Competition Rules

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Rules and Guidelines

1. Introduction

TechnoGames 2001 is a spectacular televised event in which teams and individuals design, build and operate 'mechathletes'(robots, machines, mechanical devices etc.) to compete in a number of recognised 'sporting' events. The competition, which could also be described as 'The Technology Olympics', is designed to test the ingenuity, creativity and mechanical mastery of Britain's schools, colleges, universities and businesses in a fun and at all times inspirational fashion. It is hoped that subsequent competitions will feature international participation.

2.  General Rules and Guidelines

This document contains the rules and guidelines necessary for a safe and entertaining competition. We would like to stress that it is not our intention to stifle creativity, ingenuity and imagination during the design and construction of your machines. Any design which arguably 'bends' the rules in the interests of being innovative and entertaining, may be allowed to compete providing it is considered safe by the organisers. If you feel that this is applicable to your mechanised athlete, please advise us in advance rather than risk disqualification on the day of competition. All competition rules and guidelines are subject to change. We reserve the right to disqualify any entry at our discretion.

a) Teams

Teams will be made up of school children, students, engineers, technicians, radio control enthusiasts, designers, special effects experts, artists, inventors and anyone with a passion for technology who will be encouraged to design and build machines capable of competing in a number of recognised 'sporting' events.

Age Restrictions - in general there are no upper or lower restrictions on the age of competitors. There are some exceptions to this rule as noted in the remainder of this document. It is also a condition of entry that all teams contain at least one responsible adult to oversee the design, construction and operation of the team's entry at all times.
Size of Team - there are currently no upper and lower restrictions on the size of the team, although it is anticipated that limits may have to be applied for the actual recording of the competition.

b) Competitor Sponsorship

Robots, machines and mechanical devices participating in the competition are not permitted to display any company or product names, logos or colours. Team names may not include commercial references to products or company names. Machines must not be designed to resemble any commercial product. Non-commercial references, such as school names or charitable organisations, are permitted at the organisers discretion.

c) Multi-Discipline Machines

While it is assumed that the majority of 'mechathletes' will be dedicated to individual events, they can be designed to compete in more than one if you wish.

d) Operation

Machines have to compete in a physically unassisted fashion, ie. with no human interference once positioned and activated, except where noted in this document. Competing machines can be operated by ...

Radio Control - 40 MHz FM unless otherwise agreed with the organisers. Remote Control - umbilical cords etc.

Infra-Red links - eg. TV remote control.

Timer - controlled via an electronic or mechanical timer.

Autonomous - self-operating.

e) Power

Electric, solar, pneumatic, hydraulic, internal combustion or kinetic (ie. stored energy source) subject to event parameters.

f) Weights and Dimensions

In most cases a wide weight range has been introduced to encourage variety of design and construction. It is up to you to decide on the optimum size and weight for competition. Competing machines should not rely on 'separation' to assist their performance, eg. no detachable ramps in the 'long jump' or a launch pad in the 'high jump'. All competing machines must be self contained and finish an event as they started.

3. Health and Safety Restrictions

Robots, machines and mechanical devices should be designed, constructed and operated with extreme care at all times. All materials and equipment should comply with all applicable UK legislation and regulations, including all British Safety Standards, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) etc. Common sense is stressed in all areas of construction and operation!

Moving Parts - any moving, swinging or actuating arms, levers or mechanisms must be fitted with a visible locking pin. Locking pins should be painted red and must be in place at all times except when the machine is officially in use.
Kill Switches - all devices must be fitted with easily accessible and visible on/off switches that operate all circuits.
Batteries - batteries must be of a 'dry' construction (ie. no liquid of any form) and must not generate more than 36 volts DC or 50 volts AC.
Hydraulics - hydraulic pressure is limited to 3000 psi. All fittings must be to BSI standard.
Pneumatics - pneumatic gas pressure is limited to 1000 psi. Reservoirs (eg. tanks, cylinders etc.) must have a valid test certificate. Maximum volume for pneumatic reservoirs may not exceed 500 ml.
Fuel - a maximum of 227 millilitres (8 fluid oz.) of combustible fuel will be permitted during any one round of an event. Fuel lines must be attached securely and be considered safe by the organisers.
Internal Combustion - all throttle linkages must have return springs.
Wiring - all electrical cables must be adequately insulated.

'Mechathletes' will be scrutinised before each event to ensure conformity with the rules and fairplay. We reserve the right, at any time and in our sole discretion, to make changes or add additional terms and conditions to the safety requirements, rules and guidelines.

4. The Events

The following ten events will be featured in the first 'Mech' competition. Additional events have been noted at the end of this document and others may be introduced for future competitions.

Long Jump

From either a standing or moving position each machine has to traverse the greatest possible distance horizontally without touching the ground.

Parameters: The distance will be measured from the 'take off board' to the rear most point of contact with the ground. This event will be judged over three jumps. In the event of break-down or damage, a limited amount of repair time will be allowed between jumps. Alternatively, in the case of early retirement, the best distance achieved will count.

Weight Range: 0 - 100kg. Starting weight and finishing weight must be the same, less depreciation of consumables such as air, fuel etc.

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Electrical, pneumatics or kinetic.

