Line Follower

/ Rules

Read before you cross over

1. /01Design and program an autonomous robot to navigate a maze defined by a continuous black line on a flat 3 m x 3 m arena.
2. /02Line width is 30 mm and line angle will be 90 degrees between adjacent black lines.
3. /03The robot must analyse the maze during a Dry Run, then complete it via the shortest path in the fastest time during the Actual Run.
4. /04Competition has two phases: Dry Run (Exploration Phase) and Actual Run (Speed Phase).
5. /05Dry Run: Robot explores the maze from Start Zone to End Zone, crossing checkpoints and storing path data.
6. /06Dry Run completion is mandatory to qualify for the Actual Run.
7. /07Dry Run restart limit: maximum 3 restarts allowed (from last crossed checkpoint).
8. /08Actual Run: Robot traverses the maze using the shortest path.
9. /09Actual Run timer runs from organiser's signal until the red LED glows at the End Zone.
10. /10Actual Run restart limit: maximum 3 restarts allowed (from Start Zone).
11. /11Max dimensions: 220 mm x 220 mm x 220 mm (L x B x H).
12. /12Onboard battery is mandatory; max voltage is 12V anywhere in the system.
13. /13Mandatory red LED that clearly glows upon detecting the End Zone.
14. /14Single switch start mechanism only.
15. /15Valid institute ID card required for all team members.
16. /16Spare bot permitted but must pass bot verification independently.
17. /17Teams must report to the venue at least 30 minutes before their scheduled slot.
18. /18Calibration window: 2 minutes before each run.
19. /19Dry Run time limit: to be announced on the day of competition.
20. /20Actual Run time limit: to be announced on the day of competition.
21. /21Dispute window: must be raised in writing within 15 minutes of incident.
22. /22Register the team and bot at the event venue upon arrival.
23. /23Bot must pass verification and safety inspection before competing.
24. /24Spare bot (if any) must also pass bot verification independently.
25. /25All team members must carry valid institute ID cards at all times.
26. /26Organisers reserve the right to modify rules; any changes will be communicated before the event.
27. /27The maze layout is designed and controlled entirely by the organisers; participants will not have access to the maze map before the Dry Run.
28. /28The Judging Panel's ruling is final and binding in all matters.
29. /29Algorithm alteration after calibration begins is a disqualification.
30. /30Use of camera-based vision, image processing, or AI-based systems is disallowed.
31. /31Damage to arena surface, tape, or walls is disallowed.
32. /32Exceeding restart limit in either run results in disqualification for that run.
33. /33Use of onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth during runs is disallowed.
34. /34Robot transmitting or receiving data during a match is disallowed.
35. /35Manual control of robot at any time during runs is disallowed.
36. /36Robot splitting into multiple units during a run is disallowed.
37. /37Use of fully assembled competition-ready kits (e.g., LEGO) is disallowed.
38. /38Penalties (non-disqualifying): manual intervention/touching the robot (-10 points per occurrence).
39. /39Penalties (non-disqualifying): false start (robot moves before organiser's signal) (-10 points).