Robot Limbo Competition

Object: Given a maximum dimension of 7 inches square by 1 cm high, make a self-contained device to traverse a simple maze in a race against another compettitor in a similar lane. The flattest and fastest devices win. Solar power is optional but recommended.

• Competitor Design Parameters: Limbobot
• Racing Platform
• Race Procedure

Competitor Design parameters: Limbobot

1. The very top of the competing device must be less than or equal to 1 cm height, and the base of each device must fit within a 17cm square.
2. Competitors may split apart or change their physical geometry beyond the dimensions of this area during a run, but a win will only count when the LAST part of a limbobot has crossed the finish line. Competitors are not allowed to drop, throw or leave behind any part of their chassis. Competitors must finish with everything they started with.
3. Competitors cannot have parts removed or added to them between races with the exception of replacing broken components necessary to the operation of the vehicle.
4. For solar competitors, there is no size restriction to the solar cells that may be used. Devices must work over the travel distance from a minimum light source of one 500 watt halogen light placed 18 inches above the race platform, to a maximum of up to three such halogens, to pure noon-time, unobstructed sunlight.
5. During racing, competitors must not physically touch or attempt to touch each other, however, competitors may attempt to interfere with each others light source by extending vanes or other devices over the one inch lane walls. Vane extensions must still fit within the size guidelines.
6. Designers are not allowed to augment their competitor performance by the use of external light sources, lenses, mirrors, subtle reflections off of watches or eyeglasses, or any form of remote control.

Racing Platform

The "maze" is a pair of level, equal, simple complex corridors of between six and ten 90 degree left and right hand turns, randomly assigned before the race. The maze width is of typical micromouse dimensions (17cm width between walls. For full details see the micromouse section in this guide) with smooth black arborite as the running surface. The walls will be of flat-white arborite broken every 18 cm by a micromouse "lattice point" post. The distance that the competitors must race will be anywhere between 8 and 16 feet along two equal lane ways.

Race Procedure

Robot competitors line up at the start. A whistle is blown and the devices either start by themselves or are released. Racing continues until either one competitor has won, or both have crashed, or three minutes have elapsed.

In the case of solar competitors, procedure rules shall be as for the solaroller competition.

Awards include fastest, flattest, and best solar design. Devices will be judging upon a point score involving height, speed, ability to navigate the course, innovation and quality of workmanship.