Download National Junior Robotics Competition

National Junior Robotics
Competition 2007
Climate Change
CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT
Organised by:
Sponsored by:
CONTENT
1.
An Introduction to the NJRC
Pg 1
2.
Format Of Competition
Pg 3
3.
The NJRC Challenge - “Climate Change”
3.1 The Story
Pg 6
3.2 Mission1
Pg 7
3.3 Mission 2
Pg 10
3.4 General Rules and Regulations
Pg 15
3.5 Trial Practice Playing Fields
Pg 20
4
The Presentation
Pg 21
5
Side Events
Pg 23
6
Open Category
Pg 27
7
NJRC Awards
Pg 28
8
Important Dates
Pg 34
9
Challenge Week Schedule
Pg 35
NJRC 2007
CLIMATE CHANGE
1
CHALLENGE MANUAL
An Introduction to the NJRC
The National Junior Robotics Competition (NJRC) is an exciting and unique
event organised by the Singapore Science Centre and supported by the
Ministry of Education, Agency for Science Technology and Research
(A*STAR), and the Singapore Totalisator Board. This all-round competition
promotes strategy building, teamwork and creativity amongst the studentparticipants.
2007 will be the NJRC’s 9th year. This annual competition started off in 1999
with 167 teams from 70 schools. Over the years the number of participating
teams grew phenomenally.
Theme for NJRC 2007
Every year, the NJRC revolves around a specific theme and a challenge is
revealed to the students only on the challenge announcement day. This year,
NJRC will challenge the teams with “Climate Change”.
Teams
The NJRC is split into 3 categories:



