Rubble Robots Challenge

Activity Description

In this challenge, teams have been contracted to develop a robot that can help clear rubble from a construction site. This robot will be driven by an operator, but will need to move different kinds of debris to the appropriate area for collection.

Additionally, there are plants and existing structures on the construction site the robot and operator must be careful to not damage or remove.

Materials

• Non-robotic craft materials for building such as cardboard, construction paper, tape, cups, pipe cleaner, popsicle sticks, straws, etc

• Floor safe tape (ex: painter’s tape) to mark the area

• 3 different “debris” materials for the robots to move

  • Recommended: tennis ball/other small ball, toilet paper tubes, crumpled paper balls

  • Other options: balls of different color, math or small wooden blocks, cups, small empty boxes, pom-pom balls, old FTC game pieces, small/round fidget toys, empty bottles or cans

• Obstacles for the play area that the robot should avoid

  • Suggested: cones, small boxes, books, cups, potted plants, containers, etc

Recommended REV Robotics Kit Options:

Suggested Starting Robot Drivetrain:

Rubble Robots is played on a 2.5m x 2.5m field that can be adjusted to accommodate space limitations. The layout provided is one example for how the Plant or Structure Obstacles may be arranged. If the play space is reduced, the number of obstacles should also be reduced.

The outside perimeter of the field should be marked with tape, or another material.

Plants or Structures are obstacles on the field the operator must avoid while controlling the robot to pick up debris. The robot may not displace or damage these obstacles.

Collection Zones (Trash, Structural, and Environmental) are the drop-off locations for the 3 different types of debris that will be scattered on the field.

Debris are loose pieces placed randomly on the field before a match for the robot to gather and place into the correct Collection Zone.

• It’s encouraged to use recycled materials for the debris, such as having students bring in the toilet paper rolls or using scrap paper for the crumpled paper balls.

• It’s recommended to start with a set amount of each item then increase or decrease based on student performance.

• Suggested:

  • Trash (orange) = crumpled paper balls (x10)

• The robot must be drivable using a gamepad

  • Teams may choose to use two gamepads for split controls.

• The robot must allow the operator to retrieve and move 3 different forms of debris to their appropriate collection location

• The robot must fit within a 460mm x 460mm square at start up. There is no max height limit.

• The robot must remain within the designated play area.

• The robot may not damage or move existing plants and structures within the construction site

• Only one robot is permitted in the play area at a time.

• Teams will have 5 minutes to prepare, run their robot, and attempt the challenge.

• The robot must start in the marked “Robot Launch Zone”.

• The robot is considered “inside” the launch zone so long as some part of the robot is extended into the area

• Robots may only be handled within the launch zone. Touching a robot outside of this area will result in a penalty.

  • Students may change out parts or make changes to the robot if it returns to the Robot Launch Zone

• Robots may not damage (ex: rip, misshape, crack) debris.

• Debris that leaves the play area will be returned in a random location.

• Debris that is scored in the incorrect Collection Zone will be removed and cause a penalty.

• There is no limit to the number of debris robots may handle at a time.

Debris should be placed before a team is preparing to play. It's recommended to encourage students spectating to aid with placement so long as placement is fair (ex: debris not half outside the play area or stuck against an obstacle).

1. After debris has been distributed on the field, the team may begin their match time by notifying the judge. During their 5 minutes, teams may discuss and strategize or make small changes to their robot before beginning the 2 minute run period.

   1. Only one robot and team should be allowed in the play area at a time.

2. Robots must be placed in the Robot Launch Zone before teams begin their run. The judge will give a brief countdown before the 2 minute run period begins.

While a team is attempting the challenge a judge will record the following:

• Total number of debris collected in each of their correct Collection Zones

• Debris accidentally placed in the incorrect zone

• Final time for the run attempt

• Other penalties that occur

(Target Score + Time Score) - Penalty Points = _____________

Obstacles may be added, removed, or their locations may be randomized between attempts from teams to complete the challenge. Changing obstacles creates new opportunities for teams to strategize their approach or consider making changes to their robot!

Similarly, debris may be added or changed to create additional challenges.

Consider adding an additional challenge for robots to place or move objects after the debris within the construction area is cleared. This may include placing something on top of an obstacle, placing a new obstacle, or rearranging the obstacles to appropriate locations.

It's recommended to start simple with placing a single object in a randomized location as a sort of "end game" before expanding too much on this concept.