MP-Fish Robot Rules | Be Stem Ready

Makerbotz - Fish Robot

Age Category

Age: 7 - 12

1. Purpose

The MakerBotz competition aims to inspire and challenge participants through a hands-on, problem-solving experience that empowers essential STEM skills and encourages creative innovation. By engaging with real-world challenges, the competition contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goals 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Specifically, the competition is designed to:

Develop Engineering and Design Skills: By constructing circuits and integrating them with 3D puzzle models, participants will gain practical experience in electrical engineering, design principles, and spatial reasoning, contributing to SDG 4 by fostering technological skills crucial for future careers. They will learn to translate circuit diagrams into functioning systems, troubleshoot electrical challenges, and optimize their designs for maximum illumination and visual appeal.
Innovative Problem Solving: The competition's challenge of creating intricate illuminated displays will encourage participants to think critically and creatively to solve design and technical challenges. They'll need to analyze the 3D structure, plan the circuit layout, and implement their ideas effectively. This process will hone their ability to approach challenges with ingenuity and resourcefulness, skills essential for addressing real-world issues.
Cultivate a Passion for STEM: Building and competing with illuminated 3D models offers an exciting and engaging way to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM. Participants will experience the thrill of hands-on learning, connecting theoretical principles with practical applications, and see how STEM can be used to create beautiful and functional designs.This focus on resourcefulness promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging participants to utilize resources efficiently and explore the potential of electronic components.

Empower Future Problem Solvers: By participating in the Makerbotz competition, young innovators will gain the confidence and skills to tackle complex challenges, both in their academic pursuits and in their future careers. They'll learn to persevere, adapt, and think critically – essential skills for success in any field and for contributing to a sustainable future.
Build Community and Celebrate Achievement: The event provides a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their accomplishments. This fosters a sense of community and belonging within the STEM field, encouraging collaboration and peer learning, which are vital for achieving the SDGs.

2. Task/Mission

Dive into the exciting world of underwater robotics and unleash your creativity to design a fish robot that not only moves with agility and speed but also embodies your unique vision. Push the boundaries of innovation and build a fish that will conquer the competition!

Participants are encouraged to delve into the fascinating world of robotics by exploring the science and engineering principles behind fish robot construction.

The fastest fish robot will win!

Tutorial on how to build the fish robot:

Tutorial on how to build the ramp herein referred to “ramp”:

During the National Competition, some parts of the fish robot will be provided, but not fully. Participants will need to figure out how to replicate certain robot parts in order to make their robot functional. Exact measurements will not be given. Parts not given may include, but not limited to:

Wheels
Joint from Fish Body to Fish Tail

Participants are not allowed to bring their fish robot on National competition day. However, they MUST bring the ramps (please personalize your ramps) for testing and debugging and also for competition purposes.

Participants will compete in a timed race to determine who’s fish robot can successfully navigate the ramp and reach the designated finish line first. If the fish robot falls out from the ramp then it has to be brought back to the starting line again.

The competition arena consists of a simple ramp:

Ramp: Both up and downwards ramps which herein is referred to ramps will be placed in the middle of the field, each ramp measuring 200mm in horizontal length and 45mm in vertical height. Distance between ramps and how ramps are arranged will only be revealed on the competition day.

Field Size: 120cm * 120cm

3. Robot Requirements:

Customised “BSR” fish robots must be engineered to traverse both up and down or vice versa the ramp, whilst moving in a straight line.
Maximum number of motors: 1 customised “BSR” motor, Be STEM Ready
Materials used for the attachment of the Fish Robot must be provided by Be STEM Ready, these materials include but are not limited to: wood, plastic bottles, recycled cans, paper, cardboard etc.
Maximum Voltage: 9V

4. State Competition regulations

Video Submission:
- Participants will submit their fish robot attempts through online video submissions.
- The video must clearly show the fish robot traverse both up and down the ramp.
- The timer will begin when any part of the fish's body enters the ramp's boundary and will stop when any part of the fish's body exits the ramp's boundary.
- The fish robot must be completely visible throughout the entire run.
Time-Based Evaluation:
- The primary criterion for the state-level competition will be the shortest time taken for the fish robot to traverse up and down the ramp.
- All participants must include a timer in their video, clearly visible throughout the entire run, to avoid video editing manipulation.
- The fish must return to the starting point if it falls off the ramp.
- Each participant may only submit once, with one video showcasing their best attempt.
Tie-breaker:
- In the case of a tie in completion time, the judges will consider the "Creativity of Design" to determine the winner.
- The fish robot that demonstrates the most innovative and effective design, while adhering to the competition's rules and regulations, will be awarded the higher ranking in the tie-breaker.

Scoring Card

4. National Competition regulations

Registration:

Registration is required before the deadline. Participants must be on time on the day of the competition.
Late arrivals will not be allowed to compete.

Construction Period:

During the competition, participants will have a designated 1 hour construction period.
They must use the provided materials to construct the equipment required to complete the task given and complete all robot modifications within this timeframe.
All necessary tools will be provided.
Participants are permitted to test and modify their robots during the construction period.
Participants are forbidden to carry any online or offline references to the competition.
Parents / Coaches are not permitted to have any form of communication with the participants during the competition.
Any missing tools would result in a RM30/= per item fine to the participant, with the risk of blacklisting the participant from any future competitions.
Severity of the penalty is to be decided by the competition committee.
Participants are permitted to test and modify their robots during the construction period.
Participants are forbidden to carry any online or offline references to the competition.
Parents / Coaches are not permitted to have any form of communication with the participants during the competition.

Post-Construction Period:

Once the 1 hour construction period is over, all participants must halt their progress and construction of the robot.
Participants would then place their robots at the designated lockdown area until their turn.

Competition:

Each team will consist of 2 participants.
Participants will proceed to the designated competition field and prepare for the contest when they are called.
The referee will signal the start of the contest. Participants will start behind the starting line. The timer starts after the judges say ‘Start!’.
If any part of the robot falls off onto the ramp, OR If the robot completely leaves the ramp OR falls over, the player may request permission to retrieve said parts. The timer will not stop for the player to fix their robot.
External intervention is not allowed on the field throughout the competition. Only the robots are allowed to interact with the objects on the ramp.

Post Competition:

Once a participant has completed their competition and their official results have been recorded, they may then retrieve their robot and place it back to the designated lock down area and continue with the second round.

Scoring:

The winner will be determined based on the shortest total time.
The robot is considered to have completed the race when any part of the robot has touched/crossed the finishing line.
In the case of a tie for the final time between participants, the organiser reserves the right to make changes to the field for a tiebreaker round or include additional winning criterias.

5. Disqualification

State Competition

Disqualification will result from submitting any video editing in any form for the state competition.
Disqualification will result if the timer is paused during the state level.
Disqualification will result from using tools and materials that are not included in the provided packaging during the state-level competition

National Competition:

Participants are strictly prohibited from intentionally causing damage or disruption to other participants or their robots at any time during the entirety of the competition.
Participants officially marked as absent will be disqualified from the competition.
Participants who willfully refuse to follow instructions provided by the competition committee will be subject to disqualification.
If a robot causes visible damage to the interior or exterior of the ramps, the responsible participant will be held accountable and may face further penalties or disqualification.
If a participant comes in physical contact with the ramps to alter the outcome of the competition, the participant will be disqualified for the competition.
The robot which does not adhere to the requirements of item 4, Procedure, will be disqualified.