Rules Of Competition - Seasons 2 and 3

updated October 15, 2001
(subject to change at any time, for any reason.)

1. Introduction

Robotica is a three-event competition featuring 24 Robots plus the design teams that build and operate them.

This document provides the rules, regulations, and restrictions necessary to ensure a safe and entertaining competition. Robot builders are urged to be as creative as possible within the framework of this document. The show's producers will consider design features not approved in this document on a case by case basis. Alternative features requested by participants may be allowed if they are deemed safe and in keeping with the spirit of the competition. Any changes in the approved specifications must be approved in writing and will be made available to all participants in the competition.

BY ENTERING THE ROBOTICA COMPETITION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BUILDING AND OPERATING ROBOTS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU AND YOUR TEAM MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CLAIMS AND DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE AND CONTRUCTION OF YOUR ROBOT, AND THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM MEMBERS UNDERTAKE THE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR ROBOT AT YOUR OWN RISK.

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT NASH ENTERTAINMENT; RBI PRODUCTIONS, INC; DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC; AND THE LEARNING CHANNEL ARE IN NO WAY RESPONSIBLE AND SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS FOR ANY SUCH CLAIMS AND DAMAGES.


2. Competition Format

2.1 Advancement

All 24 competitors will compete in one of twelve preliminary matches. Each preliminary match will consist of two events. Preliminary match winners will move on to a semi-final match. Each semi-final match will consist of one event. The six competitors who win a final match will advance to the Championship Finals.

2.2 Event Types

There are two events to each preliminary match.

THE GAUNTLET - Robots face the ultimate endurance test in the baseball diamond-shaped track of "The Gauntlet". To begin, the bots must crash head-on through four increasingly difficult walls -- a wall of wood, followed by one of weighted cans, then bricks, and finally a cement wall -- and that's just to get to the halfway point! If all goes as planned, the robots will get to "second base" at roughly the same time, forcing a confrontation. When the bots finally pass each other, they still have to navigate through all the rubble left by their opponent. This is more treacherous than it sounds -- one wayward brick can end the race faster than driving through an entire wall of 'em.

Once they've come full circle (back to the starting line), the robots turn and climb a ramp up to the "Central Killing Zone." Once inside they'll find a forest of glass columns that must be destroyed. When they've completed this task, a final ramp will lead them out of the center area and on to victory. Robots score points for every wall destroyed, every rubble pile successfully navigated, and every glass wall broken. The highest scoring robot takes the game.

THE LABYRINTH - As in Hellenic times, our mechanical gladiators risk life and limb when they enter "The Labyrinth." Robots must navigate tight spaces and treacherous obstacles that lead to six deadly challenges, which in turn guard six glass walls. Their level of difficulty ranges from hard to nearly impossible: a twenty pound box, a shaky suspension bridge, a section of lethal spikes that shoot up from the floor, a hydraulic flip ramp that can send a 200 plus pound robot flying and finally, a sand pit and a set of steel cargo rollers that could put a stop to even the most surefooted robot.

The robots must successfully take on as many challenges as possible, breaking the glass walls. When all six glass walls are broken a door at the end of the track opens, revealing a seventh glass wall. The robot that breaks this final wall ends the game and receives bonus points. But the bot that breaks the most glass overall will get the most points, winning the game. And if things weren't dangerous enough, our competitors are being attacked by our Robotica "Rats." These pint-sized robotic devils carry some very robot-unfriendly buzz saws that are capable of disabling any or all of the competitors. The two highest-scoring robots of each preliminary match will advance to the semi-final round, which consists of one event.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH - What better way to end a competition of brains and brawn than with an old fashioned street fight? The "Fight To The Finish" is just that. The two winners of the earlier games face each other on an eight-foot-high elevated platform. Each tries to send his opponent off the side to his demise in a fiery pit of steel spikes!

For one minute the bots are protected from this horrible fate by a surrounding safety gate. But at the end of that minute, the gate comes tumbling down and it's survival of the fittest. As one bot hits the floor, the last bot standing wins the competition.

