NRC07 Rules
NRC07 Rules
Organisers
MOSTI
Official Battery
National Robotics Competition 2007
VISION
To provide a powerful learning platform to enable students to cope with skills that are essential
for success in the 21st century.
MISSION
To develop and strengthen critical and creative thinking and social skills that are essential
prerequisites for success in further studies and future careers. These skills include:
a) Problem-solving skills
b) Creative thinking skills
c) Interpersonal communication skills
d) Collaborative teamwork skills
OBJECTIVES
1. To help students build a solid foundation in mathematics, science, technology, design and
ICT through hands-on experience or investigation.
1. To train students to work together to solve challenging problems in a spirit of cooperation
and collaboration.
2. To enable students to develop logical and systematic thinking as they plan and implement
programmes through the programming of robots.
3. To enhance students creativity in problem solving and raise their awareness of the many
possible ways of arriving at a desired outcome.
4. To promote competition in robotics amongst Malaysian school students as a healthy and
fulfilling pastime.
-2-
National Robotics Competition 2007
General Guidelines
1. This competition is open to all school students below the age of 18.
2. Each team has to create an autonomous robot to participate in the events.
3. A school team should comprise 2 or 3 students and one teacher.
4. Each school can send a maximum of 5 teams for each category.
5. All rules and regulations are subject to change without any prior notice.
6. The official competition robotics kits are as follows:
a. RCX Category : LEGO® MindStorms For School Team Challenge Set (9794)
b. NXT Category : LEGO® MindStorms Education NXT Base Set ( 9797 )
c. Open Category: Teams can use ANY material including Non- LEGO® products. However, the
final design should include at least 50% LEGO® material, and the controller must be either RCX
or NXT.
Competition Format
*The events and format for the Final Competition may be different from the above. Information will be given to the
finalists at a later date.
*The events and format for the Final Competition may be different from the above. Information will be given to the
finalists at a later date.
*The events and format for the Final Competition may be different from the above. Information will be given to the
finalists at a later date.
-3-
National Robotics Competition 2007
Definitions
1. “Competition Field” is defined as the white flat and level floor for the robots to run on. All competition
fields will have an overall dimension not exceeding 1220mm×2440mm.
2. “Track line” is defined as the black line of 25mm (width) that is laid down on the competition field. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, robots must be calibrated to recognize and follow the track line. The
calibration can be done during the trial period.
3. “Match” is defined as the particular duration of competition of the robot, either in the time trial or the
elimination round which results in a score being awarded to the robot.
4. “Round” is defined as a collection of matches competed under the same specific competition field and rules
that are scheduled to provide an equal, fair and competitive chance for all the robots entering the
competition.
5. “Tournament” is defined as a total of all the rounds under the same competition field and rules.
6. “Operator” is defined as a student member of the team designated to start and stop the robot in a match.
7. “Match Area” is defined as the area of each competition field condoned off from spectators, non-
competing teams and non-operators of competing teams of a particular match.
8. “Robots” - The Robots designed for the NRC 2007 RCX Category event must be autonomous robots.
Teams are given 1 hour and 30 minutes before each round to build and test their robots. During Round 1,
robots must be built from scratch. Thus, pre-built robots are not allowed in the competition area. For
subsequent rounds, teams may modify the robots they built during Round 1. Once the competition starts,
team members are not allowed to touch their robot again.
-4-
National Robotics Competition 2007
3. ZONE C : Perak
Date: May 2007 (State Science Carnival)
Venue: Gerik, Perak
4. ZONE D : Selangor
Date: June 2007 (State Science Carnival)
Venue: Klang, Selangor
7. ZONE G : Melaka
Date: 18 June 2007
Venue: Melaka
8. ZONE H : Johor
Date: July 2007 (State Science Carnival)
Venue: Johor Bahru
9. ZONE I : Pahang
Date: July 2007
Venue: Temerloh
-5-
National Robotics Competition 2007
* The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the NRC 2007 programme and dates.
