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Robo Nascar shows how a robot’s programming can be optimized for
a given problem.
Mission Objective
Build an autonomous robot that will travel around a track a specified
number of laps.
Race Rules
- The robot must pass an inspection before the race starts to ensure
no construction rules have been violated. The robot team will have a
chance to make modifications before the race starts.
- When commanded, the robot driver will press the green “run”
button and the clock will start.
- The robot must travel in a clockwise manner.
- The robot must complete a specified number of laps.
- Each robot’s run is timed from the time the run button is hit
to the time it completes the specified number of laps.
Robot Construction
- The robot must be less than 11 inches long including any extensions.
- The robot must be less than 10 inches wide.
- The robot must use pieces from a standard Lego Minstrom Robotics
Invention System 1.5.
- The robot must be programmed using RCX code programming.
- Once started, the robot must be completely autonomous.
Violations
Major Infractions
When a major infraction occurs, the robot must be restarted from the
beginning of the track without stopping the clock.
- Once the robot is moving, there can be no human intervention until
the robot completes the task.
- Losing pieces while the robot is running the race.
- If an error occurs and it appears the robot will not finish the race.
Minor infractions
- Failing to follow the course will result in a 10 second penalty for
each infraction.
- Failing to touch the line in the corners incurs a 10 second penalty
for each infraction.
Determining the winner
The racer with the shortest time, after violations, is declared the
winner.
In case of a tie, the tied contestants are allowed a run-off. The racer
with the shortest run-off time is declared the winner regardless of their
initial time.
Play field
Materials
- The playfield is composed of 1 Lego Mindstorms 1.5 test pad per robot.
Construction
- Just place the testpad on even ground.
Figure 1 Robots racing in Robo Nascar
Hints:
- There are three ways to run the race:
- Inside
- On the line
- Outside
Experiment with the three methods to find the fastest.
Copyright (c) 2000, 2001 Chung and Engalan. Used by permission.
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