Counter Strike

Physical Specifications

  • One robot per team is allowed; the robot may not separate into more than one part at any point during the competition.
  • The robot must be fully autonomous.
  • The entire robot must fit within a 12-inch x 12-inch x 12-inch cube at all points throughout the competition. (The robot may never expand beyond these dimensions).
  • The robot must not damage the arena in any way. This includes damaging goals, puncturing any surfaces with screws, nails, or staples, or gluing anything to any part of the arena. Unintentional damage to the arena not listed above may lead to disqualification at the discretion of the judges.
  • No intentional interference with the other robot is allowed (no reflective tape/mirrors/smoke/extra lights to interfere with lasers and sensors, no excessively powerful EM emissions, etc.). (rev. 12-10-07 by M.H.)
  • A robot can use up to two visible lasers, <5mW each. All lasers must operate horizontally only. (rev. 12-10-07 by M.H)
  • No hazardous materials, projectiles or behaviors are allowed.
  • Spheres may not be propelled at dangerous speeds. No lofting spheres; roll only.
  • Robots must be fully opaque from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches 3cm to 5cm above the track surface, so that they obstruct a laser beam at that height. (rev.2-7-08 by M.H.)
  • Competitors wishing to use ready-made robotics controllers such as the Handyboard and LEGO Mindstorms must consult Prof. Peshkin first. PIC microcontrollers are encouraged and will be provided (18F4520). A number of Basic STAMPs are available too, but are less capable. If you have a favorite microprocessor or microcontroller, and will be doing the interfacing and electronics yourself, it's probably fine.

Gameplay Rules

  • Each round will be 2 minutes long starting with a verbal countdown (ready, set, go). Each team must start their robot at the beginning of the round.
  • At the end of the round, a 2 minute timer will sound and teams must stop their robots. Any further action beyond the 2 minute limit will be ignored. If both teams decide there is no further progress for either robot, the round may be terminated early and scoring will be determined immediately.
  • The robot may not leave the arena at any point during the competition.
  • Robots may travel under the barrier, so long as no part of the robot crosses onto the opposing robot's side.
  • Robots must start each match covering the starting dot.
  • No aggressive move may be made to intentionally damage the other robot: doing so will result in a loss and disqualification.
  • Once a ball has crossed into a goal, the ball may not be retrieved.
  • Robots must keep the balls rolling on the surface of the arena when shooting/firing. Some allowance will be made for bouncing a little, but basically: roll the balls.

Arena Description

  • The arena will be an 8x8 foot square plane with 2 sides separated by a physical barrier in the center.
  • Balls will be one inch spherical steel balls.
  • Balls will start in 6 fixed starting locations, set in dimples.
  • Retroreflective tape will be placed behind each goal to assist in aiming.
  • Height of center divider at 1 and 5/8 inches above the course and thickness of 1 and 3/8 inch.
  • Seven black tape lines placed at 12" intervals centered on the course.
  • Two large goals (12") placed along center of 1st and 7th line (both sides).  Smaller (6") center goal placed at the center of the course (both sides).

Scoring

  • Scoring will be completed when the timer sounds after two minutes. At the end of the round, points will be tallied as follows:
    • 1 point will be added to the score for each ball on the opponent’s side of the court.
    • 3 points will be added to the score for each ball in the container marked 3 pts on the opponent’s side of the court.
    • 7 points will be added to the score for each ball in the container marked 7 pts on the opponent’s side of the court.
  • Any balls entirely underneath the barrier will be ignored in the score totals.
  • Any points made after the buzzer sounds will not be counted

Competition Format

  • The competition will follow a double elimination format.
  • Seeding will be done with the robot running a test round alone.
  • Robots will be seeded by highest score.
  • In event of a tie score during seeding, robots will be seeded by time to get that score
  • In event of a tie round score, the round will be repeated with a one minute duration.  No third round.