🏁 OFFICIAL LINE TRACKING COMPETITION RULEBOOK

1. EVENT OVERVIEW

Event Name: Line Tracking Competition
Match Type: Time-Based and Head-to-Head Format
Robot Type: Mobile Robot
Control System: Fully Autonomous

Objective

Each participant shall design and program a Mobile Robot capable of automatically navigating a winding track from start to finish.

The robot must operate fully autonomously once activated. It may use infrared sensors, optical sensors, color sensors, camera-based systems, or other appropriate sensing technologies to detect and follow the line.

No external control, wireless control, or physical intervention is allowed during a run.

2. TRACK SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Practice and Testing

Contestants are allowed to test the official track two (2) hours prior to the start of the contest proper.

After the designated testing period ends, further testing is strictly prohibited. A notice will be posted to signal the end of the

practice period.

2.2 Track Layout and Dimensions

• Two mirrored and identical tracks will be used during the competition.

• Each track measures 320 centimeters by 425 centimeters.

• The track is printed on tarpaulin material.

• Base color: White

• Guiding line: Black, 2.5 centimeters (approximately 1 inch) wide.

• Any changes to the track will be announced on the official Facebook page. The final track design and details will be released one (1) month prior to the competition.

2.3 Track Design Rules

• The track shall not contain crossovers.

• Switchbacks and hairpin turns are allowed.

• Adjacent sections of the line must be at least 15 centimeters apart (center to center).

• The course may include sharp right-angle turns.

• No angle in the track shall be less than 90 degrees.

3. ROBOT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Autonomy

• Robots must operate fully autonomously.

• No external control or physical intervention is allowed once the run begins.

• Movement prior to the official start may result in a penalty.

3.2 Size and Structure

• Maximum footprint: 25 cm × 25 cm before the start.

• No height restriction unless specified by organizers.

• Robots must remain as a single integrated unit.

• Expandable mechanisms are allowed after the start signal.

• Robots registered in LEGO category must use official Lego materials only and no other materials used except building adhesive, tapes or screws.

3.3 Weight

• Maximum allowable weight: 3 kilograms.

• Robots exceeding this limit will not be allowed to compete.

3.4 Power System

• Robots must use onboard power sources only.

• Batteries must be safely mounted.

• External power or exposed hazardous wiring is prohibited.

3.5 Sensors and Control

• Permitted: Infrared, optical, color, camera-based sensors, or other non-destructive technologies.

• Prohibited: Sensor jamming or interference devices.

3.6 Safety Restrictions

• No sharp edges capable of damaging the track.

• No destructive mechanisms or substances.

• No flames, projectiles, adhesives, or sticky substances.

4. ROBOT INSPECTION CHECKLIST

4.1 Pre-Competition Inspection

Robots must pass inspection prior to competing:

• Dimensions comply with limits

• Weight within allowable range

• Fully autonomous operation

• Secure power system

• No prohibited mechanisms

• Visible robot identification number

Failure to pass inspection will require immediate correction; repeated failure may result in disqualification.

4.2 Post-Modification Inspection

Any robot modified after a round may be subject to re-inspection before the next run.

4.3 Authority

The inspection committee has final authority to approve or reject robot eligibility.

5. STANDARDIZED PENALTY SYSTEM

5.1 Minor Violations

Examples:

• Early start

• Touching the robot during a run

• Deliberate delay

• Minor safety issues

Penalties:

• First offense: Warning

• Second offense: +5 seconds added to final time

• Third offense: +10 seconds added to final time

• Fourth offense: Round disqualification

5.2 Major Violations

Examples:

• Remote control use

• Intentional track damage

• Prohibited mechanisms

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

Penalty: Immediate round disqualification; repeated violation may result in event disqualification.

6. TIME PENALTY SYSTEM

Final Time = Actual Time + Total Penalty Time

• If robot is stuck for one (1) minute or circles without progress:
  Final Time = Maximum Recorded Time of the Round + 30 seconds

• If robot leaves the track and cannot recover:
  Final Time = Maximum Recorded Time of the Round + 45 seconds

• If manual intervention occurs:
  Final Time = Maximum Recorded Time of the Round + 60 seconds

7. COMPETITION FORMAT

7.1 Qualifying Round

• Applicable if 20+ participants are registered

• Each participant gets three (3) attempts to complete one lap

• Failure after three attempts results in elimination

7.2 Regular Match

• Round-robin format

• Each match consists of best-of-three runs

• Top six (6) robots proceed based on performance

• Three-minute adjustment period between rounds

• Rankings determined by points and average Final Time

• Top three (3) declared winners; tiebreaker matches if needed

• Points and times displayed publicly for transparency

8. JUDGING AUTHORITY

• Judges’ decisions are final.

• Objections must be raised before the match concludes.

• Any situation not covered in this rulebook shall be resolved by the judges.

9. MISCELLANEOUS

• Rules may be adjusted to preserve fairness, safety, and competitive integrity.

• All participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship.

🏆 END OF OFFICIAL LINE TRACKING COMPETITION RULEBOOK