Ideas For Future Contests

[Jim Ubersetzig]

We had a wonderful robot contest at last months RSSC meeting. Lot of people entered their autonomous robots in this contest, and everyone had a good time.

I would like to keep the momentum going by having more contests in the future at RSSC.

Consider adding skills for each new contest.

At the most recent contest the robots identified, grasped and lifted a soda can.

Here are two ideas for future contests that demonstrate additional robot capabilities:

1. Increase the variety of object shapes and sizes. For example:  

                 Rubber balls for children.

                 Box of breakfast cereal.

                 Coffee Cup    (extra points for lifting it by its handle)

                 Other shapes    for extra credit and more points.

    Like in the last contest, the robot must grasp and lift the objects.

    I suggest points for each object shape, but no points for speed.

2. Use  standard black electrical tape (hardware store item) to 

    draw a rectangle on the floor of the hallway.

    The robot and soda cans start inside the rectangle. One at 

    a time the robot picks up a soda can and places it outside 

    the rectangle.   10 points per soda can. 100 points maximum, 

    No points for speed.

Please think about these ideas and participate in this discussion 

about our next robot contest at the RSSC.

Jim Ubersetzig

member of RSSC

[Alan Timm]

Hey Jim,

Your absolutely right, and Brian and Jim also had a few ideas for what the next round could be.  Apologies for not finding the time to discuss during the meeting.

I do think we still need to consider speed but as a secondary attribute.  Otherwise we'd have no way to differentiate between two contestants that both accomplished the task.  We can always decide the weighting of the time score, if it only applies in case of a tie, or even take it into account based on the number of actions/items done.  ie i moved 5 cans, at an average rate of 5 seconds per can.

So, what goals should we set next?  Of course Alfie is in.  with any luck he'll even be able to participate next time.  

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Alan