Dimensions and Fabrications

1. The machine should fit in a box of dimension 750 mm x 750 mm x 1000 mm (lxbxh) at any given point during the match. The external device used to control the machine or any external tank is not included in the size constraint.
2. The machine should not exceed 35 kg of weight including the weight of pneumatic source/tank . If the tank is external, its weight would be considered 1.5 times its actual weight. Weight of wireless robots and robots having on-board power supply will be counted as 0.6*Actual Weight. Weight of external power source (batteries and adaptors)and the remote controller will not be counted.

Mobility

All robots must have easily visible and controlled mobility in order to compete. Methods of mobility include:

1. Rolling (wheels, tracks or the whole robot).
2. Non-wheeled robots having no rolling elements in contact with the floor and no continuous rolling or cam operated motion in contact with the floor, either directly or via a linkage. Motion is "continuous" if continuous operation of the drive motor(s) produces continuous motion of the robot. Linear-actuated legs and novel non-wheeled drive systems come under this category.
3. Jumping and hopping is not allowed.
4. Flying (using airfoil, helium balloons, ornithopters, etc.) is not allowed.

Robot Control Requirements

1. The machine can be controlled wirelessly or with wires. Off board power supplies are allowed. Refer below for further details on battery and power.
2. If the machine is wired then the wire should remain slack under all circumstances during the competition. All the wires coming out of the machine should be stacked as a single unit. The wires should be properly insulated. Teams are suggested to use only rated wires. Loose connections or improper wiring may lead to direct disqualification even before the event.
3. If the machine is controlled wirelessly, the machine must at least have a four frequency remote control circuit or two dual control circuits which may be interchanged before the start of the race to avoid frequency interference with other teams. The case of any interference in the wireless systems will not be considered for rematch or results.
4. Remote control systems from toys might be used. Remote control systems available in the market may also be used.

Battery and Power

1. The machine can be powered electrically only. Use of an IC engine in any form is not allowed. On board Batteries must be sealed, immobilized-electrolyte types (such as gel cells, lithium, NiCad, NiMH, or dry cells).
2. The electric voltage between 2 points anywhere in the machine should not be more than 36 V DC at any point of time. If a team is using AC voltage in any of its parts then the voltage should not exceed 36 V AC at any point of time as well.
3. If a team is using AC voltage then the they will have to convert the AC voltage to DC voltage before using it on the machine and the voltage should not exceed 36 V between any two points on the machine at any point of time.
4. All efforts must be made to protect battery terminals from a direct short and causing a battery fire, failure to do so will cause direct disqualification.
5. Use of damaged, non-leak proof batteries may lead to disqualification.
6. Battery Eliminators are allowed and power source would be available at the venue for the eliminators
7. Special care should be taken to protect the on-board batteries.
8. Change of battery will not be allowed during the match.

Pneumatics

1. Robot can use pressurized non-inflammable gases to actuate pneumatic devices. Maximum allowed outlet nozzle pressure is 8 bar. The storage tank and pressure regulators used by teams need to be certified and teams using pneumatics are required to produce the Safety and Security letters at the Registration Desk at the venue. Failing to do so will lead to direct disqualification.
2. Participants must be able to indicate the used pressure with integrated or temporarily fitted pressure gauge. Also there should be provision to check the cylinder pressure on the bot.
3. The maximum pressure in cylinder should not exceed the rated pressure at any point of time.
4. You must have a safe way of refilling the system and determining the on board pressure.
5. All pneumatic components on board a robot must be securely mounted. Care must be taken while mounting the pressure vessel and armor to ensure that if ruptured it will not escape the robot. The terms 'pressure vessel, bottle, and source tank' are used interchangeably.

Hydraulics

1. Robot can use non-inflammable liquid to actuate hydraulic devices e.g. cylinders.
2. All hydraulic components on-board a robot must be securely mounted. Special care must be taken while mounting pump, accumulator and armor to ensure that if ruptured direct fluid streams will not escape the robot.
3. All hydraulic liquids are required to be non corrosive and your device should be leak proof. Maximum allowed pressure is 8 bars.
4. Participant must be able to indicate the used pressure with integrated or temporarily fitted pressure gauge.

Weapons Systems

Robots can have any kind of magnetic weapons, cutters, flippers, saws, lifting devices, spinning hammers etc. as weapons with following exceptions and limitations:

1. Liquid projectiles.
2. Any kind of inflammable liquid.
3. Flame-based weapons.
4. Any kind of explosive or intentionally ignited solid or potentially ignitable solid.
5. Nets, tape, glue, or any other entanglement device.
6. High power magnets or electromagnets.
7. Radio jamming, tazers, tesla coils, or any other high-voltage device.
8. Tethered or un-tethered projectiles.
9. Spinning weapons which do not come in contact with the arena at any point of time are allowed.

In no case should the arena be damaged by any bot.
The competition will be played on a knock-out basis.

There can be some hazards in the arena (subject to change, will be notified as soon as decided)

Video and Abstract Submission

Participants have to submit a portfolio of their machine, consisting of a written abstract and a video of the working model before the competition. This portfolio will be used to seed teams for the competition. Only the shortlisted teams will be eligible to participate in ‘Robowars: Deathmatch' at Techfest 2012.
The last date of submitting the portfolio is 30th of November 2011.