There will be six semi-final round winners (one winner for each of the fist six episodes). These six will advance to the Finals. All Robots in the Finals will compete in The Gauntlet. The winner of each round of The Gauntlet, plus the losing robot with the highest point total will advance the Labyrinth. The two winners of the Labyrinth round will advance the Fight to the Finish Finals.

2.3 Scoring of Matches & Declaration of Winner

The impartial judge will have final authority on the assessment of points and penalties, no exceptions.

The Gauntlet - Points are assessed when the body of the robot clears the arch of each obstacle. Robots have gone up the ramp when all wheels are on the upper surface.

Active weapons may not be used in The Gauntlet.

In the case of a 30 second standoff, the judge will stop the game, reset the furthest robot to just before the last obstacle it passed, and the game will resume. Robots will keep any points that they have already accumulated.

If a robot is mechanically unable to continue and the opposing robot cannot pass it in 30 seconds, the stalled robot will be moved back to the nearest open corner. The stalled robot will keep any points that it has already accumulated.

The Gauntlet will have a time limit of five minutes, after which, the game will be called, and the winner will be the robot that accumulated the most points in five minutes.

In the Finals of the Gauntlet, the losing robot must finish the course for time. They will not accumulate any additional points past the buzzer.

The Labyrinth - The robot will receive points when they break the glass strip behind each obstacle. Points will be given to the actual robot that breaks the glass.

Passing through the exit door prior to the signal will result in disqualification. At the sound of the exit signal, robots will have one minute to pass the door and break the glass. The exit signal will sound when:

If one robot becomes fully disabled, blocking access to a fixture, that robot will be penalized for the amount of that fixture. The penalty will be assessed when the game is over.

If both robots are disabled at obstacles for 45 seconds, the game will stop, the robots will be reset to their positions just before the obstacles, and the game will resume.

Point values:

The Robot that has accumulated the most points at the end of both events moves on to the semi-final match. In the case of a tie, both robots will advance.

The Fight to the Finish - There is no scoring for this match. The last Robot left in the arena wins the event and moves on to the Championship Finals. If both robots are pushed off the platform, the robot that was on the platform last will be declared the winner.

2.4 Event Frequency and Eligibility to Compete

All Robot participants must be in good working order to take part in the competition. In order to make this determination robots will be required to successfully complete a qualifying round prior to the program taping. The qualifying round will test robot's basic abilities and readiness to compete for our specific challenges.

The robots that successfully complete the qualifying round advance to a preliminary round. In the event that a robot is unable to compete, a designated alternate robot will fill its slot. The choice of which alternate robot will fill in is at Producer's Discretion.

Each preliminary round is made up of two events. The winner of the preliminary round will compete in a semifinal match.

1. Preliminary Round - After each event, operators and their teams will have fourty-five minutes to make repairs to their Robot. If a Robot is not mobile (able to power up and move in at least two directions), then the operator may take an additional 30 minute repair period, but will forfeit 10 points. Operators can continue to take additional 30-minute repair periods at a forfeiture of 10 points until their Robot is operational. If they opt not to take the extra time, their machine is placed in the Robot impound until the competition resumes. Should both machines be immobile after the initial 30-minute repair period and both require additional time, no point penalty will be assessed. Participants may also use this repair period to make modifications to their Robot in preparation for the next event. Modifications must be approved by the Producers in advance.

2. Semi-Final Match - Participants advancing to the semi-final round will have 90 minutes to make repairs and modifications to their Robot. Show's producers and experts will have the right, at their own discretion, to afford more repair time to ensure an even semi-final match.

The show's producers and experts determine all decisions regarding eligibility, and their decisions are final.

2.5 Competition Arena Specifics

1. The Gauntlet - The course is in the shape of a diamond. Each side is identical, 50' long with a turn in the middle, and contains four increasingly difficult obstacles (ex. Balsa wood, paint cans, bricks, cement tiles). Robots will go all the way around the track, passing each other on the way. Upon reaching the starting point, robots will travel up a 15 degree, 3.5 foot incline to the center of the track. In the center of the track will be a number of glass fixtures, mounted vertically, to be destroyed by driving through them. When all vertical panes of glass are broken, a final, 4'x4' pane of glass will present itself in the corner opposite the entrance ramp. When that pane of glass is broken, the match is over. The surface is painted wood decking.