Upper Primary Division (for Primary 3 to Primary 6 students)
Lower Secondary Division (for Secondary 1 to Secondary 3 students)
Tertiary Division (for 1st year and 2nd year ITE/JC/Poly students)
Teams, 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, the students could 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 together on
different aspects of the competition revolving around the theme.
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 or NXT®
challenge kit, students have to construct the robot and program their creation
to overcome a specially designed and challenging course called “the playing
field”. Their robots will compete with each other during the five days challenge
preliminary rounds. The top 40 teams from each category will vie for the top
position during the Grand Finals on the last day of the NJRC.
Apart from the building of robots, teams will also conduct research on the
topics given during the challenge announcement. They are to present their
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CLIMATE CHANGE
CHALLENGE MANUAL
findings to a panel of judges during the pre-event presentation rounds. Teams
will also present a video that encapsulates their robot design, research work
and their learning journey in this competition.
NJRC will be an excellent opportunity for students to interact with their peers,
teachers and judges, who are from tertiary institutions and various industries,
during the course of the competition. The NJRC is about celebrating the
process of learning through interactive, meaningful experiences.
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2
CHALLENGE MANUAL
Format Of Competition
The competition will have three categories: Upper Primary Level,
Lower Secondary Level and Tertiary Level. It will run over two weeks,
from 27 August to 8 September 2007.
i.
Presentation Week (27 August to 31 August)
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. These include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
The Best Mechanical Design Award
The Best Programming Award
The Most Bizarre Robot Award
The Best Research Award
The Best Video Award
The Best Presentation Award
It is strongly recommended that teams bring a copy of the
research, laptop with the program and video as well as the robot
that they are using in the competition. The presentation plays an
integral part for those teams whom wish to vie for the NJRC
Championship Award.
Presentation Preliminary (27 to 30 August)
Teams will be allocated a time slot on one of the days for their
presentations. Each team is to present to one panel of judges,
pitching on the awards that will be assessed.
Teams are allocated 10 mins (5 mins presentation, 2mins video
presentation, 3 mins Q&A)
Presentation Finals (Friday, 31 August)
During the finals, top teams will give a presentation focusing on
the award they are considered for. E.g. Teams considered for the
“The Best Research Award” are to pitch their presentation
towards their research. Each team is given 10 mins (5 mins
presentation, 5 mins Q&A) for the presentation finals.
Important notes:
Teams who are considered for the presentation finals will be
informed through their touch-point (either the teacher-incharged or the team leader). Each team is to provide the touchpoint’s contact number when they are registering during the
presentation preliminary
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ii.
CHALLENGE MANUAL
Challenge Week (3 September to 8 September)
The challenge comprises of two missions that are made known
weeks prior during the Challenge Announcement. Each mission
will have a variety of tasks, which the teams will need to
accomplish to earn points. Forty teams, from each category, with
the highest scores will compete during the Grand Finals in a
surprise mission so as to determine the winning team for Best
Robot Performance.
Apart from setting their robot to attempt the challenge, teams
will also decorate their booths, market their team or products,
showing casing their entrepreneurship, and to impress a panel of
judges who will assess them for a number of awards.
Challenge Preliminary (3 to 7 September)
Teams will spend a full day at the competition venue during the
challenge preliminary. They will be informed prior to the
challenge week on which is their allocated competition day.
Each team will be assigned a booth, located within the main
competition hall. The booth is the team’s “pit” where the team
works on their robot. Teams will also decorate their booths and
use them as bases for their marketing operations.
The following is what the teams should expect during the course
of the day.
 The competition hall will open at 8am in the morning.
Teams are expected to stay from 8am-5.30pm. No teams
shall exit the hall during quarantine period unless the team
has been disqualified or under special circumstances.
 There will be a quarantine period in the morning and in the
afternoon. During this time, only participating teams
(students) are allowed in the booths area.
 Teams can calibrate their sensors at their allocated playing