-6-
National Robotics Competition 2007
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
3. Open Category
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
-7-
National Robotics Competition 2007
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
3. Open Category
Medals will be awarded to all members of the winning teams and certificates of participation will be awarded to
all participants.
-8-
National Robotics Competition 2007
1. Teams participating in the NRC 2007 RCX Category Event must use the LEGO® MindStorms for School
Team Challenge sets (any colour is acceptable as long as it is from the 9794 series) in the competition.
2. Teams are to observe the following:
a. 1 RCX (NXT is NOT allowed in RCX Category Event), 3 motors (5225), 3 light sensors, 2 touch
sensors and 1 angle sensor are allowed.
b. The teams must use the ROBOLAB (any version) as the official programming language for the
RCX Category Event.
c. The dimensions of the robot must not exceed 250mm × 250mm × 250mm in size (including any
extended part after any automatic transformation), including installed batteries.
d. All teams should bring their own competition kits, computers, batteries, adaptors and any other
items that they need for the competition. Teams should not use any flammable materials as part of
their design.
e. Teams are allowed to pre-program the robot or store the program inside the laptop before the
competition.
f. All teams must use AA batteries with a total output voltage not exceeding 9V.
3. The team is not allowed to modify any part of the competition kit and the ROBOLAB software such as the
motor, RCX, sensor and Firmware. If the judges detect any changes in the competition kit, the team will be
disqualified automatically.
4. Competition Field: The Competition Field Maps illustrated in the rules are for demonstration only. Before
the competition, the NRC Organisation Committee will provide SEVERAL competition fields with
different variations that are allowed by the rules for teams to practise and test their robots.
5. Only the operator of the competing team is allowed into the match area during the match.
6. Miss-tracking: A robot is declared “miss-track” when all its wheels are on the same side of the track line.
Miss-tracking will result in immediate disqualification from the match for the robot concerned (but not
necessarily for its opponent).
7. Miss-colouring: A robot is declared “miss-colour” when it fails to do specific tasks associated with a colour
patch. “Miss-colouring” will result in the immediate disqualification from the match for the robot
concerned (but not necessarily for its opponent).
8. Team members and the mentor / teacher must not intervene or interfere with the operation of the robot of
their own team or that of the opponents, physically or remotely. Interference will result in an immediate
disqualification.
9. Robots: The Robots designed for the NRC 2007 RCX Category event must be autonomous robots. Teams
are given 1 hour and 30 minutes before the competition in Round 1 to build and test their robots. During
Round 1, robots must be built from scratch (all the parts must be apart). Thus, pre-built robots are not
allowed in the competition area. In subsequent rounds, teams may modify the robots they built in Round 1.
Once the competition starts, team members are not allowed to touch their robot again.
10. Inspection: After the 1 hour and 30 minutes preparation, robots will be quarantined at a specific area for
detailed inspection of materials used. Once the robots are placed in the quarantine area, teams are not
allowed to touch their robots until it is their turn to compete.
11. Objections: Teams are expected to obey the competition rules to maintain an orderly and friendly
competition. In the event of a valid objection, teams must fill in and submit the objection form to the
Head Judge to settle the dispute within the shortest time possible. The Head Judge and referees have the
ultimate authority during the National Robotics Competition. Their decisions are final. Referees will not
review recorded replays after the match is over.
12. Competition Venue: In the quarantine area of the RCX Category competition, only the students and
organizers are allowed. No teachers and/or parents can enter the restricted area.
13. The competition kit and/or construction materials, particularly of the winning teams, will be randomly
checked at the end of the competition.
14. In the event of a conflict in the translation of the rules, the English version is considered the correct and
final version.
-9-
National Robotics Competition 2007
Competition Field
1. The size of the competition Field is 1220mm x 2440mm. The base of the field is white and the black lines
on the field have a width of 18-25mm. (For details, see photo).
