RoboCannonade

RoboCannonade: Technozion, NIT Warangal

About the Event

RoboCannonade is a hands-on robotics competition where teams design and build a stationary, multi-axis launcher that fires table tennis balls at randomized targets of varying depths and heights. The challenge combines mechanical precision with software control. Teams can run in remote-controlled or autonomous mode, and autonomy earns bonus points. Entries are judged on accuracy, consistency and engineering design.

Eligibility

• Open to students from colleges and universities across India.
• Team size: 3 to 5 members.
• Participants must be present at NIT Warangal for the event.

Format and Process

• Concept and design report/plan: submit by 20 October.
• Video submission of the build: submit by 25 October.
• Final event at NITW (during Technozion): teams compete on the arena.
• Setup time: strictly 3 minutes.
• Firing time: 3 to 5 minutes from the start whistle.
• Attempts: 10 shots per team.
• Targets are placed randomly.

Challenge / Problem Statement

• Build a completely stationary, non-mobile launcher.
• Projectile: standard 40mm (or 40+ mm) table tennis balls weighing 2.7 g, provided by the teams.
• Power: onboard batteries, or a regulated external DC adapter capped at 24V DC.
• Size: the robot must fit within a 50 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm starting volume. It may expand after the start.
• Mechanism: minimum 3 degrees of freedom (DOF).
• Targets: placed at varying depths, distances and heights, from 1 m to 7 m from the robot's starting line.
• Control: remote or autonomous, at the team's choice.

Scoring

• Base points: +20 (1–2 m), +40 (2–4 m), +80 (4 m and beyond).
• Multiplier: 1.5× for extreme heights or obstructed depths.
• Autonomy bonus: up to 250 points for a completely autonomous run.
• Secondary evaluation: near misses, software/algorithmic performance, cost-efficiency and mechanical innovation.

Judging Criteria

Accuracy, consistency and engineering design.

Rules

• The robot must remain stationary throughout the run.
• Power must stay within the 24V DC limit.
• The robot must fit the 50 cm cube at the start.
• Teams must stay behind safety lines and must not fire before the whistle.
• Teams must not interfere with the arena or other teams, or damage the arena.

Prizes

The exact prize pool will be announced later.