field during the given time before quarantine starts.
 Each team is given two missions to accomplish. Each
mission will have a total of 2 actual runs. Mission 1 will be
attempted in the morning, and Mission 2 in the afternoon.
The better result of the two runs for each mission will be
taken for consideration for entry to Grand Finals. Should
there be a tie in the number of points, the team with the
fastest total timing for the missions will proceed to the finals.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
 There will not be any trial runs on the competition fields.
(Team who want to do their trials can use the trial playing
fields provided in the Annexe)
 The top 40 teams from each category will proceed to the
Grand Finals. Therefore the Grand Finals will have only a
total of 80 teams (40 primary, 40 secondary) to vie for the
Best Robot Performance Award, and hence the
Championship Award.
 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 in their
booths before the quarantine ends.
Each team will be assessed on the following awards.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Best Image Award
Entrepreneur Award
Best Newcomer Award
Best Team Spirit Award
Grand Finals (8 September)
The top 40 teams from each category will pit their robots against
each other to vie for the Best Performance Robot Award. Details
of the Surprise Mission will only be made known in the morning
of the Grand Finals, immediately after which teams will be
quarantined. 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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3
3.1
CHALLENGE MANUAL
NJRC 2007 Challenge – Climate Change
THE STORY
Story – Year 2050
Mission 1(Singapore):
The nation had declared a state of emergency on the rising sea level. To prevent
further land loss and flooding, the government has launched several robots to
protect the coastal area.
To make matter worst, the main tidal gate has failed to close;
The flooding had damaged a power station, causing a drop of 20% in the power
supply. As a result, the windmill generator needs to be activated to generate more
power to cope with the increasing energy demand.
Your mission therefore has 4 objectives. One is to activate signals to declare the
state of emergency. Two is to close the tidal gate to reduce the flooding. Three is
to build a temporary wall to divert the seawater from flowing into coastal
reservoirs and lastly activate the windmill to generate electricity.
Task2.2
Collect
bricks
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3.2.
CHALLENGE MANUAL
MISSION 1
1. Activate signal to declare a state of emergency on the rising sea level
- robot to activate warning signal
The antenna must be raised vertically.
Task Primary
1
Travel from Base 1 to
activate signal
(pull/ push to activate
signal)
Points: 10pts
Secondary
Travel from Base 1 to
activate signal
(pull/ push to
activate signal)
Tertiary
Travel from Base 1 to push
Antenna to Zone S and activate
signal(push/pull signal to Zone S
and pull/ push to activate signal)
Points: 10pts
Points 15 pts
2.1 Closing of tidal gate valve
- robot to close tidal gate. The gate must be fully closed in the zone.
Task Primary
2.1
Robot to close tidal gate
and it must be within the
zone.
Points: 5 pts
Secondary
Tertiary
Robot to close tidal gate Robot to close tidal gate and
and it must be within the it must be within the zone.
zone.
Points: 5 pts
Points: 5 pts
2.2. Build a temporary wall to divert the seawater from flowing into
coastal reservoirs
– robot to collect LEGO bricks from Zone A and place the bricks on Zone B
All bricks must be within Zone B (no points if any point of the bricks is
outside the zone)
Task Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
2.2
Robot to build wall
Robot to build wall
Robot to build wall
(collect 3 bricks from
(collect 3 bricks from Zone
(collect 3 bricks from Zone
Zone A and place on
A and place on Zone B)
A and place on Zone B)
Zone B)
Points: 5 pts for each
brick
Total : 15 points (3
bricks)
Points: 5 pts for each brick
Points: 5 pts for each brick
Total : 15 points(3 bricks)
Total : 15 points(3 bricks)
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
3. To activate windmill generator to generate more power
- robot to activate the trigger to activate the windmill. Windmill to rotate at
least 360 degree.
Task Primary
3
Robot to activate
windmill
Points: 10 pts
Secondary
Robot to activate
windmill
Tertiary
Robot to activate windmill
Points: 10 pts
Points: 10 pts
4. Robot to proceed to Base 2.
Task Primary
4
Robot to proceed to Base
2. The whole of robot
must be in the base.
Points: 5 pts
Secondary
Robot to proceed to Base
2. The whole of robot
must be in the base.
Tertiary
Robot to proceed to Base 2
The whole of robot must be
in the base.
Points: 5 pts
Points: 5 pts
Time Limit (Mission 1): 3 1/2mins
Scoring
Task
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Raise Antenna
10
10
15
2.1 Closing of tidal gate
5
5
5
2.2 Building of Bricks
15
15
15
3
Activate Windmill
10
10
10
4
Proceed to base 2
5
5
5
Subtotal
45
45
50
1
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Rules to note for Mission 1


