Pick-Up-The-Can Contest Rules

(Also known as the “Robot, get me a Beer!” contest.)

Contest rules by Thomas Messerschmidt

Contest divisions: 1. R/C, 2. Autonomous-Dead Reckoning, 3. Autonomous-Sensors.

For all three contest divisions:

1.      Can will be provided and it is a standard 12 oz empty aluminum soda can. It is painted a solid RED. No other modifications to can are allowed. Nothing may be attached or added to can. (No magnets, labels, etc.)

2.      Arena is a eight inch square with no walls. It is taped at one end of a table.

3.      Table top robots are set outside arena on the table. Larger robots can be set on floor next to table.

4.      When contestant is ready, official starts timer.

5.      Each contestant will have three tries for each competition that he/she enters.

6.      Knocking over the can ends a try.

7.      Dropping can ends a try.

8.      Robot must pick up can within 60 seconds of starting.

9.      No part of robot may be within arena boundaries before timer starts.

10.  No part of robot may touch arena.

11.  No one may touch robot or can, or enter arena boundary during contest.

12.  Can must be lifted with robot arm to a height of at least 1” above arena It then must be taken out of arena boundary and placed on table standing without touching robot and without the can falling over.

13.  Shortest time to successfully picking up can, bringing can out of arena boundaries, and release can without dropping or tipping it over wins the contest.

1. R/C Specific Rules:

1.      Remote control can be wired or wireless, but not mechanical.

2.      Can is placed by official randomly within the arena.

3.      After official starts timer, contestant then attempts to pick up can with robot arm using remote control

2. Autonomous-Dead Reckoning Specific Rules:

1.      Can is placed by official in the exact center of the arena.

2.      After official starts timer, contestant then starts robot.

3.      Robot picks up and releases can as per general rules above.

3. Autonomous-Sensors Specific Rules:

1.      Can is placed by official randomly within the arena.

2.      After official starts timer, contestant then starts robot.

4.      Robot picks up and releases can as per general rules above.