About the challenge

Each team will be given all of the materials they require to build a fully functional robot that can navigate a pre-determined obstacle course. We have created 3 levels of difficulty and each team can choose their preference based on their skill level. However, a team that completes the hardest challenge will win over teams that complete an easier challenge.

The challenges are as follows:

Level 1: Hardcoded - hardcode the path through the course with motor distances.

Level 2: Line-following - Use the robot's sensors to follow a black line through the course.

Level 3: Line-following & Obstacle detection - Use the robot's sensors to follow a black line through the course and also be able to veer around an obstacle that is placed on the path.

You will also need to create a 3-minute presentation describing the challenges your team faced and how you decided to overcome them (visual aids are optional). Each team will have free access to the course and then in the last 1.5 hours, every team will get 3 slots in which to demo their robot at any level. At the end, teams can choose which run they would like to submit.  

Get started

This is the schedule of the day. 

            10:45 AM : Sign in and meet your team in Trottier Room 5090, pick up equipment 

            11:00AM:  ! Challenge Announced ! 

            11:30 AM:  OPTIONAL Introduction Arduino Workshop 

            12:15 PM-1:30 PM: Work on your bot!

            1:30 PM-2:30 PM: Lunch available for pickup in Trottier Room 1060(sandwich and drink) 

            2:30 PM-5:30 PM: Keep working and attempt course during your assigned time slots

            5:30 PM: Presentation slides submitted to folder in Google Drive

            5:30 PM-6:05 PM: Each team does a short (3 minute) presentation on their design

            6:05 PM-6:30 PM: Take apart bots and return all equipment, winners announced

Mentors will be available throughout the day for help and guidance, and there is an optional workshop at the beginning to help you get started!

Requirements

What to Build

A fully-functional arduino robot that can navigate through the obstacle course. You will also have to present to judges for 3 minutes.

What to Submit

Photos of your robot, a video of the final run that you are submitting, and information from your presentation (either what you talked about or the visual aids). 

Hackathon Sponsors

Prizes

2 non-cash prizes
First Place Build
1 winner

This prize is for the team that completes the hardest of the 3 challenges in the fastest amount of time. We also factor in the quality of their presentation, the accuracy of their robot and style as additions or deductions in their time. The winning team will receive a 3D printed trophy and eternal fame as the first winners of Forge McGill.

Most Flair
1 winner

This prize is given to the team that has shown the most creativity, ingenuity, and style in their final project.

Devpost Achievements

Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:

Judges

Sehr Moosabhoy

Sehr Moosabhoy
ECSESS VP of Technical Development

Matthew MacDonald

Matthew MacDonald
Head Factory Manager

Judging Criteria

  • Difficulty of Challenge
    We have created 3 challenges that are ranked in terms of difficulty. A team that completes the hardest challenge will win over other teams that completed an easier challenge
  • Accuracy
    For each collision with a wall or obstacle on the track, you will get a time penalty. The detailed rubric for the length of the penalty will be provided day of.
  • Speed
    We will be measuring how fast your robot can get through our carefully designed course.
  • Style
    Be creative! Use the provided materials to spice up your robot or have it do added tricks while it goes through the course. Style points will be given by judges for originality and flair.
  • Presentation
    Engaging and effective presentations will make your robot stand out! Let us know the challenges you faced and how you overcame them in a succinct 3 minutes!

Questions? Email the hackathon manager

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