ASCENDER

Problem Statement
The surface of mars is dotted with craters and some of these may span up to 1 km in length. These craters have a significant research interest and need to be explored. But these craters are so deep and steep that once a robot descends into it to retrieve any material; it is left with only one choice to sacrifice itself. Completing such a task calls for teamwork between the machines. Phoenix 2011 invites participants to face this real life challenge. Build two or more robots that will work in tandem to descend into a crater and retrieve materials from it.

General Rules
1. The maximum number of participants allowed in a team is 4. 2. A participant cannot be in two teams in the same event. 3. Any action against fair play will lead to immediate disqualification. 4. The decision of the coordinators will be final & binding. 5. Rules may be modified after the commencement of the event. 6. The bots can be powered on-board as well as off-board. 7. In case of off-board power supply the wires must be kept slacked all the time. 8. It should be noted that the main chassis should remain the same throughout the event. 9. Teams cannot modify their bots in the arena. 10. The participants will be provided with 220volts 50Hz standard AC supply. Participants will have to themselves arrange for any other power supply required for their robot. 11. Any kind of damage caused to the arena by bot will lead to disqualification of the team. 12. LEGO kits or its spare parts are not allowed, but the participant can use readymade gear boxes or bases. 13. Bot modification is allowed.

Bot Specifications
1. The dimensions of the bot must be within 30cmx30cmx30cm (lxbxh) excluding the control device dimensions. 2. Max weight of each bot is 5 Kg. 3. Maximum voltage between any two points on the bot must not exceed 24 V dc. 4. The Chassis may be made of anything you wish. But READYMADE BASES AND LEGO KITS ARE NOT ALLOWED. 5. LEGO kits or its spare parts are not allowed. 6. The size of the bot can increase after the event commences. 7. Wheels can be of metal or any material as long as it has a rubber tyre around it. 8. Use of IC Engines is prohibited. 9. In case of wired bot sufficient amount of wire must be brought by the participants.

Game Rules
Prelims
1. The bots must climb the first incline crossing all the hurdles. 2. A bot or a group of bots must descend the steep second incline to reach the crater bottom. 3. The block which is placed at the bottom has to be retrieved by the bot or group of bots. 4. The block used in the prelims will have a O Hook attached to it for easy gripping/lifting. 5. The block must be brought to the starting point in order to complete the task. 6. Maximum time allowed is 6 minutes. 7. If a team does not complete the track in time, the distance covered & the percentage of the task completed will be taken into consideration. 8. If the bot immobilizes in the track, the team can go for Reset, where the bot will be placed at the nearest check point but 10 points will be deducted. 9. In case of a technical difficulty, the team can go for a Restart but 30 points will be deducted. Only 1 such restart will be allowed. Repairing time allowed is 2 minutes. 10. Top 16 teams completing the track will qualify for the finals.

Scoring: Total Score=480 time taken + (200*no of blocks retrieved) + (50*no. of check points) Penalty

Finals
1. The bots must climb the first incline crossing all the hurdles. 2. A bot or a group of bots must descend the steep second incline to reach the crater bottom. 3. The block which is placed at the bottom has to be retrieved by the bot or group of bots. 4. The block used in the finals will have no hooks attached to it. 5. The block must be brought to the starting point in order to complete the task. 6. Maximum time allowed is 10 minutes. 7. If a team does not complete the track in time, the distance covered & the percentage of the task completed will be taken into consideration. 8. If the bot immobilizes in the track, the team can go for Reset, where the bot will be placed in the nearest check point but 10 points will be deducted. 9. In case of a technical difficulty, the team can go for a Restart but 30 points will be deducted. Only 1 such restart will be allowed. Repairing time allowed is 2 minutes. Scoring: Total Score=600 time taken + (200*no of blocks retrieved) + (50*no. of check points) Penalty

Note All rules are subject to change without prior information.

Block specification
5cmx5cmx5cm (lxbxh) Weight = 50 gm Diameter of Hook=1.5cm Block will be made of wood.

Tips:
You can perform the task in any possible way you wish to. But just for giving you a basic idea, we are providing the following points: One bot stays on top of the raised platform and helps another descend into the crater. The two bots will be connected via ropes. After the bot in the crater completes its task, the bot on the platform winds the rope with the help of a motor and pulls the former up. All the bots descend into the crater. After any bot retrieves the materials, the other bots form a staircase or any other relevant structure to help the 1st bot to climb to the platform. You can even make your bots fly to complete the task.

Arena Specifications