous difficult tasks in their NJRC journey, due to un-expected and external factors, and yet, is able to accomplish the challenge.

The Risk Taker Award

For the team that takes the initiative to achieve its mission objectives through intelligent and well calculated risk management skills and strategies as well as a willingness to plan and execute dangerous maneuver.

The Sportsmanship Award

For those teams and/or individuals that demonstrate great sportsmanship during the competition – cheering, encouraging other teams and/or schools, celebrating other’s success as much as their own. This award is based on nominations by the competing teams. *Judges may not give the Judges’ Awards should there be no deserving teams.


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The Open Category

The open category aims to encourage creative expression and innovative ideas of robot design. The theme of this year’s competition is “Celebrating Science” and teams are to build projects where robots can play a part or be a part in the teams interpretation of the theme Celebrating Science! This category is open to the following age groups: A: Primary 3 to Secondary 2 B: Secondary 3 to ITE/JC/Poly (1st year and 2nd year) Each participating team is allowed to have a maximum of 5 team members and teams are allowed to use any material in the construction of their robot. Each team is to design and build a robot based on the theme. The robot must NOT be for static display only. The size of the robot must not exceed 1m wide x1m long. There is no height restriction. Each team is given 8 mins to present its robots, 4 mins to introduce and demonstrate its robot and the remaining 4 mins to respond to Judges’ questions. Assessment for this award will be based on:

Creativity (25%) Technical Design (25%) Relevance to Theme (25%) Entertainment Value (25%)

The winning team of each category wins the following prizes; A: $500 education fund B: $1,000 education fund

Registration Registration is open to all students. Students do not need to be from the same school. However, all the students of a team must be in the same category age group to qualify. Registration for the Open Category starts on 8 July 2013 and closes on 16 August 2013. To participate, please fill up the registration form (available for download at www.njrc.com.sg) and send it back to us at [email protected] or fax 6561 6361. Registration closes on 16 August 2013

http://www.njrc.com.sg/

mailto:[email protected]


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Side Events – SumoBot & Sprint Race

This year, NJRC will have the SumoBot and Sprint Race as our side events on the day of the Grand Finals. In these two competitions, participants are only allowed to use the components from ONE (1) LEGO Team Challenge Kit (RCX/NXT). There will be Side Events challenges going on everyday throughout the duration of the challenge week. For more info please check out our website http://www.njrc.com.sg SumoBot In SumoBot, two robots pit their strength and strategy against one another, somewhat similar to the Sumo wrestling sport. The robots start behind the line at position A and B. When the referee signals the stat of the game, the robots must be activated and make contact with each other. The winning robot is determined through any of the following scenarios.

i. The robot wins by pushing the opposing robot out of the circle.

ii. The robot wins by pushing its opponent such that both robots are in the opponent’s side of the circle at the end of 45 seconds.

iii. If (i) and (ii) do not apply after 45 seconds, the robot furthest away from its individual starting point while pushing its opponent, wins.

SumoBot Competition Playing Field (Drawing s not to scale)

A

B



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o The weight of the robot must not exceed 1.1 kg.

o Only parts from one LEGO set (RCX or NXT) will be allowed although RCX will be allowed up to three motors.

o Prior to the competition, robots will undergo inspection. If they don’t

meet the requirements, players will be given 15 minutes to modify, otherwise, they will be disqualified.

o Non-LEGO parts will not be allowed.

o Maximum of 5 members per team.

The overall winner is decided through a “knockout” system of play. The Referee’s decision is FINAL.


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Sprint Race

In the Sprint Race, two robots compete in tracking a black line from one end to the other. The robot that reaches the end point first eliminates its opponent. If a robot deviates from the black line, the opponent robot wins. The overall winner is determined through a knock-out system. Referee’s decision is FINAL.

i. Only parts from one LEGO set (RCX or NXT) will be allowed although NXT will be allowed up to two light sensors and RCX will be allowed up to 3 motors.

ii. Prior to the competition, robots will undergo inspection. If they don’t

qualify for the requirements, players will be given 15 minutes to modify, otherwise, they will be disqualified.

iii. Non-LEGO parts will not be allowed. iv. Maximum of 5 members per team

Start A

Sprint Race Playing Field

(Drawings not to scale)

Start B

End A End B


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Challenge Week Schedule (The schedule in tentative and is subjected to changes)

Challenge Preliminary (9 – 12 September 2013) Daily Timetable

0800

Registration at Annex Foyer Each team will be assigned a booth number and a playing field number

0815 Sensor calibration at playing fields (Optional)

0845 Quarantine begins. All visitors are to vacate from the quarantine area.

0900 Briefing for all teams in the Competition Area

0915 Robot Controllers to wait at work station for Team Coordinators to bring them to the competition area

0930 Competition begins Mission 1 (Run 1)

1030 Mission 1 (Run 2)

1130 Quarantine ends

1130 LUNCH

1230 Quarantine begins

1235 Announcement of Mission 2

1245 Assembly/programming of robots For Mission 2

1445

Robots to be quarantined Robot Controllers to wait at work station for Team Coordinators to bring them to the competition area Mission 2 (Run 1)

1630 Mission 2 (Run 2)

1730 End of Competition Day

Note:

Trial playing fields are available for use during periods of quarantine only.


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Grand Finals Day (14 September 2013)

(The schedule in tentative and is subjected to changes)

Timetable

0730

Registration at Annexe Foyer Each team is assigned a booth number and a playing field number Hall closed to public/schools Only qualifying teams are allowed in Booth Area

0800 Briefing/Surprise Mission announcement

0820 Booth area quarantine begins

0830 Surprise Mission preparation begins

0900 Halls open to public/schools

0930 Open Category Judging

1130 Teams are to bring their robots to Robots Quarantine Area

1145 Booth area quarantine ends

1150 Lunch

1230 Surprise Mission

1330 Setup of Side Events Finale and Best Performance Showcase

1415 Arrival of the Guest of Honour

1500 Closing Ceremony and Prizes Presentation

1600 End of Competition


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The 2013 World Robot Olympiad (WRO 2013) The 2013 World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Competition is a worldwide robotics competition. Participants must progress through a number of qualifying stages (the NJRC) before they can be selected to participate in the 2013 WRO final. This year, the WRO will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 15 to 17 November 2013. Individuals/teams interested in participating in the competition should direct enquiries to the National Organizers (Science Centre Singapore). Further details and rules of the competition can be found at http://www.wroboto.org/wro2013 The following award winners from NJRC 2013 will be sponsored by NJRC and represent Singapore in WRO 2013:

1. The Best Robot Performance Award – Primary Division 2. The Best Robot Performance Award – Secondary Division 3. The Best Robot Performance Award – Tertiary Division 4. Championship Award – Tertiary Division 5. Winner of Open Category

http://www.wroboto.org/wro2013


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Important Dates to Remember Registration Deadline for the Open Category Deadline for registration for the Open Category is on 16 August 2013.

Presentation Week 2 September 2013 – 5 September 2013 (Preliminaries) 7 September 2013 – Presentation Finals Schedule for Presentation preliminaries will be uploaded to the official NJRC website http://www.njrc.com.sg Challenge Week 9 September to 12 September 2013 (Preliminaries) 14 September 2013 – Grand Finals Schedule for Challenge preliminaries will be uploaded to the official NJRC website http://www.njrc.com.sg Open Category and Finals for Side Events Competitions These will be held during the Grand Finals Day on 14 September 2013. Time to report will be emailed to participants.



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Challenge Announcement Manual

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