Restarts for Primary division:
 Only TWO restarts are allowed at any time.
 Restart must be clearly made known to Referee.
 Time will still run during restarts
 When Referee allows the restart, team will place the robot in
BASE 1. Referee will NOT reset props associated with
completed tasks. Other props will be reset to the starting
position.
 The accumulated scores WILL NOT be forfeited.
 There will be a penalty of 5 points for each restart.

Restarts for Secondary/Tertiary division:
 Only ONE restart is allowed at any time.
 Restart must be clearly made known to Referee.
 Time will still run during restarts
 When Referee allows the restart, team will place the robot in
BASE 1. Referee will reset ALL props to the starting position.
 The accumulated scores WILL be forfeited.
 There will be a penalty of 10 points for each restart.

Sequence for performance of tasks:
 All tasks MUST be performed in sequence.

Stopping in BASES:
 Robot is considered to be in the BASE when it meets the
following criteria:
o The robot stops on its own only (as a result of its own
programme) when it is in the BASE. No motor should
be running.
o The robot is in a BASE when the WHOLE of the
RCX/NXT is in the base unless otherwise stated.
 Participants can touch only what is in the BASE when the
previous criteria are met.
 For performance of Task 4, Mission will end when the robot
stops in BASE 2.
For Mission 2.2: Stacking, attachments or modification to the
bricks are NOT allowed. The robot should not leave behind any
parts or attachments which are used to shift the bricks. . – No
points will be awarded for the above mentioned.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Mission 2: Mountain “M”
The main cause of flooding is due to the massive melting of the ice at the
Mountain “M”. The sudden surge of greenhouse gases and the infra red rays from
the sun had caused the ice to melt. The United Nations has appealed to the world
for help. Several robots had attempted to “decarbonise” the excessive carbon
dioxide (CO2) but were unsuccessful as they were brought down by the increasing
intensity of the hurricanes.
The robot is to approach the Mountain cautiously in order to collect data from the
CO2 sensors. If the CO2 level is high, the robot will need to launch the
“decarboniser” capsules in order to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the area.
(The capsule is to be placed in the launcher by the student before mission 2 starts
and the 2nd team member will hold the target board)
Line X
Retrace
Zone
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3.3.
CHALLENGE MANUAL
Mission 2
5. Travel to Mountain “M” and push away snow boulders which is
blocking the route
- line tracking (using light sensor) from Base 2 to push away the snow boulders
off the cliff.
The robot MUST be able to do line tracking 5cm after leaving base 2.
The robot need not do line tracking within the “Retrace Zone”.
Task Primary
5.1
Robot to travel from
Base 2 to push away
1 x snow boulder
within the “Retrace
Zone”. The snow
boulder must fell out
of mission 2 playing
field.
Points: 5 pts
Secondary
Robot to travel from Base 2 to
push away 2 x snow boulders
within the “Retrace Zone”.
The snow boulders must fell
out of mission 2 playing field.
Tertiary
Robot to travel from Base 2 to
push away 2 x snow boulders
within the “Retrace Zone”.
The snow boulders must fell
out of mission 2 playing field.
Points: 5 pts for 1 snow
boulder
Total: 10 pts for 2 snow
boulders
Points: 5 pts for 1 snow
boulder
Total: 10 pts for 2 snow
boulders
5.2 Travel to Base 3
- Robot will need to perform line tracking with Light Sensor until it reaches line
X. The robot can then proceed to base 3 from line X.
Task Primary
5.2
Robot to travel to
Base 3
Points: 15pts
Secondary
Robot to travel to Base 3
Robot must use its front end
to enter the retrace area and
its rear end to leave first until
it reaches line X.
Tertiary
Robot to travel to Base 3
Robot must use its front end
to enter the retrace area and
its rear end to leave first until
it reaches line X.
Points: 20pts
Points: 20pts
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
6. Take readings of the CO2 sensors
– robot to identify colour of the CO2 sensors at Zone C.
Task Primary
Secondary
6
The robot will move along The robot will move along the
the dotted line(towards
dotted line(towards Zone C)
Zone C) The position of
The position of NXT/RCX
NXT/RCX controller must controller must be ON the
be ON the line.
line.
Tertiary
The robot will move along
the dotted line (towards
Zone C). The position of
NXT/RCX controller must
be ON the line.
Student is to throw a
Student is to throw a coloured
coloured dice(red and
dice(red and blue) once the
blue) once the robot leaves robot leaves Base 3.
Base 3.
Student is to throw a
coloured dice(red and
blue) once the robot leaves
Base 3.
If it is “red”, the referee
will place a red ball at
Zone C.
If it is “blue”, the referee
will place a blue ball at
Zone C.
If it is “red”, the referee will
place a red ball at Zone C.
If it is “blue”, the referee will
place a blue ball at Zone C.
If it is “red”, the referee
will place a red ball at
Zone C.
If it is “blue”, the referee
will place a blue ball at
Zone C.
The robot will identify the
colour of the ball:
If “Red”, LED flash for
every 2 sec and return to
base 3
If “Blue” LED flash all the
way until it reaches base 3
The robot will identify the
colour of the ball:
If “Red”, rotate clockwise
(180 degrees) , flash LED for
every 2 sec and return to base
3
If “Blue”, rotate anticlockwise(180 degrees) and
flash LED all the way until it
reaches base 3
The robot will identify the
colour of the ball:
If “Red”, robot to collect
ball, rotate clockwise(180
degrees) and return to
base 3
If “Blue” robot to collect
ball, rotate anticlockwise(180 degrees)
and return to base 3
The robot will need to
follow through the dotted
line back to the base
The robot will need to follow
through the dotted line back
to the base
The robot will need to
follow through the dotted
line back to the base
Points:
Points:
Points:
10pts : Correct indication
5pts : Reaches base 3
5pts : Correct rotation
5pts : Correct indication
5pts : Reaches base 3
5pts : Correct rotation
10pts : Reaches base 3
with the ball
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
7. Launch the “decarboniser” capsules
- robot to travel to launcher zone and activate and launch the
“decarboniser”capsule
(A 2nd team member will be required to hold the target board)
Task Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
7
Robot to travel to
Robot to travel to launcher
Robot to travel to launcher
launcher zone and
zone and activate and
zone and activate and
activate and launch the
launch the “decarboniser”
launch the “decarboniser”
“decarboniser” capsule
capsule
capsule
(capsule to be placed in
(capsule to be placed in the
(capsule to be placed in the
the launcher by the
launcher by the student
launcher by the student
student before mission 2 before mission 2 starts)
before mission 2 starts)
starts)
Another student will
hold the board at a zone
to catch the capsule
Another student will hold
the board at a zone to catch
the capsule
Another student will hold
the board at a zone to catch
the capsule
Points: 5 pts for
launching capsule
Points: 5 pts for launching
capsule
Points: 5 pts for launching
capsule
*No Points for catching the capsule
Time Limit (Mission 2): 4 mins
Scoring:
Task
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
5.1
5.2
Remove Snow Boulders
Travel to base 3
5
15
10
20
10
20
6
Take readings of CO2
sensors
Launch capsule
15
15
15
5
5
5
Subtotal
40
50
50
7
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Rules to note for Mission 2

Restarts for Primary division:
 Only TWO restarts are allowed at any time.
 Restart must be clearly made known to Referee.
 Time will still run during restarts
 When Referee allows the restart, team will place the robot
in BASE 2. Referee will NOT reset props associated with
completed tasks. Other props will be reset to the starting
position.
 The accumulated scores WILL NOT be forfeited.
 There will be a penalty of 5 points for each restart.

Restarts for Secondary/Tertiary division:
 Only ONE restart is allowed at any time.
 Restart must be clearly made known to Referee.
 Time will still run during restarts
 When Referee allows the restart, team will place the robot
in BASE 2. Referee will reset ALL props to the starting
position.
 The accumulated scores WILL be forfeited.
 There will be a penalty of 10 points for each restart.