2. The size of the Start Box and the Drop Zone is 250mm by 250mm. In the Drop Zone is placed an open box
which has a size not exceed 250mm by 250mm by 150mm and is lined at the base with a piece of sponge.
To design an autonomous robot to carry a ping pong ball from the Start Box to the Drop Zone within 90
seconds. The robot must follow the black line throughout the track and stop at the Finish line.
1. The robot starts from the Start Box, and no part of the robot can cross the Start Box limits.
2. The robot will be measured without the ping pong ball.
3. The robot must follow the black line throughout the whole track and GAME OVER will be announced when the
robot’s 4 wheels are on either side of the track.
4. The robot can continue with the event even when the ping pong ball falls from the robot. However, the robot cannot
be restarted.
5. The robot may react to the sign boards provided for slowing down or speeding up the robot (not compulsory).
6. The robot must stop at the Finish Line before attempting to shoot the ball into the Drop Zone, and no part of the robot
can cross the Finish Line.
7. The time will be recorded once the ping pong ball touches the sponge of the Drop Zone.
8. Once the judge signals “Incomplete Game” or "Game Over", the team operator should stop the robot
immediately.
- 10 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Scoring System
2. If the mission is completed within the time limit, the team that is the fastest (with the shortest time taken) is
the winner.
3. Incomplete Game:
a) The robot that did not pass any checkpoint will not be given any points.
b) During the competition, the game is considered "game over" should the robot's 4 wheels be on either
side of the track. However, point will be awarded for the checkpoints previously.
c) Points for the Finish Line will not be awarded if any part of the robot crosses the Finish Line.
4. If the mission is completed, but exceeds 90 seconds, the extra time taken will be subtracted from the final
total score, with precision kept at 2 decimal places. For example, if the time taken is 100 seconds, then 10
points will be subtracted from the total score.
5. The maximum number of points that can be subtracted is 10 points.
6. The best time from the two trials during the competition will be the final score.
7. In the event of a tie, the robot with the lightest mass (excluding batteries) wins.
- 11 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Competition Field
1. The size of the competition field is 1220mm x 2440mm. The base of the field is white and the black lines
on the field have a width of 18-25mm. (For details, see photo).
2. The size of the Start Box and the Finish Box is 250mm by 250mm.
3. The size of the colour patch must not exceed 50mm by 50mm.
4. The red box in the competition field represents 12 x 12 studs of LEGO® bricks in 2 layers.
To design an autonomous robot that can follow the track line from the Start Box and turn or cross at the
intersection according to the traffic lights represented by the colour patches, to arrive at the specified position
and push the 12 x 12 studs of LEGO® bricks in 2 layers into the Finish area.
1. The track line will be black, symbolizing the city roads. The width of each line is between 18-25mm, and the distance
between the lines in either direction is approximately 200mm in length and 100mm in width.
2. Adjacent to intersections, there will be numerous 50mm ×50mm rectangular patches or "Traffic Lights". The colour of
the patches may vary; robots must recognise these patches and perform the actions listed in the table below.
3. The robot must follow the track line, and at the intersection, the robot must act according to the commands of the
"traffic light". Note that the robot should act according to the “traffic light” before an intersection, and ignore the
“traffic light” after the intersection. When arriving at the colour patches before the intersections, the robot must do the
following:
- 12 -
Before
National Robotics Competition 2007
Before
4. Within the start position, any part of the robot must not cross the Start Box limits.
5. The exact placement of the colour patches will be announced on the day of the competition before the
quarantine and will be used throughout the tournament.
6. The robot does not need to stop automatically at the Finish Box.
7. Once the judge signals “incomplete game”, the team operator should stop the robot immediately.
Scoring System
1. If the mission is completed within the time limit of 90 seconds, the team that is the fastest (with the
shortest time taken) is the winner.
2. In the event of failure to complete the mission, the scoring of the round will be decided by the last
intersection with a colour patch that the robot passes through just before the robot misses the track.
