Path Finder

About the Event

Pathfinder is an autonomous line-following robotics competition designed to test embedded programming, sensor calibration, dynamic path planning, and real-time maze exploration. Participants must build a self-contained robot capable of following a high-contrast white line across a complex arena featuring intersecting paths, grid branches, and dead ends. The challenge follows a dual-run strategy: exploring and mapping the track during the initial run, followed by executing an optimized, high-speed run to reach the destination efficiently. The competition emphasizes autonomous navigation, intelligent route optimization, and precise motion control.

Date: 1/11/2026

Time: To be announced soon

Event Format & Structure

Phase 1: Dry Run (Exploration & Mapping)

• The robot will be placed at the Start tile of an arena containing intersecting white lines on a dark background.
• The robot must autonomously navigate the track, detect dead ends and intersections, and identify junctions such as T-junctions, cross-junctions, and angled turns.
• The robot must internally store the explored route and track information.
• Teams may implement path-planning and maze-solving algorithms, such as Left-Hand-on-Wall, Right-Hand-on-Wall, or Tremaux's Algorithm, to identify a viable route to the Finish zone.

Phase 2: Actual Run (Optimized High-Speed Sprint)

• The robot will be reset to the Start position after the Dry Run.
• No hardware or code modifications will be permitted between the two runs.
• Using its internally stored route, the robot must execute an optimized run toward the destination.
• The robot should eliminate unnecessary turns, bypass previously identified dead ends, and complete the route in the shortest possible time.

Eligibility & Team Rules

• Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma students from technical institutions.
• Team Size: 2–4 members per team.
• Cross-Departmental Participation: Permitted.
• Inter-College Participation: Permitted.

Bot Specifications

• The robot must be fully autonomous, with no remote control, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or off-board computation during the runs.
• The robot must comply with the specified dimensional constraints, such as a maximum footprint of 25 cm × 25 cm.
• The robot must operate using its internal DC battery power.
• All sensing, route computation, memory storage, and motion control must be performed onboard.

Rules & Guidelines

• Track Surface: The arena will feature white lines on a dark or black background, with standardized line widths and intersection geometries as specified in the rulebook.
• Autonomous Operation: No human intervention or wireless communication is permitted once a run begins.
• Between-Run Restrictions: Physical adjustments between the Dry Run and Actual Run are strictly limited to pressing a reset switch to trigger execution of the stored route.
• Checkpoints & Penalties: Checkpoints will be distributed along the track to record progress. Line deviations, manual touches, and off-track resets may incur point deductions or time penalties.
• Time Limit: Each team will receive a fixed time slot, approximately 5–7 minutes, to complete both the Dry Run and Actual Run.
• Fair Play: All teams must follow the prescribed track and competition rules.
• Final Authority: Decisions made by the arena referees and judging panel regarding timing, track deviations, and rule violations will be final and binding.

Evaluation & Scoring Criteria

• Actual Run Speed: Time taken to complete the final optimized route.
• Algorithm Efficiency: Bonus points for correctly identifying dead ends and eliminating unnecessary paths during the Actual Run.
• Checkpoint Completion: Bonus points awarded for successfully clearing designated checkpoints.
• Track Integrity: Penalties for line deviations, wall touches, manual intervention, or unauthorized resets.
• Shortest Path Bonus: Additional points for identifying and executing the shortest viable route to the destination.
• Final Score: Calculated using the official scoring formula:Total Score = Base Points + Checkpoint Bonuses + Shortest Path Bonus − (Run Time + Penalties)

Rewards & Perks

• Cash Prizes & Trophies: Awarded to the top 3 teams.
• Certificates of Merit: Awarded to the winning teams.
• Certificates of Participation: Awarded to all valid competing teams.