Sequence for performance of tasks:
 All tasks MUST be performed in sequence.

Stopping in BASES:
 Robot is considered to be in the BASE when it meets the
following criteria:
o The robot stops on its own only (as a result of its
own programme) when it is in the BASE. No motor
should be running.
o The robot is in a BASE when the WHOLE of the
RCX/NXT is in the base unless otherwise stated.
 Participants can touch only what is in the BASE when the
previous criteria are met.
 For performance of Task 7, Mission will end when the
robot activate the launching capsules.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
3.4 GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
Robot Inspection
1. Before each run, a robot inspector will check the robot for any
illegal accessories. Team may face possible disqualification or
point deduction if the parts cannot be removed.
2. If RCX is used, the robot must use parts solely from ONE (1)
LEGO RCX Team Challenge Kit plus some additional accessories
that are available for purchase with your registration package. In
terms of quantity, the essential performance components are
strictly kept as:





Three Motors
Two Light Sensors
Two Touch Sensors
One Rotation Sensor
One Light Bulb
For NXT robots, only parts solely for ONE(1) LEGO NXT can be
used. They are :






Three Servo Motor
Two Touch Sensor
One Light Sensor
One Ultrasound Sensor
One Sound Sensor
One Light Bulb
Inspector has the right to request removal of any non-LEGO
component deemed to be used for a purpose other than that as
stated above.
3. The size of the robot and its extension as a whole will be strictly
limited to 250mm by 250mm. The limit applies to:
 any extension that has the potential to be positioned during
the run to exceed the given limit.
 any accessories that will be added to the robot during the run.
If any robot with its extension attached is found to exceed this
dimension, the participant will be asked to remove exceeded
part of the robot on the spot during the competition. Time will
continue to run in such instances.
4. Any team caught tampering or downloading program to another
team’s RCX/NXT will face disqualification.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
5. Schools are NOT TO CLONE their robots. Teams or schools may
be disqualified.
6. Either NXT or RCX can be used for either mission. E.g. teams
can use NXT for mission 1 and RCX for Mission 2. However, the
same robot must be used for the RUN 1 and 2 of each mission.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Scoring
1. Final scoring will be done when the team’s robot(s) has either
crossed into home base, the robot has been disabled, or after
the elapsed time limit. If a robot is disabled, the robot’s final
score will be calculated based on the mission objectives
accomplished at the ends of the run. Team members will not
be allowed to manipulate their robot after the time-call until
all scoring complete.
2. The final scores will be based on the tasks that are completed
AFTER the end of the run.
3. The team member may add on to or remove pieces from its
robot after the first attempt.
4. The referees make all scoring decisions and their decision is
FINAL. For arbitrary cases, the Chief Referee will have the
FINAL say.
5. The time taken for the robot to complete each mission will be
recorded and used to determine the overall standings should
there be a tie between teams at the end of all runs.
6. The time recorded for team whose robot is unable to return
home during the mission will be taken as the maximum
timing allowed for each mission.
7. The robot must stop on its own only via the programme as it
reaches the base.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Games Rules of Play
1. During the setup for each match, each robot must be placed
within the designated starting area.
2. During each run, only one member of each team will be
allowed around the playing field unless the mission stated so.
3. A re-match may be held if a malfunction of the playing field
occurs.
4. To request a rematch, the robot operator must notify the the
Chief referee before leaving the playing area.


