DPRG 2007 Long Haul Outdoor Contest Rules

2007 Course photos and waypoints

A robot must make its way across an open distance, and navigate towards three successive targets. (i.e. 2 waypoints and a final target.).

An open area with varying obstacles. Obstacles will become more difficult as the robot nears the end of the course. Care will be taken to keep spectators at a safe distance.

1. The competing robot must fit in a 5 X 5 square.
2. Any robot that weighs over 50 pounds must have an emergency shut-off switch physically tethered to it. The judges will check the kill-switch prior to qualifying the robot. The kill switch is not required for lighter robots, but is highly recommended.
3. Contestants must sign a waiver (see below) absolving the DPRG of any responsibility for damages to competing robots, and any damages to the contest grounds caused by the competing robots.
4. No un-safe machines (as determined by the judges and contest coordinator) will be allowed to run. Public safety and club liability will not be compromised under any circumstances.

1. The competing robot shall start in a 5 X 5 square.
2. The first and second waypoint shall consist of a point marked flush on the ground. In order to receive credit for reaching the finish line, the robot must stop at or near the end. Points will be awarded for how close the robot gets to the first and second targets.
3. The final target shall consist of a large relatively unmovable landmark. Points shall be awarded for how close the robot gets to the final target, and if the robot is able to stop short of actually touching it.
4. No human guidance will be allowed once a robot starts the course. The human may only activate his machine at the start, and deactivate it. With the exception of a kill switch, remote control is not allowed.
5. Each robot will get two attempts and a total of 20 minutes to run the course.
6. A builder may touch his robot only once per attempt, in order to help it. Any touches after that will result in the end of the attempt.
7. A robot will be considered to have completed its attempt, when it reaches the final target, when it is no longer able to move without human intervention (with the exception of one-touch per attempt), or when its builder decides to halt it.
8. A remote kill switch that stops the robot is not required, but is recommended. If the robot-builder uses a kill switch to stop his machine, that attempt is over.
9. Terrain will likely consist of any combination of dirt, grass, rocks pavement, or whatever else can be found and brought on the course by the contest coordinator. The terrain will get increasingly difficult as the robot approaches the end of the course.
10. Additional points will be awarded to each robot for the time-based place in which it completes the course.
11. Points will also be awarded for performance.
12. The course will be initially defined at a series of compass headings and distance. The way-points will be supplemented by latitude and longitude coordinates. These will be made available prior to the contest to allow contestants to calculate GPS data.

I have read and understand the contest rules. I will not hold the DPRG accountable for any damage done to my robot while competing. I will also hold myself responsible for any damages done by my robot during the competition.

Name: ___________________________________________________________


Date: ____________________