Abstract

The written abstract should be prepared on the following lines:

1. The weapon systems and power supply method should be explained in detail, along with proper diagrams. Picture(s) showing these should be attached.
2. Description of any unusual advantageous mechanism used.
3. The specifications of all the components used, including motors, suspension springs, remote controller, wires, battery etc. have to be mentioned.
4. The abstract can be attached as a PDF file to the video and a CD can be prepared; or the abstract can be submitted on paper. The CD and the papers have to be couriered in a single envelope to the postal address
   Techfest Office,
   Students' Gymkhana,
   IIT Bombay, Powai,
   Mumbai - 400076.
   
5. You can email the portfolio minus the video and send the video by a CD. This will make sure at least the abstract part of your portfolio reaches us before the deadline.
6. An email will be sent to the team leader confirming the receipt of the entry. Each team is allowed to make one written submission only. In case of multiple submissions, only the first submission will be used for judging purposes.
7. Techfest 2012 is not responsible for any postal/courier delays, so participants are encouraged to send their entries well in advance to ensure receipt before the last date.

Video Abstract

1. The video should be at least 1 minute unedited clip showing the machine performance to the fullest. All destructive mechanism(s) being used must be shown working.
2. The clip should preferably be in AVI format. If any other unusual format is used, please attach appropriate video plug-ins to ensure that the organizers can run the video properly.
3. It is not necessary to explain the mechanisms in the video.

All portfolios will be used strictly for the seeding purposes. Techfest assures total privacy of the matter submitted to us. The portfolio of your machine will be helpful in future as an evidence of your hard-work along with determining your position for the competition. Hence, please pay adequate attention to it.
The portfolio is meant to assess the efforts put in by participants. Thus even if you are not able to meet the requirements asked in the portfolio, please send us the portfolios based on the current state of your machine before the deadline. That means even if your machine is incomplete, please send the portfolios anyway, instead of not sending them or sending them late.
Preference will be given to the robots using on-board batteries.

Criteria for Victory

1. A robot is declared victorious if its opponent is immobilized.
2. A robot will be declared immobile if it cannot display linear motion of at least one inch in a timed period of 30 seconds. A bot with one side of its drive train disabled will not be counted out if it can demonstrate some degree of controlled movement.
3. In case both the robots remain mobile after the end of the round then the winner will be decided subjectively.
4. A robot that is deemed unsafe by the judges after the match has begun will be disqualified and therefore declared the loser. The match will be immediately halted and the opponent will be awarded a win.
5. Points will be given on the basis of aggression, damage, control and strategy

Aggression – Aggression is judged by the frequency, severity, boldness and effectiveness of attacks deliberately initiated by the robot against its opponent. If a robot appears to have accidentally attacked an opponent, that act will not be considered Aggression.
Control – Control means a robot is able to attack an opponent at its weakest point, use its weapons in the most effective way, avoid Arena Hazards, and minimize the damage caused by the opponent or its weapons.
Damage – Through deliberate action, a robot either directly, or indirectly using the Arena Hazards, reduces the functionality, effectiveness or defensibility of an opponent. Damage is not considered relevant if a robot inadvertently harms itself. Also, if a pressure vessel or a rapidly spinning device on a robot fragments, any damage to the opponent will not be considered "deliberate".
Strategy – The robot exhibits a combat plan that exploits the robot's strengths against the weaknesses of its opponent. Strategy is also defined as a robot exhibiting a deliberate defense plan that guards its weaknesses against the strengths of the opponent. Strategy can also involve using the Arena Hazards to gain an advantage.

Safety Rules

Compliance with all event rules is mandatory. It is expected that competitors stay within the rules and procedures of their own accord and do not require constant policing
1. Special care should be taken to protect the on-board batteries and pneumatics, robot without proper protection will not be allowed to compete.
2. If you have a robot or weapon design that does not fit within the categories set forth in these rules or is in some way ambiguous or borderline, please contact the event organizers. Safe innovation is always encouraged, but surprising the event staff with your brilliant exploitation of a loophole may cause your robot to be disqualified before it even competes.
3. Each event has safety inspections. It is at their sole discretion that your robot is allowed to compete. As a builder you are obligated to disclose all operating principles and potential dangers to the inspection staff.
4. Proper activation and deactivation of robots is critical. Robots must only be activated in the arena, testing areas, or with expressed consent of the event coordinators.
5. All weapons must have a safety cover on any sharp edges.
6. All participants build and operate robots at their own risk. Combat robotics is inherently dangerous. There is no amount of regulation that can encompass all the dangers involved. Please take care to not hurt yourself or others when building, testing and competing.

Team Specification

College teams : A team may consist of a maximum of 6 participants, all from the same institute.
Open entries : A team may consist of a maximum of 6 participants, can be from different institutes.

Registration

For College teams registration you have to send an scanned copy of official confirmation letter through e-mail to robowars[at]techfest[dot]org signed by a competent authority of your institute and the original copy with the abstract. Once we receive the signed copy the name of the institute would be put up on the website.
Teams using pneumatics will have to send a safety letter signed be any faculty in- charge/ Lab in- charge. For open entries they will have to get letter signed from the faculty in-charge/ Lab in-charge of any one of the institute.
The last date for sending confirmation letters and safety letters is 30th November, 2011.

Certificate Policy

Certificate of Excellence will be given to all the winners.
Certificates of Participation will be given to all the teams who qualify first round of the competition.
The teams which get disqualified due to disobeying any of the competition rules will not be considered for the certificate.
* Prizes worth INR 10,000 to be won for best designs (subject to judges discretion)