Battery failure will not be constitute a reason for
rematch.
Durability of a team’s robot will not constitute a reason
for a rematch.
5. Each run will begin when a start signal is given and will end
when all the RCX/NXT is disabled (shutoff), unless
instructed by the referee or timekeeper.
6. Under no circumstances will a team be allowed to use any
other parts except for those provided in the LEGO Team
Challenge kit, the additional accessories provided, and as
otherwise specified in this manual, to build their robot.
7. The robot must be autonomous and the ability to finish the
mission by itself without the help of the participants. Any
forms of communication or remote control will lead to
disqualification.
8. If NXT is used, the Bluetooth device MUST be switched off
throughout the competition.
9. If any props are destroyed during the run, the damaged
props will not be replaced during that run even if a restart is
called.
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CHALLENGE MANUAL
Violations
1. The Referee(s) have the ultimate authority during the
National Junior Robotics Competition. Their decisions are
final. Referees will not review recorded replays after a match
is completed.
2. If a referee disqualifies a team, the robot is turned off for the
remainder of the match and will not score any points for the
match.
3. A team may not win a match through an advantage gained by
breaking a rule, even accidentally.
4. If one team intentionally damages another team’s robot they
will be disqualified. If the damaged team’s robot is
considered poorly built due to a decision flaw, the other team
may not be disqualified. The ultimate decision lies with the
Referee.
5. Deliberately damaging the playing field, RCX, NXT or
altering the LEGO pieces is strictly illegal.
6. Team members, except for the operator, are not allowed in
the designated playing area until the referees have completed
the scoring procedures.
7. Team members must not interfere or assist the RCX/NXT
robot in any way during its run.
8. No RCX/NXT communication is allowed in this competition.
NXT is to turn off the Bluetooth device.
9. Inappropriate actions (e.g. fighting) or words that affect
other teams, judges or staffs.
10. Violations of the above clauses will result in immediate
disqualification.
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3.5 TRIAL PRACTICE PLAYING FIELDS
To help you with preparation for the challenge, there will be trial
playing fields set up at the Singapore Science Centre (i-Space
Gallery).
These trial fields will be set up and be made available for booking on
the Monday, 16 July 2007 until 24 August 2007, or otherwise
decided by the organiser.
All teams are booked the trial fields from Monday to Friday
(9.00am to 1pm and 2-5.00pm) and it’ll be first come first serve
basis.
Each school is allowed to book up to 4 hours per day, not more than
3 times per week.
Registration can be done via email to [email protected].
The bookings will be confirmed ONLY when we have send a
confirmation email. (Please allowed a minimum of 3 working days
for bookings of trial field)
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4 The Presentation
i) Presentation Content (5 mins)
This is an important section of your presentation. Your
findings will determine if you got the right stuff for the
Championship Award.
Climate change is already affecting our lives and the places we live,
and has the potential to dramatically impact the lives of future
generations. If we don’t act now, we will leave a much larger
problem. If we all join in to stop climate change, we can reduce its
impact on our lives, on our environment and on future
generations.
At this moment, Singapore is continually facing the impact of
Climate Change. In your research, you are to include:
 What is Climate Change?
 What are the impacts that are caused by Climate
Change?
 What are the preventions or solutions to prevent
or reduce the impact of Climate Change?
 Is Singapore addressing the issue of Climate
Change? If yes, what are the actions taken. If not,
why?
 Suggest ways that Singapore can adopt to
prevent or reduce the impact of Climate Change.
The presentation shall also include explanation of robot
design and programming.
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ii) Video (2 mins)
After the presentation of the research, the team is required to present a
video footage which showcase the team’s entire learning journey, cooperative work and reflections from team members in the
participation of the NJRC competition.
The team is free to decide the content of the video and the duration of
the footage must be within 2 minutes. Team is required to show their
video in their own laptop during the presentation. Team is required to
submit a CD with a copy of the video(MPEG 2 or 4) or preferably the
video could be downloaded on a website.
iii) Q&A (3 mins)
Team members are to answer questions asked by the judges after the
presentation.
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5 Side Events – SumoBot & Sprint Race
This year we will be having our SumoBot and Sprint Race as our
side events on the day of the Grand Finals (8 September 2007). In
these two competitions, participants are to use components solely
from ONE (1) LEGO Team Challenge Kit (RCX/NXT).
SumoBot
A
B
SumoBot Competition Playing Field
(Drawing s not to scale)
In SumoBot two robots will pit against each other on its strength
and strategy, somewhat similar to the sumo wrestling sport. The
robots will start behind the line at position A and B. The referee will
signal the start of the game. The winning robot is determined
through any of the following scenarios.
i.
ii.
iii.
The robot wins by pushing the opponent robot out of the
circle.
The robot wins by pushing the opponent such that both
robots are in the opponent’s side of the semi-circle at the
end of 45secs.
If (i) and (ii) does not apply after 45secs, robot furthest
away from their individual starting point wins.
The overall winner is found through a “knockout” system.
Referee’s decision is FINAL.
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Registration
Registration is required for participation for this event. The
maximum number of teams for SumoBot is 100 teams
Registration for SumoBot and Sprint Race will open on Monday,
16 July 2007. The closing date will be on Wednesday, 22 Aug
2007.
Each school is allowed a maximum of THREE (3) teams for
SumoBot event.
All registration is on a first-come-first serve basis.
Registration can be done via email to [email protected]. Please send the
following information in the email:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Competition that you are registering for
Name of School
Address of School
Team Name
Contact Person’s name, contact number, and email
Full name of all members of the team and Class
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Sprint Race
Start B
Start A
End B
End A
Sprint Race Playing Field
(Drawings not to scale)
In Sprint Race, two robots will compete with each other in tracking
a black line from one end to another.
The robot that reaches the end point 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.
Registration
The Sprint Race will have two categories: Regular team and Mixed
team
Registration is required for participation for this event. The
maximum number of teams for Sprint Race is 300 teams (Regular)
and 100 teams (Mixed).
Registration for Sprint Race will open on Monday, 16 July 2007.
The closing date will be on Wednesday, 22 Aug 2007.
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Teams which students are from the same school will register under
the regular team category.
Students who wish to have a chance to work with other schools’
student can register under the mixed team category where we will
select at random to form a team of 3 students. Students will be
informed of their fellow team members’ details 2 weeks before the
competition. The team will have to work together and create their
own robot to compete with other teams for the sprint race. Scoring
will be based on 50% of the robot performance on the race and 50%
of the team’s cohesiveness. They are to give a 5min presentation on
their team cohesiveness.
Each school is allowed a maximum of THREE (3) Regular teams
for Sprint Race event. Schools can submit up to 10 students per
school for the mixed team category.
All registration is on a first-come-first serve basis.
Registration can be done via email to [email protected]. Please send the
following information in the email:
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
Competition that you are registering for
Name of Schools
Address of Schools
Team Name
Contact Person’s name, contact number, and email
Full name and details of all members of the team and Class
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6 The Open Category
The open category aims to encourage creative expression and innovative
ideas of robots. The theme of this competition is “Civil safety, security
and emergency response”. 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.
Teams are allowed to use any material in the construction of their robot.
Teams are to design and build a robot based on the theme. The robot must
NOT be of a static display.
The size of the robot shall not exceed 1m x1m.
Each team is given 8 mins for presentation of their robots, 4 mins for
introduction and demonstration of their robot and remaining 4 mins for
Judges’ Q & A session.
Assessment of this award will be based strongly on:




