Realms/11 Robotics

Theseus' Circuit

Build it. Test it. Take it to the circuit.

Think you can build a machine that can think its way out of trouble? Theseus' Circuit is a three-round robotics challenge that takes teams from building a robot from the ground up to testing its performance and competing in an autonomous Robo Soccer finale. Across three days, teams build, tune and compete. From electronics and mechanical design to sensors and autonomous control, every stage asks you to turn an idea into a machine that performs when it matters.

Category Head

Hassan Warraich

Category Co-Head

Mohid Mahmud

Rounds

Three rounds across three days

Delegate cap

2 to 3 delegates

The rounds

  1. 01

    Construction

    • 2 delegates
    • Non-elimination

    Delegates build and program a functional 2WD robot car: assembling the chassis, completing the wiring, and programming the system for basic autonomous and controlled movement. You are expected to show a working understanding of 2WD robotic systems, motor control and basic programming.

    • Construct and assemble a fully functional 2WD robot.
    • Control the two motors independently.
    • Program the robot to move forward, backward, left and right.
    • Regulate and control motor speed.
    • Demonstrate controlled movement and manoeuvrability.
  2. 02

    Tuning

    • 3 delegates
    • Elimination. The top 4 teams move to round 3

    An array of IR sensors is added to the cars, turning them into line-following robots. Delegates get access to the surprise track for a limited time to tune and refine. You are expected to understand IR sensors, line-following systems and PID control. Teams are judged on the maximum points achieved in the shortest time.

    • Calibrate IR line-following sensors and interpret their values.
    • Detect the line's position and calculate the error from it.
    • Use proportional and PID control, tuning Kp, Ki and Kd.
    • Adjust motor speeds from sensor readings.
    • Handle sharp turns and corners, and recover when the line is lost.
  3. 03

    Robo Soccer

    • 3 delegates
    • The top two teams by goals scored take Winner and Runner-Up

    The cars are modified to play football. Robots are controlled over Bluetooth, so participants should be comfortable with wireless control and accurate driving. A five-minute match takes place on a surprise course, with semi-finals and finals and randomly determined draws.

    • If no goals are scored in five minutes, overtime runs for one minute.
    • If overtime is also goalless, the match is restarted.
    • Connect the robot to a Bluetooth controller and send movement commands wirelessly.
    • Control both motors, speed and accurate turning.
    • Detect the ball using sensors if required, then approach and push it.
    • Reposition quickly during the match.

Equipment to bring

Heads upAll additional materials are strictly prohibited. Management reserves the right to alter the rounds where applicable.

Study guide

The full brief for this realm, as a PDF.

Enter Theseus' Circuit

Robotics. Add it to your delegation's realms when you register.

Register your delegation