IDC ROBOCON 2024: The Coconut Kingdom
[Background]
Set in the lush landscapes of Kerala, the "land of coconuts," the 2024 Robocon intertwines
technology with tradition. Kerala's economy relies heavily on coconuts, which are used in various
products. Traditionally, coconut harvesting is a skilled yet dangerous task. This contest aims to
reimagine this task through robotics, enhancing safety and efficiency.
[Coconut Harvesting Challenge]
Participants will design mobile robots capable of navigating dual-level ramps to approach
strategically positioned coconut trees within the arena. These robots must adeptly climb the
ramps, extend or utilize integrated mechanisms to carefully pick the ripe coconuts, and drop them
safely onto the ground, simulating an efficient and safe harvesting process.
[Competition Rule]
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Climbing and Harvesting: Robots will ascend a two-tiered ramp system mimicking
the height variations of coconut trees and pick the coconuts.
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Coconut Collection: Post-harvest, ground-based robots will collect the fallen
coconuts and deposit them into a collection basket.
Tasks in Online Mode
- Designing and simulating the robot using ROS and Gazebo.
- Climbing the dual-level ramps and pushing the balls into the designated basket.
Tasks in Onsite Mode
- Ramp 1: Climb the 18-degree ramp and reach Rest Area 1.
- Rest Area 1: Proceed through the flat surface to Ramp 2.
- Ramp 2: Climb further to reach Rest Area 2.
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Rest Area 2: Pick up the coconuts and safely drop them into the designated drop
zone.
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Coconut Collection Zone: Once the first coconut is dropped, the collector robot
starts moving to collect the coconuts and deposit them into the basket.
[Field]
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The competition arena is divided into two symmetric halves: the left side for the Red Team and
the right side for the Blue Team.
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Each side is outfitted with components that mirror those on the opposite side, ensuring fairness
and balance.
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Main Components:
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Mobile Robot Initialization Zone: The starting point for each team's mobile
robot.
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Tree-Mounted Coconut Basket: Miniature coconut trees with high-mounted
baskets holding coconuts for robots to harvest.
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Harvesting: Graspers designed by each team to pick and drop coconuts from
the baskets.
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Ground Basket: The target receptacle where teams deposit collected coconuts
to score points.
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Ramp and Raised Floor: Simulate the challenge of climbing a coconut tree,
leading to a raised platform.
[Design Regulations]
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Climber Robot:
- Must be built using materials provided by the organizers
- Size and weight constraints: 30x30x30 cm and 3 kg maximum
- Controlled by RF remote control
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Collecting Robot:
- Teams receive a collecting robot kit
- Must construct the collecting robot as per the manual provided
- No additional attachments allowed
[Scoring and Winner Declaration]
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Combined Team Score: Sum of the offline team's score and half of the online
team's score.
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Completion Bonus: The team that finishes the tasks first, if both complete all
tasks, wins.
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Tie-Breaking: Quick collection and deposition of a coconut into the basket
determines the winner in case of a tie.
[Additional Competition Rules]
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Robots must operate within designated areas without damaging the arena or opponent robots.
- Teams must demonstrate sportsmanship and avoid aggressive behavior.
- Pre-match checks ensure compliance with specifications and safety standards.
These rules are designed to challenge participants' ingenuity and technical skills, encouraging
innovative design and strategic execution within provided constraints.
[Rulebook]