Time limit
5 minutes
Control method
Remote-controlled
Aim of the challenge
Robots will propel a light wooden ball, 74.3mm in diameter and weighing 114g, attempting to roll it towards a set of 9 “pins”. Each robot will attempt to knock down three sets of pins with up to two rolls per set. If the first ball roll knocks down all 9 pins then that finishes that set of pins.
The skittle set we are using was found on eBay.
We recommend that robots have some kind of bumper on the front so that impact with the ball causes no damage to the chassis or other parts of the robot.
Special rules
Robots are not allowed to push the ball all the way to the pins. There will be a line halfway down the course beyond which the wheels of the robot are not allowed to travel.
You may push or propel the ball using a mechanism attached to your robot. However, the ball must be on the ground when it first moves – you may not pick the ball up to attach it to the mechanism.
The mechanism can extend reasonably beyond the limits of the robot (perhaps exceeding the size category) but must not be so long that it touches the pins (obviously).
You will be allowed to handle your robot after each roll to reset it to the starting position. This can also be achieved via remote control if you wish.
Ranking and points
5 points will be awarded for each skittle knocked down.
Additional points:
- 10 points will be awarded for knocking all 9 pins down with one roll of the ball (i.e. a Strike).
- 5 points will be awarded for knocking all 9 pins down with two rolls of the ball (i.e. a Spare).
Penalties:
- Any robot who crosses the “stop line” will forfeit the points for the current set of skittles.