2. The Labyrinth - The total area of the labyrinth is 38' x 38'. Robots will start in the center, on a rotating platform. The match will start with the platform rotating in a random direction, allowing the robots to "escape" from the center area. Each team will designate a member from their team to control a show-provided "rat" robot. This robot cannot score points for the team, it is used to interfere with the opposing team's primary robot. Robots will navigate obstacles and enter dead-end channels where they will have to break a strip of glass 3' wide, stretched across the width of the channel, approx. 3' from the end wall. Each strip of glass is set at varying heights for each obstacle, measured from the bottom of the glass to the deck: 15', 18', 21', 24', 27', and 30'. The obstacles that must be passed include: Passive conveyor-type rollers with two 35-lb impeding ball-and-chain devices hanging above, a large box that must be pushed, spikes that shoot up from the floor on a timer, a suspension bridge (6' long and - 6' at its lowest point), a sand trap, approx. 6" deep, and a flip ramp that operates on a timed cycle. In addition, in the channels of the Labyrinth, robots will be required to navigate past saloon-type doors, 1.5" high speed bumps (12" wide, set 12" apart), and a jump ramp set at an approx. 8 degree angle, with an 8" gap between the ramps. When all the glass fixtures are broken, the robots must exit through the final door, and break another glass strip, set at 12" off the floor. The match is then over.

3. Fight to the Finish- Arena will be 16' square. The arena will be elevated 8' off the ground. The surface is flat steel covered with traction paint. Guardrails will stand approximately 1 to 2 feet tall on all four sides of the arena. The center of the arena will be a 4' diameter steel grate from which will spew intermittent smoke. Robots will enter the arena from an 8-foot tall raised platform that connects to the raised surface via a 6' wide bridge with guardrails. The bridge will retract once the Robot has entered the arena. The spike pit will be approx. five feet wide.

2.6 Decisions on Scoring, Eligibility, and Declaration of Winners

The decision of show producers, experts and match referees regarding scoring, eligibility and declaration of winners are final. Producers reserve the right to make changes in the event rules and competition specifications at any time at its own discretion.

Participants acknowledge that the Producers are not responsible for costs incurred in the construction of Robots nor are the Producers responsible for costs associated with any damage incurred as a result of their participation in this event.


3. Robot Specifications

3.1Size and Weight Restrictions

In order to be eligible, Robots must be able to fit within the physical confines of the challenges. As such, no Robot can be wider than four feet, taller than four feet, or longer than four feet in its normal resting state. Appendages that mechanically extend up to a foot beyond the maximum in any direction may be incorporated into the robot’s design. Robots shall weigh no more than 210 lbs. in their heaviest configuration. However, builders are urged to carefully examine the specific dimensions of the arena to make sure their Robots will be able to maneuver.

3.2 Power Sources and Drive Systems

All Robots entered into Robotica must be battery operated. No gasoline-powered engines of any kind will be accepted.

All batteries must be shielded to minimize the chance of spills or leaks. Shielding for car batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, and similar batteries must be pre-approved. "Gel cell" shielding does not require pre-approval. In addition, shielding around the battery may not be air-tight, to allow for escape of gasses.

The primary concern of the Show's Producers is to ensure that Robots are safe. To that end, Show's Producers reserve the right to disallow any power source they, and/or their experts deem to be unsafe. Should this occur, Show's Producers will provide operators with fair notice of such a decision.

3.3 Removable Power Link

All robots must be equipped with a removable power link. Removing the link must disconnect power to ALL weapons and drive systems. The link's location on the robot must be clearly marked, and be accessible without the use of tools. The Show's Producers and Experts must deem the robot "safe" with the link removed.

3.4 Weapons

All weapons located on a Robot must be cleared in advance with Show's Producers. This includes, but is not limited to, any and all hydraulic systems, projectiles of any kind, flamethrowers, buzz saws, hammers and entanglement devices. While no particular weapon is expressly forbidden, Show's Producers, in the interest of safety, reserve the right to limit the use and design of weapons.

Show's producers will work with builders and operators to ensure that certain safety levels are maintained, while allowing builders maximum creativity.

