Robofest is an annual autonomous robotics competition focusing on learning STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Math) for students in grades 5 - 12. Robofest is a competition of autonomous robots – programmed to act independently and not remote controlled – that encourages students to have fun while learning principles of computer science, technology, engineering, math, and physical science. Students design, construct and program the robots, and adult coaches are not allowed to assist during the events. In 2007-2008 season, over 1,500 students competed in Robofest, including teams from Canada, South Korea, England, and France. Teams compete in the junior division (grades 5-9) and senior division (grades 9-12). Student teams, composed of up to seven members each, can compete in several ways:

* Game Competition - A team of students competes to accomplish robotics missions using fully autonomous robots.

* Exhibition - Each team has complete freedom to show off any creative autonomous robotics project they have created.

* RoboSumo - Push the other robot out of the ring!

* RoboFashion Show -  Two robots carry out a theme to music

* Pentathlon – VEX team robots participate in five field events

* Vision Based Mini Urban Robot Challenge – Senior contestants implement a control algorithm with machine vision to allow a laptop-based robot, L2Bot, to maneuver a course that simulates a city environment

Robofest’s Unique Features:

“Look Mom, No Hands!”: Students must fully program their robots to perform their missions without human assistance. No joysticks or remote controls are allowed.

“Your Mission, If You Decide to Accept It”: Is (partly) unknown or dynamic. Students must program their robots to accomplish tasks in a dynamic environment. 

Students Rule: While adult mentorship is encouraged, students design, construct and program the robots, and adult coaches are not allowed to assist during the competition.

It’s Flexible: Students have the freedom of using various technologies and any robot controller (kits) such as Handy Boards, Basic Stamps, Boe-Bots, IntelliBrains, VEX, I-ROBOs, NXTs, or Lego® RCX bricks. They may use any actuators and sensors to solve the competition. Robots can be programmed by using any programming language.

Affordable: Team registration is $50 per team. Reusing parts and old kits is encouraged.

Teams: can be formed by any organization, school, home schools, clubs or civic group.

The Robofest website, www.robofest.net, provides necessary technical information for the contest. Free workshops have been provided at Lawrence Tech for teachers, coaches, parents, and all participants of Robofest teams since 2000.

Everyone is a Winner: All registered participants receive medals and certificates. Winners of the qualifying and championship rounds receive trophies. Top teams in the senior divisions receive $2,000 LTU renewable scholarships.

2009 Robofest Season Timeline

November - Call for Qualifying Competition Site Hosts
 
November 22 - 3rd annual Thanksgiving RoboParade
 
Thu. December 11 - Kick-off Informational meeting, 5:45pm, LTU, Fall Mini Urban Challenge, 7pm, Draft rules to be posted on the web at www.robofest.net; Registration begins
 
Fri. Dec. 12 - Kick-off meeting (same as 12/11), 6pm, LTU
 
Sat. Dec. 13 - Kick-off meeting (same as 12/11), 10am, LTU
 
January - Finalized official rules to be posted
 
Mid January ~February - Technical workshops; Site volunteer registration begins
 
Sat. February 28 - Warm-up competitions and Judge training
 
March – Mid April - Regional Qualifying Competitions
 
Sat. May 9, 2009 - World Robofest Championship at LTU
 

More information about how to become a site host, coach, or participate in Robofest can found on the website at http://www.robofest.net.  Robofest news and updates are easily obtained by joining the eNewsletter, by clicking on the link found on the homepage.