3. On passing each intersection with a colour patch the robot will earn 10 points.
4. On pushing the 12 x 12 studs of LEGO® bricks in 2 Layers into the Finish Box, the robot will earn 15
points.
5. The basic rule for scoring points is to obtain points sequentially. This means that a robot can only obtain
points by passing through the intersections on the correct path and in the correct order.
6. If the mission is completed, but exceeds 90 seconds, then the extra time taken will be subtracted from the
final total score, with precision kept at 2 decimal places. (For example, if the time is 100 seconds, then 10
points will be subtracted from the total score)
7. The maximum number of points that can be subtracted is 10 points.
8. The best time from the two trials during the competition will be the final score.
9. In the event of a tie, the robot with the lightest mass (excluding batteries) wins.
- 13 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Competition Field
1. The size of the competition field is 1220mm x 2440mm. The base of the field is white and the black lines
on the field have a width of 18-25mm. (For details, see photo).
2. The size of the Start Box and the Finish Box is 250mm by 250mm.
3. The size of the colour patch must not exceed 50mm by 50mm.
4. The size of the red loading and green unloading areas in the competition field does not exceed 200mm by
200mm.
To design an autonomous robot that can follow the track line from the Start Box, turn or cross at the intersection
according to the traffic lights represented by the colour patches, pick-up a can in the loading area, and then
unload it in the unloading area before arriving at the Finish Box.
1. The track line will be black, symbolizing the city roads. The width of each line is 18-25mm, and the
distance between the lines in either direction is approximately 200mm in length and 100mm in width.
2. Adjacent to intersections, there will be numerous 50mm ×50mm rectangular patches or "Traffic Lights".
The colour of the patches may vary; robots must recognize these patches and perform the actions listed in
below.
- 14 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
3. The robot must follow the track line, and at the intersection the robot must act according to the commands
of the "traffic light". Note that the robot should act according to the “traffic light” before an intersection,
and ignore the “traffic light” after the intersection. When arriving at the colour patched before the
intersections, the robot must do the following:
After
Left Colour Right Colour Action
Patch Patch
NO NO Go Forward
YES NO Turn Left
NO YES Turn Right
YES YES
Go Forward Before
4. Within the start position, any part of the robot cannot cross the Start Box limits.
5. The exact placement of the colour patches will be announced on the day of the competition before the
quarantine and will be used throughout the tournament.
6. The robot must load and unload the empty “COKE” can which is wrapped in white paper.
7. The robot does not need to stop automatically at the Finish Box.
8. Once the judge signals “incomplete game”, the team operator should stop the robot immediately.
Scoring System
1. If the mission is completed within the time limit of 90 seconds, the team that is the fastest (with the
shortest time taken) is the winner.
2. In the event of failure to complete the mission, the scoring of the round will be decided by the last
intersection with a colour patch or the last checkpoint that the robot passes through just before the robot
misses the track.
3. On passing through each checkpoint, the robot will earn 5 points. (There are 9 checkpoints altogether).
4. On passing through “traffic 1” with a colour patch, the robot will earn 10 points.
5. On passing through “traffic 2” with a colour patch, the robot will earn 20 points.
6. On successfully loading the can, the robot will earn 15 points.
7. On successfully unloading the can, the robot will earn 10 points.
- 15 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
8. The basic rule for scoring points is to obtain points sequentially. This means that a robot can only obtain
points by passing through the intersections on the correct path and in the correct order.
9. If the mission is completed, but exceeds 90 seconds, then the extra time taken will be subtracted from the
total score, with precision kept at 2 decimal places. (For example, if the time taken is 100 seconds, then 10
points will be subtracted from the total score).
10. The maximum number of points that can be subtracted is10 points.
11. The best time from the two trials during the competition will be the final score.
12. In the event of a tie, the robot with the lightest mass (excluding batteries) wins.
General Rules
1. Teams participating in the NRC 2007 NXT Category event in the competition must use the LEGO
MindStorms Education Base sets 9797 (any colour is acceptable as long as it is from the LEGO
MindStorms Education Base sets 9797).
