Fastest Line Following Robot

Event Overview

• Line Following Robot (LFR) is an exciting robotics competition where participants design and build an autonomous robot capable of detecting and following a predefined line using IR or similar sensors.
• The objective is to complete the track in the shortest possible time while maintaining accuracy, stability, and smooth movement.
• The competition will consist of two rounds:
• Round 1 – Qualifiers: Robots will be evaluated based on completion time and accuracy.
• Round 2 – Finals: The top-performing robots will compete for the title of Line Following Champion.

Eligibility

• Teams of 1–3 members are allowed.
• Cross-institute participation is permitted.
• Individual participation is allowed.
• A participant cannot be a member of more than one team.

Format

• Round 1 (Qualifiers): Timed run to evaluate speed and line-following accuracy.
• Round 2 (Finals): Top-performing teams compete to achieve the fastest and most accurate run.
• Duration per run: Approximately 3–5 minutes, including setup time.
• Inter-college and inter-specialization teams are allowed.

Problem Statement

- Design and build a fully autonomous line-following robot capable of navigating a predefined track featuring curves, sharp turns, intersections, and possible line gaps while completing the course as quickly and accurately as possible.

Rules & Specifications

Robot Specifications

• Type: Fully autonomous; manual control is not permitted during a run.
• Dimensions: Maximum 25 cm (L) × 25 cm (B) × 20 cm (H).
• Weight: Maximum 1 kg.
• Power: Maximum 16.8V DC, using an onboard power supply.
• Sensors: IR sensors, colour sensors, or equivalent line-detection sensors.
• Control: Microcontroller- or microprocessor-based.
• Track Handling: The robot should be capable of navigating sharp turns, intersections, curves, and minor line gaps.

Track Details

• The track will feature a black line on a white background or a white line on a black background.
• Line width: Approximately 20 mm.
• The track may include curves, sharp turns, intersections, acute angles, and line breaks.
• Checkpoints may be provided to assist with restarting a run, subject to the event rules.

Gameplay Rules

• The robot must operate autonomously once the start signal is given.
• The timer will start when the robot begins moving and stop when it crosses the finish line.
• Participants must not touch, push, lift, or manually guide their robots during an active run.
• Restarts and retries will be permitted only according to the rules announced by the organizers.
• The final track layout, operating conditions, and competition rules will be explained during the pre-event briefing.

Penalty System

• Penalties for line deviations, unauthorized assistance, and other rule violations will be announced before the competition.
• Unauthorized manual intervention may result in penalties or disqualification.
• Deliberate arena damage, interference with other teams, or foul play may lead to immediate disqualification.

Judging Criteria

• Total time taken to complete the track, including applicable penalties.
• Accuracy in following the designated line.
• Successful completion of the track.
• Smoothness and consistency of movement.
• Performance in navigating turns, intersections, and other track challenges.

Referee & Judging Authority

• The referee's decision will be final and binding.
• Misconduct, deliberate interference, or disrespectful behaviour towards judges may result in disqualification.
• Protests must be raised respectfully with the event officials immediately after the concerned round.
• The organizers reserve the right to modify the rules or competition format if necessary. Any changes will be communicated to participants.

Safety & Conduct

• Practice runs on the main competition track are not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the organizers.
• Robots must be securely assembled and must not shed components during operation.
• Any deliberate damage to the track, equipment, or another team's robot may result in disqualification.
• All robots must be safe to operate and comply with the safety instructions provided by the organizers.
• Participants must bring their own robots, controllers, batteries, and necessary tools.

Certification & Results

• Participation certificates will be awarded to teams that complete at least one official round, subject to the organizers' certification policy.
• Disqualified teams may be declared ineligible for certificates.
• Winners will be determined based on the shortest total completion time after applicable penalties.
• In case of a tie, qualifier-round performance or a tie-breaker run may be considered.
• The organizing team's decision regarding the results will be final and binding.

Note

• The final technical specifications, track layout, penalty system, prize pool, and event rules are subject to change before the competition.
• Participants are advised to attend the pre-event briefing for the latest instructions.

*Rules, Goodies and Prize Pool are subjected to change without prior Notice.