Creativity (25%)
Technical Design (25%)
Relevance to Theme (25%)
Entertainment Value (25%)
Winner team of each category will win Two LEGO® MINDSTORMS®
challenge kit (NXT)
i.
Registration
Registration is open to all students and students do not need to be from
the same school. However, all students from each team must be in the
same category age group.
Registration for these competitions will be open on Monday, 16 July
2007 and close on Wednesday, 22 August 2007.
Registration can be done via email to [email protected]. Please send the
following information in the email:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Competition/Category that you are registering for
Name of Schools
Address of Schools
Team Name
Contact Person’s name, mobile contact number, and email
Full name of all members of the team and Classes
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7 NJRC Awards
The Championship Awards
This is the most prestigious award that any team can win. It is bestowed on
the team that embodies the spirit of the NJRC.
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% Robot Performance (Surprise Mission Score)
 30% Best Presentation (40% Research, 20% Video Presentation, 40%
Presentation skills)
 20% Technical Excellence (50% Mechanical & 50% Programming Skills)
 20% Soft Skills (25% Best Image, 25% Team Spirit, 50%
Entrepreneurship)
The Open Category Award
The open category aims to encourage creative expression and innovative
ideas of robots. Competing teams are allowed to use any material in the
construction of their robot.
Assessment of this award will be based strongly on:




