Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!cat.cis.Brown.EDU!noc.near.net!MathWorks.Com!yeshua.marcam.com!charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu!csusac!csus.edu!netcom.com!fjenkins
From: fjenkins@netcom.com (Frank Jenkins)
Subject: Rules for Mobile Robot Safety Contest
Message-ID: <fjenkinsCuppxw.JL2@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1]
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 1994 04:03:32 GMT
Lines: 230


                  1994 MOBILE ROBOT SAFETY CONTEST
                  ********************************

                    Sponsored by: Frank Jenkins



The purpose of this contest is to encourage the safe design and construc-
tion of mobile robots.  The contest is open to all non-commercially-made
mobile robots as defined in Notes #2 and #3 below.  Commercially-made 
robots may be entered, but are not eligible for the cash prizes.

Each entry starts with zero points.  Points will be awarded for positive 
features that enhance the safety and reliability of operation.  Points 
will be subtracted for negative features that could allow the robot to 
injure people or to damage its operating environment.



1994 FINAL RULES:
*****************


Points will be awarded as follows:

   20 pts  maximum if the motor-drive circuit has an operable "fuse".  
           (ref. Notes #4 & #5)

   10 pts  if the electronics circuit has a separate fuse.
           (ref. Notes #4 & #6)

   20 pts  maximum if the robot has an easily accessible push-to-
           deactivate "panic button" on its exterior.
           (ref. Notes #7 & #8)

   20 pts  if the robot can be stopped remotely upon operator command.
           (ref. Note #9)

   50 pts  maximum additional can be awarded if the robot employs other 
           safety features not defined above. (ref. Note #10)


Points will be subtracted as follows:

   -10 pts  for each "small part" that can be removed from the robot using 
            a pulling force of less than 4 ounces.  (ref. Note #11)

   -10 pts  for each "sharp edge" on the top or sides of the robot.
            (ref. Note #12)

   -15 pts  for each "sharp point" on the top or sides of the robot.  
            (ref. Notes #13 & #15)

   -20 pts  for each "hazardous" corner or protrusion on the top or sides
            of the robot.  (ref. Notes #14 & #15)
        
   -40 pts  maximum for each hole, opening or moving part on the top or 
            sides of the robot which causes damage to a simulated "finger". 
            (ref. Notes #16 & #17)
   
   -20 pts  for each mechanical or electronic "failure" that occurs during
            the safety testing (ref. Note #18).
   


PRIZES:
*******


To qualify for a prize, a robot must receive a positive score. Cash prizes
will be awarded to up to three contestants according to the largest 
scores as follows:

   First Place:  $1.00 for each point (plus a trophy).

   Second Place:  $.80 for each point (plus a certificate).

   Third Place:   $.50 for each point (plus a certificate).


A trophy will be awarded to the commercially-made robot with the largest 
positive score.



CONTEST QUESTIONS:
******************


Submit any questions or comments to Frank Jenkins at one of the following:

e-mail:  fjenkins@netcom.com

Compuserve:  71052,3616

fax:  1-415-851-9598

postal:  P.O. Box 1289, Menlo Park, CA 94026



NOTES:
******


1)  All entries in this contest will be examined by a panel of three judges.
    No judge shall be eligible to submit an entry in the contest.  In the
    event of a question involving rules interpretation, the panel of judges
    will decide upon the matter, with the majority prevailing.  All 
    decisions will be final.

2)  To qualify as a "mobile robot", a robot must demonstrate that it can 
    move about at a speed of at least 6 inches/second in either an 
    operator-directed or an electronically-programmed fashion on a flat 
    surface.  There must be no mechanical connection between the robot 
    and its operator.

3)  A "commercially-made" robot is defined as a product which has been
    designed or promoted or sold as a "robot" by a commercial entity.
    Individually-made robots which are based upon non-robot products
    (e.g. a model car), but which have been substantially modified or
    enhanced, will not be considered commercially-made.  Robots using
    electronics designed for robotics use, but which are built with 
    non-robotic mechanical and electrical parts will also not be 
    considered commercially-made.

4)  A "fuse" is defined as a safely contained fusible wire, a circuit 
    breaker, or some other passive method of safely limiting current to 
    a reasonable value.  Non-commercial (i.e. home-made) fuses may be 
    required to demonstrate their safe operation.  
    