2. Teams are to observe the following:
a) 1 NXT brick, 3 intelligent servo motors, 2 light sensors, 2 touch sensors, 1 sound sensor and 1
ultrasonic sensor are allowed.
b) The teams must use the LEGO MindStorms Education Software or the ROBOLAB 2.9 as the official
programming language for the NXT Event.
c) The dimensions of the robot must not exceed 300mm × 300mm × 300mm in size (including any
extended part after any automatic transformation), including installed batteries.
d) All teams should bring their own competition kits, computers, batteries, adaptors and any other items
that they need for the competition. Teams should not use any flammable materials as part of their
design.
e) Teams are allowed to pre-program the robot or store the program inside the laptop before the
competition.
f) All teams must use AA batteries with a total output voltage not exceeding 9V.
1. The team is not allowed to modify any part of the competition kit and the NXT software such as the motor,
RCX, sensor and Firmware. If the judges detect any changes in the competition kit, the team will be
disqualified automatically.
2. Competition Field: The Competition Field Maps illustrated in the rules are for demonstration only. Before
the competition, the NRC Organisation Committee will provide SEVERAL competition fields with
different variations that are allowed by the rules for teams to practise and test their robots.
3. Only the operator of the competing team is allowed into the match area during the match.
4. Miss-tracking: A robot is declared “miss-track” when one of its wheels crosses the boundary or the centre
line. Miss-tracking will result in immediate disqualification from the match for the robot concerned (but not
necessarily for its opponent).
5. Team members and the mentor / teacher must not intervene or interfere with the operation of the robot of
their own team or that of the opponents, physically or remotely. Interference will result in an immediate
disqualification.
6. Robots: The Robots designed for the NRC 2007 NXT Category event must be autonomous robots. Teams
are given 1 hour and 30 minutes before the competition in Round 1 to build and test their robots. During
Round 1, robots must be built from scratch (all the parts must be apart). Thus, pre-built robots are not
allowed in the competition area. In subsequent rounds, teams may modify the robots they built in Round 1.
Once the competition starts, team members are not allowed to touch their robot again.
7. Inspection: After the 1 hour and 30 minutes preparation, robots will be quarantined at a specific area for
detailed inspection of materials used. Once the robots are placed in the quarantine area, teams are not
allowed to touch their robots until it is their turn to compete.
- 16 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
8. Objections: Teams are expected to obey the competition rules to maintain an orderly and friendly
competition. In the event of a valid objection, teams must fill in and submit the objection form to the
Head Judge to settle the dispute within the shortest possible time. The Head Judge and referees have the
ultimate authority during the National Robotics Competition. Their decisions are final. Referees will not
review recorded replays after the match is over.
9. The competition kit and/or construction materials, particularly of the winning teams, will be randomly
checked at the end of the competition.
10. Competition Venue: In the quarantine area of the NXT Event category competition, only the students and
organizers are allowed. No teachers and/or parents can enter the restricted area.
11. In the event of a conflict in the translation of the rules, the English version is considered the correct and
final version.
- 17 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Competition Field
1. The size of the competition field is 1220mm x 2440mm. The base of the field is white and the black lines
on the field have a width of 18-25mm. (For details, see photo).
2. The size of the Start Box is 300mm by 300mm.
To design an autonomous robot that is able to avoid all obstacles from the start to the end and finish the race
within 90 seconds.
1. In the starting position, no part of the robot can cross the limits of the Start Box.
2. The robot is not allowed to touch the boundary and the centre line of the competition field.
3. The robot must avoid the obstacles throughout the competition and GAME OVER will be announced in the
following situations:
a. One wheel of the robot crosses the boundary or the centre line of the competition field
b. The robot hits an obstacle and the obstacle falls down.
4. Once the judge signals “Incomplete Game” or "Game Over", the team operator must immediately stop the
robot.