If you make it to the Fight to the Finish, you will be required to have an active weapon on your robot. Use of the active weapon is optional in the preliminary rounds. An active weapon is one in which the action is remote controlled separately from the drive system. Two examples of an active weapon would be a saw, and a pneumatic spike.

3.4.1 Flame Throwers

Flame throwers are allowed, however, due to the Fire Codes of California and Los Angeles, their use and design must be severely restricted. Show's Producers and Experts will endeavor to allow any flame thrower that they deem safe, however, they must also reserve the right to require the removal or deactivation of the system prior to combat, based on the on-site Fire Marshall's opinion. The following are general guidelines for flame throwers:

- Plans must be submitted to Show Producer's for initial approval

- WD-40, Propane, or Acetylene powered

- Output nozzle: 1/4" or larger

- Flame bursts: no longer than 5 sec. at a time.

- Flames may not be used against elements of the set

- Fuel tanks must be shielded on all sides by a minimum of 3/8" aluminum or equivalent

- Shielding must be vented (not air-tight).

3.4.2 Pneumatic Systems

- Tank pressure maximum is 2000 PSI.

- Gas expelled into the atmosphere for any reason cannot exceed 100 PSI (excluding gas expelled due to retraction of a gas-powered cylinder).

- Operating pressure may not exceed the maximum rated pressure of the lowest-rated component in the system.

- Under no circumstances may any component be operated beyond its maximum rated pressure (tank, hoses, cylinders, etc.).

- Nitrogen or CO2 systems may be used, provided above rules are adhered to.

- Any high-pressure tank must be shielded on all sides by a minimum of 3/8" aluminum or equivalent.

- Shielding must be vented (not air-tight).

Please see item (6) for specific examples of approved and disallowed weaponry.

3.5 On-board Camera Systems

The Show's Producers request that all Robot Builders carry an on-board camera system, to be provided by the show. While carrying the system is strongly encouraged, it is optional. Builders acknowledge that an on-board camera system, or lack thereof, will not have any bearing on the outcome of a match. The weight of any camera system provided by the show will not be counted included in the 210 lb. weight limit.

3.5.1 Camera System Specs

- Recorder box is 10"x9"x5" and must be mounted inside the robot.

- The camera will be mounted through a 5/8" hole in a strategic spot, so that the camera will have some of the robot (ex.: a front-mounted appendage) in view.

- Space behind the lens hole should be at least 3" deep, with a 2.25" diameter.

- The recorder can be as far away from the camera as necessary.

- Weight of the entire system is 56 oz.

3.6 Other Restrictions

All pressurized tanks must be shielded against damage by a minimum of 3/8" of aluminum or equivalent on all sides.

Any robot that is found to be intentionally attacking a competitor's removable safety link will be severely penalized, up to and including disqualification.

There will be no additional weight allowance for walking robots.

Contestants must operate their robot via radio-control from the designated area, i.e. "riding robots" will not be allowed.

Robots may not carry any device capable of operating autonomously or by radio control when physically separated from the robot, or attached by a tether.

Robots must not destroy any elements of the competition arena, i.e. "blasting" holes through the walls of the labyrinth. Any substances placed on the arena floor must be pre-approved and easy to clean. Any deliberate destruction of sets will result in immediate disqualification. Decision of Show's Producers and Experts on these matters is final, no exceptions.


4. Pit Area

At all times, common sense and safety practices must be followed. Show's Producers reserve the right to eject any builder who is, in their opinion, being negligent or unsafe in any manner.

4.1 Personnel

Operators must approve all pit crew personal with Show Producers. All pit crew personnel must be willing to appear on camera, wear uniforms provided by the show, and must sign on-camera release forms.

Show Producers reserve the right to make a determination limiting the number of pit crew members per team.

4.2 Allowable Materials

Operators may bring as many spare parts as they wish. However, it is strictly forbidden to bring a replacement Robot to swap out during the competition. Pre-assembled, replacement parts must first be cleared with Show's Producers.

Show's Producers and their experts reserve the right to disallow any materials they deem unsafe from the pit area.

4.3 Testing Area

Show's Producers will provide teams with a testing area, which may be used, at the operators' discretion, between rounds.

