Robots in slugfest

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Two robots face off for war

BangaloreMirror

| THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

PICS: PAVAN KUMAR P N

Highlight of National Robotics Competition at MSRIT was a physical showdown between the robots which tested their strength, manoeuvrability and technical superiority
THIS IS HOW WINNERS DO IT: An MSRIT student explains how his robot conquered the dirt track
uation that was created by the participating robots. Each robot vied to oust the others from the war zone, which was a circular area bordered with a thick black line. Each duel lasted three minutes. The robots were equipped with various sensors and designed to fight. Apart from basic sensors, the robots were equipped with tools to deflect the opponents jabs. The contest was a test of physical capabilities as well as technical superiority of the robots. Two kinds of robots were involved. The first was autonomous (wireless) robots and the other was remote controlled. Two competing robots were placed in an arena. The objective was to push the other out of the arena. In the autonomous category, Avaiyang Garg of MSRIT won the first place. In the other category, the first place was bagged by the team from AIEMS, according to the organisers.

R
Okay toys, lets race

Sridhar.Vivan @timesgroup.com

acing and a war among robots were the highlight of the National Robotics Competition held at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) recently.

LINE FOLLOWER

The robots had to be calibrated on the spot, in accordance with the specifications of the track. This was a challenge for the students
PAVAN, ONE OF THE ORGANISERS

In this event, the robot which would walk the fastest was declared the winner. The competition had two rounds. In the first round, the time taken by robots to cover a specified distance was noted. According to the organisers, the robots had to follow a particular track of predefined width and reach the specified destination. The track had a few straight stretches and some curves. The robots were equipped with sensors and were monitored using a microcontroller to ensure that they stayed on the track.

ALL-OUT WAR

The robots had to be calibrated on the spot, in accordance with the specifications of the track. This was a challenge for the students, said Pavan, one of the organisers. Some robots had a single sensor while others used an array of sensors for higher accuracy. The second round involved a much more challenging track which had right-angled curves and pitfalls. Some of the robots were equipped with custom-designed equipment to meet the challenges that the track offered. Of the 10 teams that participated, six teams qualified for the final round. They were awarded points based on the number of turns the robots successfully manoeuvred. The teams from MSRIT and CMR Institute of Technology, with 500 points, took the first place.

DIRT TRACK RACING

This event was a big draw among students and faculty for the war-like sit-

The track was on an open ground. To make it challenging, it was strewn with stones and had inclinations at a few places. The robots had to be designed with wheels sturdy enough to race on a muddy track. Though controlled with a remote, the robots had to be equipped with sensitive sensors. The robots that were used in the Line Race were used for robot racing too, albeit with some modifications, Pavan said. The winning team from MSRIT completed the track in 48.5 seconds.

THE DIRT RACE TRACK: The BBMP need not get into a flutter because it cannot be blamed for the hurdles and obstructions on this road

No ones looking in this corner... Lets pretend were on Mars

SAY CHEESE: A group photograph of the winners of various competitions