Creativity (25%)
Technical Design (25%)
Relevance to Theme (25%)
Entertainment Value (25%)
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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.
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
Structural
Design
Locomotion
Sensor Use
Areas of Consideration
1. Durability
2. Stability
3. Efficient use of parts
4. Range of capabilities
1. Drive ratio
2. Precision
1. Degree
2. Variety
3. Mounting
The Most Bizarre Robot Design Award
For the team that shows the most outstanding creativity in their robot
design: 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.
Criteria
Creativity
Areas of Consideration
1. Unique design or strategy
2. Flair & Appearance
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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
Programming
Areas of Consideration
1. Use of loops & conditionals
2. Use of variables &
subroutines
3. Strategy
4. Efficiency
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Team Performance Awards
The Best Presentation Award
For the team that best exhibits creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in
the presentation of their team’s work, and that demonstrates that “WOW”
factor to the panel of judges during the interview sessions.
Assessment is based on the percentages of scores along the following
weightage:
 40% of the presentation skill score
 40% of the research score
 20% of the video score
The Best Research Award
For the most informative research related to the theme.
Criteria
Background
Research
Analysis &
Conclusions
Areas of Consideration
1. Ability to show understanding of theme
2. Resourcefulness in searching for information
1. Research & data used in analysis
2. Analysis & supports conclusions
.
The Best Video Award
For the most informative and interesting video related to the theme.
Criteria
Content
Video skills
Areas of Consideration
1. Overall content is relevant to the theme
2. Interesting and different from others
1. Ability to demonstrate good video filming skills
2. Incorporate audio effects and animation
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Other Awards
The Best Image Award
For the team that designs and puts up the most creative and outstanding
booth and with the most creative mascot designed and displayed or the
most impressive attire the team or school wears on any of the competition
days.
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
secured sponsorship and other (financial and other) support from other
agencies and/or organizations.
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 Team Spirit Award
For the school which has the best cheer to support their participating
teams with the most innovative stunts, high-spirited members and
spectacularly visual and audio cheer(s).
The Side Events Awards
The side events are designed to encourage participants who are new to
robotics and would like to have a try at it. This year’s NJRC has 2 side
events:
 SumoBot
 Sprint Race (Regular Team)
 Sprint Race (Mixed Team)
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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 (in 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 includes:
The Against-All-Odds
For the team who has faced numerous difficult tasks in their NJRC journey,
due to un-expecting and external factors, and yet, is able to accomplish the
challenge.
The Risk Taker
For the team that takes the initiative to achieve its mission objectives
through intelligent and good calculated risk management skills and
strategies as well as a willingness to plan and execute dangerous
maneuvers.
The Sportsmanship
For those teams and/or individuals that demonstrate sportsmanship
during the competition – cheering, encouraging other teams and/or
schools, celebrating other’s success as much as their own. These awards
are based on nominations from competing teams.
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8
CHALLENGE MANUAL
Important Dates to Remember
School Flags
Flags of the schools will be hung in the competition hall during
the Challenge Week. Please submit the flag by Wednesday, 22
August 2007 at the Singapore Science Centre.
Registration Deadline for Side Events
Deadline for registration for SumoBot and Sprint Race is
Wednesday, 22 August 2007.
Registration Deadline for Open Category
Deadline for registration for Open Category is Wednesday, 22
August 2007.
Presentation Week
27th August to 30th August 2007
31st August 2007 – Presentation Finals
Schedule for Presentation preliminaries will be uploaded to the
official NJRC website http://www.science.edu.sg/njrc
Challenge Week
3rd September to 7th September 2007
8th September 2007 – Grand Finals
Schedule for Challenge preliminaries will be uploaded to the
official NJRC website http://www.science.edu.sg/njrc
Open Category and Side Events Competition
These will be held during the Grand Finals Day on 8 September
2007.
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9
CHALLENGE MANUAL
Challenge Week Schedules
(subject to changes)
Challenge Preliminary (3to 7 Sept 2007)
Daily Timetable
Registration at Annex Foyer
0800
0810
0845
0850
0905
0915
Each teams will be assigned a booth
number and a playing field number
Sensor calibration at playing fields
(Optional)
Quarantine begins at Booth Area
(All visitors are to keep away from
booth)
Briefing for all teams in Competition
Area
Robot Controllers to be at booth to
wait for Team Coordinator to bring
them to the Competition Area
Competition begins
Mission 1 (Run #1)
1100
Mission 1 (Run#2)
1245
Quarantine ends at Booth Area
1245
Lunch
1315
Sensor calibration at playing fields
(Optional)
1345
Quarantine begins at Booth Area
1350
1400
Robot Controllers to be at booth to
wait for Team Coordinator to bring
them to the Competition Area
Competition begins
Mission 2 (Run #1)
1545
Mission 2 (Run #2)
1730
Quarantine ends at Booth Area
1730
End of Competition
Note:
Trial playing fields are available for use only during the period of
quarantine.
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Grand Finals Day (8 Sept 2007)
Timetable
Registration at Annex Foyer
0800
Each teams will be assigned a booth
number and a playing field number
Hall closed to public/schools
0830
Only qualifying teams allowed in
Booth Area
Briefing/Surprise Mission
announcement
0850
Quarantine begins at Booth Area
0900
Surprise Mission preparation begins
0915
Halls open to public/schools
0930
Open Category Judging
1150
Teams are to bring robots to Robots
Quarantine Area
1200
Quarantine ends at Booth Area
1200
Lunch
1300
Surprise Mission
1400
Setup of Side Events
1430
Sumo & Sprint Race
1515
Arrival of Guest of Honour
1645
Closing Ceremony and Prize
Presentation
1800
End of Competition
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