4.4 Impound Area

Robots will be sent to an impound area under the following scenarios:

1. After a Robot and operator has exhausted their 45 minute repair period, should show producers not be ready to begin the next event, Robots will be placed in impound until such time producers are ready to continue.

2. At the conclusion of each day's competition, Robots will be placed in impound overnight.

3. During any day of the competition in which an operator's machine is not competing.

4. When placed in impound, operators can have no access to their machines. Impound area will be guarded against tampering 24 hours a day.

4.5 Frequency Allocation

Operators may not use their R/C transmitter for robot testing, unless they are displaying the tag corresponding to their Operating Channel/frequency. For this reason, Builders are encouraged to bring a choice of two or more sets of crystals, as well as a servo controller for testing components on their robot. Frequency tags will be distributed in a check-out/check-in fashion.


5. Contestant Selection Process

Robotica is both a robotics competition and a television show. Thus, the 24 contestants selected to participate will be based upon several different criteria.

All participants will be required to complete a personal profile form that will seek information one the background and history of each participant.

5.1 Ability to Construct a Viable Robot

Contestants must be able to demonstrate an ability to construct and operate a Robot capable of competing in the various challenges. Factors to be considered will include, but are not limited to, training in mechanical engineering, past experience in robot combat competitions, previously constructed robots and financial means.

5.2 Willingness to Appear on Camera

Contestants must be comfortable appearing on camera. This is far more difficult than it might seem. Using their expertise in such matters, Show Producers will pre-interview all potential contestants to determine those most suitable for the program.

5.3 Casting Considerations

In an effort to make the most interesting and entertaining television program possible, Show Producers will attempt to find contestants with personal stories that coincide with the themes of the show. Thus, Show Producers might give extra consideration to contestants with dynamic, unusual or otherwise entertaining story lines.

5.4 Scheduling Conflicts

Contestants must be able to attend competitions in Los Angeles, California on the pre-determined date of their particular event. Contestants must also be traveled to Los Angeles at a reasonable cost. Show Producers will make best efforts not to allow scheduling and financial considerations stand in the way of selecting contestants, but reserve the right to make such a determination if they deem it necessary.

5.5 Decisions of the Show Producers

Decisions of the Show Producers concerning selection of contestants are final. Show Producers will make every available effort to give potential contestants not selected for this competition first consideration for future competitions.

5.6 Minors

1. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

2. No minor under the age of 12 will be allowed near the game areas or in the pits when other robots are there. Builders who have minors as part of their team can have them included in the production of the "builder background package," but children under 12 cannot be on the deck during the competition or in the pits. They may sit in the audience section with an adult parent or legal guardian.

3. Minors who are older than 12 and are part of the team may have to be schooled and should be prepared for this. We will provide a teacher/welfare worker on set who will insure that schooling occurs. They should bring their necessary books, assignments, etc. from school.

The above referenced teacher rules are controlled by the child labor laws of the State of California, which has absolute jurisdiction. Also, as welfare workers, the on set teachers may restrict any minors' involvement in any activity that they deem to be dangerous. Their call in these matters is final and may affect the minors who are older than 12 to an extent above and beyond our rules.


6. Specific Examples of Approved/Disallowed Weapons

6.1 Approved

- Inflatable air bag (NON-automotive)

- Magnets

- Pneumatic lifting/flipping shovel

- 10" pneumatic-powered spike

- 8.25" carbide tipped steel-cutting circular saw blade

- Tethered grappling hook on a winch

- Hydraulic crushing jaw

- CO2 powered pneumatic system with a hammer/pick/saw on an arm

- Oil slick (limited - 1 fluid ounce)

- 8-10 8" saw blades mounted vertically across the front of the robot

- 36" horizontally rotating steel blade

- Air cannon containing a net (Only two net shots allowed per round)

- "spinning mass" weapons

6.2 Disallowed

- Compressed oxygen for use in flame throwers

- Automotive airbags

- Liquid fuel (non-propane) flame throwers

- Road flares/uncontrolled flame

- Electric shockers

- Devices that interfere with other competitors' radio control

- Dropping metal filings

- Gunpowder

- Spraying corrosive substances