2002 Kilobots Information

Date:	November 9th, 2002
Time:	9:00 AM check in; 10:00 AM battles begin
Location:	Lakeview Museum

Introduction

Kilobots is the name of our new Remote Controlled Robot Competition Series. 'Kilo' refers to the robot's mass limit of 1Kg (2.205 lbs). (Note: There is also a special Ant class, described below) There is no size limit; however, the robots will need to be able to fit through the box door.

Your robot can be a modified RC car or toy, a modified robot kit, or a totally homemade creation. Use only electrical power and non-flammable gas such as CO2 or compressed air for this indoor competition. Weapons will be allowed for the competition, so be creative. See the rules page for a complete explanation.

Kilobot Bash

The event is a Battlebots®-style competition. This event uses a Lexan wall to protect spectators. The robots will compete in a single elimination style of scoring.

Need more information?

Larry Kruzan - larry@kruzan.com - 309-348-9509
Jim Frye - tech@lynxmotion.com - 309-382-2760
Website - http://www.circ.mtco.com

The Battle Box Explained

The Battle Box arena is illustrated to the right. The arena is 4' x 4'. The dark outlines indicate a 2' high Lexan wall to protect the audience. The robots start in the RED and BLUE squares. The robots can open the Pit of Doom by ramming the pit trigger. There is a 2 minute time limit on this event.

Remote Control

The robots are wireless remote control. They can have autonomous sub-systems for navigation or weapons control if you want. The remote control equipment should be FM and operate on 75 Mhz (surface frequencies). Make sure you have a second set of crystals for your radio to prevent frequency conflicts.

Typical RC Transmitters -->

Robot Specifications for Indoor Venues

1.0 Weight Limit

Kilobots must weigh no more than 1Kg - that's 2.205 lbs. This includes the RC radio receiver, but not the RC transmitter. If the robot is reconfigurable, it must weigh in with each configuration it is designed for. They must also weigh in before each event.

New! Ant-weight class- 16oz competition. Same as above, only lighter.

2.0 Robot Power

Kilobots must not be powered by internal combustion engines. Robots may use any of the following sources of energy.

       2.1 Batteries (immobilized electrolytic only, voltage limited to 40 VDC max)
          a. Gel Cell
          b. Dry Cell
          c. NiCad
          d. NiMH
          e. Lithium Ion
       2.2 Compressed Gas
          a. CO2
          b. Air
       2.3 Stored Energy
          a. Springs
          b. Rubber Bands

3.0 Robot Movement

Kilobots must be able to achieve at least two inches per second motion speed.

4.0 Especially Dangerous Robots

No robot may present a hazard to the judges, spectators, or the opposing operators. Any robot that endangers the viewing areas will be ruled ineligible for competition. Decision of the judges are final. Kinetic energy weapons (the rotating part) will be limited to 20% of the robot's total weight. That's 7 oz. for Kilobots. The rotating part must be removable for weigh-in.

5.0 Technical Inspection

All robots will be inspected by the judges prior to combat. Failure to disclose any operating principle will be grounds for immediate disqualification. Judges may restrict any function deemed excessively hazardous.

6.0 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Any system involving the use of pressurized liquid, air, or gas shall be limited to 1000 psi. All devices must be marked as certified for at least that pressure.

7.0 Weapons

The following weapons shall be forbidden:

       7.1 Electricity, including but not limited to.
          a. Stun guns / cattle prods
          b. RF Jamming devices
       7.2 Liquids, including but not limited to.
          a. Water and other liquids
          b. Liquefied gasses
          c. Foams, adhesives, etc
       7.3 Explosives, including but not limited to.
          a. DOT class C devices
          b. Gunpowder / cartridge primers
          c. Fireworks
       7.4 Vision obstruction, not limited to.
          a. Bright lights / Lasers
          b. Smoke screen
       7.5 Weapons that may shatter or explode.
          a. Carbide-tipped cutting blades
          b. Abrasive cutoff blades
       7.6 Projectiles.
       7.7 Heat.
       7.8 Entanglement devices.

Also, no funny business, free lunch, sob stories, running with scissors, whining, hitting, spitting, kicking, biting, and no tag backs. Quit or we're telling!