FASTEST LINE FOLLOWER

🎯 Overview

• Participants create robots that can follow a black line on a white surface at the highest possible speed without losing control. The challenge blends coding accuracy, sensor calibration, and timing optimization, teaching students how to achieve both speed and precision in robotics design.

👥 Team Composition

• Each team may consist of 1 to 3 members.
• Open to Grades 6 to 12.
• Each team can enter only one robot into the competition.

🤖 Robot Specifications

• Autonomy: The robot must operate autonomously after the start — no remote control or manual intervention is allowed during the run.
• Sensors:
• The robot may use up to a 16-channel IR sensor array for line detection.
• Power Supply:
• Maximum allowable voltage: 12V DC (must be battery-powered).
• Dimensions:
• The robot must fit within a 20 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm cube at the start.
• Construction:
• The robot must be designed and built by the team.
• Use of off-the-shelf line followers or kits with pre-built logic is not permitted.

🏁 Track Specifications

• The track will be white with a black line (approximately 2 cm wide).
• The line may include:
• Curves
• Sharp turns
• T-intersections
• Cross-junctions
• S-shaped patterns
• Speed breakers or bridges (optional)
• The robot must follow the black line at all times.

⏱️ Game Rules

• Starting Point:
• The robot must start behind the start line.
• The run begins once the team signals readiness and the judge give the go-ahead.
• Finish Line:
• The run is considered complete when any part of the robot crosses the finish line after completing one full lap.
• Calibration Time:
• Teams will be given 30 seconds for calibration and setup before each official run.
• During this time, adjustments to sensors or starting position may be made.

🧾 Scoring Criteria

• Fastest completion time wins.
• If no team finishes the track, the team that covers the maximum distance while accurately following the line will be ranked higher.
• Timing starts when the robot crosses the start line and stops when it crosses the finish line.

⚖️ Penalties

• Touching the robot during the run → +5 seconds.
• Deviating from the Line:
• If the robot skips any lines or curves, a 2-second time penalty will be applied.
• Exceeding the total run time limit (3 minutes) → Run is invalid.
• Failure to stop in a designated stop zone (if applicable) → +5 seconds penalty.

⚙️General Rules

• Robots must not damage the track.
• External sensors, remote controls, or manual interference after the start will result in disqualification.
• Teams must comply with the instructions of event judges.
• Referee/judge decisions are final and binding.

📋 Tie-Breaker

• In the case of a tie:
• The robot with fewer penalties will be ranked higher.
• If still tied, a re-run may be conducted between the tied teams.