- 18 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Scoring System
2. If the mission is completed within the time limit, the team that is the fastest (with the shortest time taken) is
the winner.
3. The basic rule for scoring points is that the points must be obtained sequentially. This means that a robot
can only obtain points when passing through the checkpoints on the correct path and in the correct order.
4. If the mission is completed, but exceeds 90 seconds, then the extra time will be subtracted from the final
total score, with precision kept at 2 decimal places. For example, if the time is 95 seconds, then 5 points
will be subtracted from the total score up to a maximum of 5 points.
5. The game is considered incomplete in the following situations:
a) The robot that does not pass any checkpoint will not be given any points.
b) One wheel of the robot crosses the boundary or the centre line of the competition field during the
game and the game is terminated. However, points will be awarded for the checkpoints that the robot
has previously passed.
6. The best time from the two trials during the competition will be the final score.
7. In the event of a tie, the robot with the lightest mass (excluding the batteries) wins.
- 19 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Competition Field
1. The size of the competition field size is 1220mm x 2440mm. The base of the field is white and the black
lines on the field have a width of 18-25mm. (For details, see photo).
2. The size of the Start Box is 300mm by 300mm.
To design an autonomous robot that is able to avoid all obstacles from the start to the end and finish the race
within 90 seconds.
1. In the starting position, no part of the robot can cross the limits of the Start Box.
2. The robot is not allowed to touch the boundary and the centre line of the competition field.
3. The robot must avoid the obstacles throughout the competition and GAME OVER will be announced in the
following situations:
a. One wheel of the robot crosses the boundary or the centre line of the competition field
b. The robot hits an obstacle and the obstacle falls down.
4. Once the judge signals “Incomplete Game” or "Game Over", the team operator must immediately stop the
robot.
- 20 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
Scoring System
1. If the mission is completed within the time limit, the team that is the fastest (with the shortest time taken) is
the winner.
2. The basic rule for scoring points is that the points must be obtained sequentially. This means that a robot
can only obtain points when passing through the checkpoints on the correct path and in the correct order.
3. If the mission is completed, but exceeds 90 seconds, then the extra time will be subtracted from the final
total score, with precision kept at 2 decimal places. For example, if the time taken is 95 seconds, then 5
points will be subtracted from the total score up to a maximum of 5 points.
4. The game is considered incomplete in the following situations:
a) The robot that does not pass any checkpoint will not be given any points.
b) One wheel of the robot crosses the boundary or the centre line of the competition field during the
game and the game is terminated. However, points will be awarded for the checkpoints that the robot
has previously passed.
5. The best time from the two trials during the competition will be the final score.
6. In the event of a tie, the robot with the lightest mass (excluding the batteries) wins.
- 21 -
National Robotics Competition 2007
OPEN CATEGORY
1. Competition Requirements
a) Teams participating in the Open Category will work to create robots that can perform a science
fiction story.
b) Each team should comprise 3 students and one teacher.
c) Teams can use ANY material including Non- LEGO® products. However, the final design should
include at least 50% LEGO® material, and the controller must be either RCX or NXT.
d) Only the LEGO® programming language is allowed.
e) The size of the robots cannot exceed 1.5 metre × 1.5 metre.
f) The process that the Open Category teams must go though is as follows:
i. Test and make the final assembly of the robot at a designated location and decorate the
booth with posters
ii. Demonstrate to the judges
iii. Q&A session with the judges.
2. When an Open Category team registers, the team must submit a report including pictures from different
angles of the robot created, a programme and summary of the design process. The report submitted could
be in an electronic or hardcopy form.
3. Teams should display a poster board of height 120cm and width 90cm to introduce their robot.
4. In the 10 minutes session with the judges, 7 minutes will be used by the team to explain and demonstrate
the robot, and the remaining 3 minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.
8. Team Work
a) All members of the team must contribute to the design and creation of the robot.
b) Team members should help each other throughout the demonstration to the judges, and take an
active part in the robot project.
- 22 -