🤖 ROBOTICA: GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES

(Rules are subject to change. All updates will be posted on the official channels.)

1. GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.1 Mobile Robot Construction

• Participants may use either:

  • Microcontroller-based robots (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP, Makeblock, LEGO)

  • Analog-based robots

• Robots must meet the specifications of their selected category.

1.2 Competition Categories

Block Bots Category

• This Category is open for all Students (Preschool - College) with CaDA Bricks (Technic Series), Mould King (GoBricks), LEGO Spike Prime or Mindstorms series.

• Free registration.

Advance Rookie Category

• This Category is Open to Preschool and Elementary Students, teams or individuals using Raspberry Pi, ESP, Arduino, LPC, or microcontroller robots.

• Registration fee required.

Advance Pro Category

• This Category is Open to Junior High and Senior High Students, teams or individuals using Raspberry Pi, ESP, Arduino, LPC, or microcontroller robots.

• Registration fee required.

Advance Elite Category

• This Category is Open to Junior High, Senior High, College Students and Alumni, teams or individuals using Raspberry Pi, ESP, Arduino, LPC, or microcontroller robots.

• Registration fee required.

1.3 Registration and Fees

• Pre-registration deadline: TBA

• Registration opens: October 1, 2026

• Only officially enrolled students and Alumni may participate.

• Walk-in registrations allowed (higher fee applies).

• Registration is per person per robot per category. Multiple entries require multiple registration fees.

• Registration Fees:

  • Early Registration: PHP 150 per individual per category

  • Walk-in / Late Registration: PHP 200 per individual per category

• Fees cover: The registration fee will cover event expenses (medals, trophy, promotions, venue, sounds, crews, prizes, participants, and certificates  etc.) 

• Venue: Metro Dumaguete College Campus 2 Gymnasium (Changes wil be posted in our official facebook page).

• Participants must arrive at least 1 hour before their scheduled match.

• Official updates will be posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

1.4 Team Composition

• Maximum 3 members per team plus 1 Coach / Instructor or Mentor.

• A 3-member team may submit a maximum of 2 entries per category.

• Only one member allowed on the playing area during a match.

• Robots from the same team must be distinct in appearance (color, shape, etc.).

1.5 Individual Participation

• Individuals may join multiple categories (e.g., Line-following Race and Sumo Bot).

• Only one entry per individual per category is allowed.

• Bring your own Tools and Spare parts including extension wires and other materials for the Bot.

1.6 Referees and Match Procedure

• Line-ups of robots will be displayed before matches.

• Robots are released only on the referee’s signal.

• Minimum of one referee assigned per category (Line Following Robot / Sumo Bot / Maze Solver Robot/ Buggy Race).

• Representatives receive a 10-second heads-up before placing robots at the starting point.

• Failure to comply with the referee’s instructions may result in disqualification.

1.7 Mobile Robot Hardware Modifications

• Only battery changes and necessary repairs are allowed once the competition begins.

• Repairs during a match: maximum 3 minutes per team per round. Failure results in default loss.

• No additional hardware modifications allowed unless approved by all competitors.

• Replacement parts must not be sourced from other robots.

• Robots must remain on the display platform until their next turn.

• Violation of these rules leads to immediate disqualification.

1.8 Disqualification

• Robots must operate independently; physical assistance is strictly prohibited.

• Contact via wires, tethers, or electromagnetic interference is forbidden.

• Damage to the track results in forfeiture of the run.

• Explosives, liquids, acids, flammable or unstable power sources, live animals, projectiles, or unsafe devices are prohibited.

• Any actions endangering participants, spectators, referees, or officials are not allowed.

1.9 Authority of Officials

• All decisions made by officials regarding rules enforcement and event conduct are final.

1.10 Prizes

• The final prize pool will be released prior to or during the event.

• Certificates of participation will be awarded to all registered team members or individuals.

• Awards may include trophies, medals, and other recognitions depending on category and ranking.