Robot High/Long Jump


Object:

A: Build a device which can loft its entire mass into the air up to three times using only the power from 1 (optional) battery. The "footprint" of the device may be no larger than 1 square foot.

B: Build a device which can jump its entire mass forward up to three times using only the power from 1 (optional) battery. The "footprint" of the device may be no larger than 1 square foot.

Contents of this page:

Competitor Design Parameters (Both A and B Classes)

1.Competing devices must initially fit within a one-foot cube. Competitors are allowed to split apart or change their physical geometry beyond the dimensions of this cube once a jump has begun, however, competitors are not allowed to drop, throw, separate, or leave behind any part of their chassis. Competitors must finish with everything they started with. Furthermore, competitors must lift their entire mass during a jump attempt. Leap-frogging, tumbling, or rocking designs will not be considered valid entries.

2.Robot Competitors must not deliberately damage the launch platform, judges, or spectators in any way. The judges will disqualify any competitor they feel represents a danger. Devices must attempt to jump straight up for class A, and straight forward for class B.

3.Competing devices cannot have parts removed or added to them between jumps with the exception of replacing broken components necessary to the operation of the device at a half point deduction per time. Battery replacement between jumps will also constitute a half point penalty.

4.The device must be either self-starting, activated by radio, infra-red signal, or sound. When it starts to move, it must have been inactive and without human contact for at least 5 seconds.

5.The device must use only mechanical power, or mechanical power converted from a source of electrical energy. Chemical, compressed gas, pre-tensioned springs, or combustion power methods are not allowed.

6.Lift assisting devices like balloons are not permitted (functional anti-gravity devices are the exception to this rule). Parachutes are allowed if deemed necessary.

7.Before starting, the device must be demonstrated to be at full mechanical rest potential as far as the structure will allow.

Jumping Platform

For both competitions, the jumping platform will be a perfectly level sheet of hard black arborite particle board, 5 feet across and perfectly round, raised 2" above the floor. There is no surrounding wall of any type.

Competition Procedure

Class A: In a 5 minute period, competing devices will be allowed three chances to jump and land squarely somewhere on the 5ft round launch platform. A point will be awarded for every successful landing on the platform, and deducted for every landing attempted off the platform. All devices will start from the very center of the platform.

The winner will be the one that can most consistently jump highest and land squarely back on its feet. Height will be based from the ground to the lowest point of the robot at the top of its arc. Jumps that can not be visually verified will be videotaped and played back in slow motion to get the exact height.

Class B: In a 5 minute period, competing devices must jump their entire mass over and beyond a starting line on the launch platform. All devices will start from a marked edge of the platform, and the jump distance measured by a straight line perpendicular to the start line.

The winner will be the one that can most consistently jump highest and longest in a straight line from the start line. Height will be based from the ground to the lowest point of the robot at the top of its arc. Jumps that can not be visually verified will be videotaped and played back in slow motion to get the exact height.

As well as height, distance and point score, devices will be judged based upon innovation, design, and quality of workmanship for further awards. Bonus points will be awarded for solar-powered entries, and also if the competing device can jump the best distance in 5 minutes without human intervention.

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