People build robots for all sorts of reasons. For many, there is the simple satisfaction of making something that can perform a task, for others the fun is in the design and build rather than the end product.
Many builders want to pit their robot against others in some kind of challenging task.
There are many contest challenges for the small robot builder. UKMARS supports five different challenges. Three of these are based in a miniature maze and two are based on following a line marked out on the ground.
Maze Based Challenges
All these challenges take place in the confines of a 16 x 16 cell maze, either a full size one with 18cm cells or a half size one with 9cm cells
Micromouse
The longest-running robot contest in the world. Autonomous robots solve a complex maze and then run though it as fast as possible.
Wall Following
These robots use the same maze but are less intelligent, finding their way to the centre by following one wall of the maze all the way to the centre.
Time Trials
A test of speed, power and control. Robots must run around the outside of the maze at the fastest possible speed. Simple but great fun.
Line Following Challenges
Robots must follow a contrasting line drawn out on the floor.
Line Following
The basic task is to follow the line as fast as possible. Smarter robots learn the course layout to optimise performance through the different sections.
Drag Race
A head-to-head knockout contest where robots follow a fixed-length straight track at top speed while coming to a controlled stop at the end.