Prohibited: Aerofoils, propellers, air-screws, lighter-than-air gasses, fast burning propellants, gas turbines, detachable ramps

High Jump

From either a standing or moving position, each machine has to traverse the greatest possible distance vertically before returning to the ground.

Parameters: The distance will be measured from ground zero to the maximum height achieved, ie. clearance from ground to base of the machine. This event will be judged over three jumps. In the event of break-down or damage, a limited amount of repair time will be allowed between jumps. Alternatively, in the case of early retirement, the best height achieved will count.

Weight Range: 0 - 100 kg. Starting weight and finishing weight must be the same, less depreciation of consumables such as air, fuel etc.

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Electrical, pneumatics or kinetic.

Prohibited: Aerofoils, propellers, air-screws, lighter-than-air gasses, fast burning propellants, gas turbines

Shot Put

From either a standing or moving position, each machine has to throw a standardised Olympic shot as far as possible. The distance will be measured from point of release to the point of first contact with the ground. Best of three throws.

Parameters: Shots will be an Olympic standard weight of 7.26 kg (16 lb). Machines must be securely bolted to the floor before operation. Base unit dimensions will be provided. A maximum deviation of 20° horizontally and vertically from the centre-line will be permitted. Manual resetting of shots will be permitted.

Weight Range: 0 - 50 kg (excluding weight of shot)

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Any

Prohibited: None

Rope Climbing

Each machine has to climb a rope to a specified height and return to the ground in a controlled manner. The quickest time, wins.

Parameters: Ropes will be 5cm in diameter and 1Om high. Samples will be provided to all teams who wish to compete in this event. Robots can start attached or unattached to the rope.

Weight Range: 0 - 100 kg

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Any

Prohibited: None

Sprint (Junior and Senior Events)

Junior (under 16s) - from a standing position, each machine has to complete a 10m land based race in the fastest time possible.

Senior (16 and over) - from a standing position, each machine has to complete a 25m land based race in the fastest time possible.

Parameters: all entrants must be considered 'walkers', ie. limbed or legged machines. There are no limits on the number of legs. All controls are accepted. The junior event will feature kerbed lanes to assist competiton. The senior sprint will have marked lanes and deviation from your lane will result in time penalties.

Weight Range: 0 - 200 kg

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Any

Prohibited: No off the shelf kits permissible.

Swimming

From a floating position, each machine has to complete a 25m water based race in the fastest time possible. Competing machines can compete on or below the surface.

Parameters: Entrants must be originally devised and be seen to 'swim' with 'limbs', ie. in other words no propellers, model boat components or rolling along the bottom on wheels etc.

Weight: 0 - 50 kg

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Electric or pneumatics. Batteries must be Ni-Cad.

Prohibited: Sails, propellers, paddle wheels, water jets.

Archery (Adults Only Event)

Using competition approved crossbow equipment - as provided by the organisers - the competing machines have to amass the highest possible score with three bolts and a standard archery target.

Parameters: Machines must be bolted securely to the floor before operation. Base unit dimensions will be provided. The crossbow will be randomly positioned to shoot off target - a maximum deviation of 20° horizontally and vertically from the centre-line. Targeting must be autonomous. Target will be a minimum of 10m and a maximum of 50m distant, varied during the different stages of the competition. A targeting source will be emitted from the centre of the target for targeting purposes. The nature of this source will be confirmed in due course. Other means of tartget recognition will be permitted. Manual resetting of bolts will be permitted.

Weight Range: No restrictions

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Any

Prohibited: Adults only (18 or over)

Micromouse 

Machines have to autonomously navigate a maze in the quickest time possible. Robots have to conform to the existing rules and regulations for Micromouse competitions as published by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) in conjunction with the Young Engineers.

Parameters, Weight, Dimensions etc: See official rules, available from the TechnoGames 2001 office or from the IEE directly.

Solar Marathon

A solar powered endurance test, in which self propelled machines have to complete as many laps of a circular track as possible. Significant and constant movement in the same clockwise direction must be observed for qualification. Any physical interference between the competing machines on the track will result in disqualification. The light source will be constant. Whoever completes the most laps or continues operating for the longest time will be declared the winner. In the event that one or more machines keeps operating indefinitely, victory will be decided on other criteria including innovation, originality of design and efficiency.

Parameters: Robots must be wheeled or legged. The maximum area of solar cells will be limited to 4 square metres. Battery weight will be limited to 700g.

Weight Range: 0 - 200 kg

Dimensions: N/A

Power: Solar power, charging an on-board battery.

Prohibited: None

Gymnastics

Mechanised performance art. Teams have to create a static or moving robot, machine or sculpture which has to remain active for a prolonged period of time. Significant and constant movement of some or all of the machine must be observed for qualification. The performing machines will be judged on innovation, imagination and artistic interpretation. It is hoped that this event will give artists, sculptors, performers and designers (fashion, textile, graphics, product etc), an opportunity to participate alongside engineers, programmers and technicians in the competition.

Parameters: The nature of the performance is left entirely to the discretion and imagination of the competitors. Surprise and entertain us!

Weight: No restrictions

Dimensions: N/A

Power: All

Prohibited: None

 

Other events which may also be included are wall climbing, cycling, soccer, aerial slalom and volleyball. Please notify us if you wish to compete in any of these additional events or if you'd like to propose others for your consideration.