5)  10 points will be awarded if the robot has a fuse anywhere in the motor 
    drive circuit.  15 points will be awarded if the fuse is connected 
    directly to the motor battery pack by a lead less than 2 inches long.  
    20 points will be awarded if the fuse is mounted internal to the 
    battery pack.  The break value of the motor fuse should not exceed 
    3 times the peak current draw of all the motors combined.

6)  The electronics fuse must be on the circuit that feeds power to all
    of the on-board electronic devices, exclusive of the motors.  The
    break value of the fuse should not exceed 5 times the peak current 
    draw of the electronics, or 1/2 amp, whichever is larger.

7)  The "panic button" must mechanically break the electrical connection
    between the drive motors and the motor batteries.  "Easily accessible"
    means that the button must be on the top or the upper-section of the
    robot and must not be obstructed by any other part of the robot.

8)  10 points for any easily accessible push-to-deactivate panic button.
    5 additional points if the button has an area of at least .5 square 
    inches.  5 additional points if the button is internally or externally 
    lighted to make it visible in a dark environment.

9)  "Stopped remotely" means that the operator must be able to stop all
    motion of the robot upon command from a distance of at least 20 feet.  
    Robots that operate solely by remote control cannot qualify for these 
    points.

10) Points for additional safety features will be awarded by the panel of
    three judges using the Guidelines printed below.  For each feature, 
    each judge will decide upon a point score.  For each feature, the 
    points actually assigned the robot will be computed as the average of 
    the three scores, rounded down to the next lowest whole point.

11) A "small part" is defined as any part that will fit, in its entirety,
    inside a plastic 35mm film canister.

12) A "sharp edge" is defined as one which will cause an inflated toy 
    balloon to burst if the balloon is rubbed along the edge.

13) A "sharp point" is defined as one which will cause an inflated toy 
    balloon to burst if the balloon is pressed against and rotated upon 
    the point.

14) A "hazardous" corner or protrusion is characterized by attempting to 
    fit a 1 inch inside diameter circular loop of 18 gauge wire over the 
    corner or protrusion.  If the corner or protrusion projects more than 
    1/4 inch through the loop, it is deemed "hazardous".

15) A protrusion from the robot can result in multiple deductions.  For 
    example, a wire "whisker" with a sharp end could get points deducted
    for failing both the "protrusion" and the "sharp point" tests.
   
16) The simulated "finger" is an unwrapped, room-temperature, 1/2 oz. 
    size Tootsie Roll (R) mounted to the end of a stick.  The "finger" 
    test will be performed by placing the robot upon a platform or other
    type of stand that allows it to move its parts through their full 
    range of motion while remaining in one place.
    
17) 20 points will be deducted if the Tootsie Roll is cut, indented or
    gouged more than 1/8 inch.  40 points will be deducted if the 
    Tootsie Roll is broken or cut into two or more pieces.

18) A "failure" during testing means that intervention is required by
    the robot's owner/operator to correct a problem that prevents
    further safety evaluation.

19) A person or team can submit more than one robot to the contest. 
    However, only the robot with the highest score will be eligible for 
    a prize.  In addition, no robot will be eligible to win more than
    one prize during the year 1994.
    
20) In the event of a points tie, the panel of three judges will make 
    subjective judgments based on the relative safety of each entry.  
    For example, if two robots both have hazardous protrusions, the 
    one that protrudes less will be deemed less hazardous.  As another
    example, a robot with a more accessible "panic button" will be
    judged safer than a robot with a less convenient button.



JUDGES' GUIDELINES FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES
*************************************************


a) 15 points maximum if, while operating, the robot emits a distinctive
   visual and/or audible warning to alert people of the robot's presence.
   Points awarded will depend upon the effectiveness of the warning.

b) 10 points maximum for a safety feature that reduces the chance of 
   internal damage to the robot.  For example, a thermal shutdown sensor.

c) 15 points maximum for a "fail-safe" feature which allows the robot
   to remain safe even if one or more of its systems should fail.

d) 25 points maximum if the robot demonstrates that it can hit objects 
   without causing significant damage.  Points awarded will depend upon
   the weight and speed of the robot and the amount of damage.

