Recycle Rush Information and Explanation

Every year, at exactly 8:15, the fat cats at First Robotics release a file. This file is heavily encrypted and extremely important; it is the game rules. With each new season comes a new challenge. Every challenge is different, but they have many similarities. For example, they are a game conducted entirely by robots, they require many different skills and operations, and are based on forming alliances. This year, the game is titled Recycled Rush. To complete this challenge, our robot must have driving, turning, lifting, throwing, and placing capabilities. To score points, the robot must pick up and stack large, heavy boxes, or “totes”. To achieve maximum points, four boxes must be stacked, and then a full-sized recycling can must be placed on top of the set, this can add 12 points to our score. Even more challenging is the “litter”, represented by neon green pool noodles. Our robot must be able to lift the noodle and place it into a small, circular cutout on top of the can; this will require height and expert precision. Although it is challenging, placing this littler gives us a bonus of 6 points per stacked tote. Not only must we build these tours, but we must do it whilst navigating within extremely thin borders. Intersecting the field are long ramp like structures that could easily unbalance a tall robot. Thankfully, we are not alone on the field. We will have 2 other teams in an alliance on our side of the field, sharing points and working together. We will have 2 other robots helping us. Unfortunately, so will our opposition, who is trying to complete the same task more efficiently than us. The game starts with 15 seconds ‘Autonomous’ mode, which is pre-programed and involves no human driver. After this, there are 2 minutes of real gameplay, where our drivers will drive and control our robot to stack totes, place cans, and score points. Hopefully this information will help you understand the work that RC Dawson is doing, if you have any question feel free to drop them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!