🤖 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 (LEGO, R.E.A.L.M., or OPEN).

1.2 Competition Categories

LEGO Category

Open to All Students, teams, and individuals using LEGO robots.

Free registration.

Advance Rookie Category

Open to Elementary to Senior High Students, teams, and individuals using Raspberry Pi, ESP, Arduino, LPC, or microcontroller robots.

Registration fee required.

Advance Pro Category

Open to All Students, teams, and individuals using Raspberry Pi, ESP, Arduino, LPC, or microcontroller robots.

OPEN Category

Open to all students, teams, and individuals using LEGO or microcontroller-based robots.

Free registration.

1.3 Registration and Fees

• Pre-registration deadline: March 15, 2026, 11:59 PM

• Registration opens: December 15, 2025

• Only officially enrolled students may participate.

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

• Registration is 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: event expenses, prizes, certificates, and participation.

• Venue: Metro Dumaguete College Campus 2 Gymnasium

• 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.

• 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.

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 / Sumo Bot / 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 for Rookie Category will be released prior to 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.