In 2019, our team embarked on an exciting journey to IIT Guwahati to participate in the Escalade: National Robotics Challenge. This prestigious event focused on developing obstacle-avoiding, task-performing robots, and brought together some of the brightest minds in robotics from across the country. Here's a detailed account of our journey, the challenges we faced, and our ultimate triumph.
- Event Details Name: Escalade: National Robotics Challenge
- Location: IIT Guwahati Theme: Obstacle avoiding, task performing robot
Team and Preparation
Our team consisted of four dedicated members, each bringing their unique skills to the table:
- Dhruv Rohatgi: Programmed the autonomous robot
- Devdutt Sharma: 3D designing, printing, assembling chassis
- Nilansh Khurana: Developed the controller app
- Sujeet Soni: Developed the power management system
Having faced disqualification in our previous attempt due to technical failures, we were determined to succeed this time. Preparation began two months before the competition. We replicated the competition arena in our lab, created four variations of the robot, and rigorously tested each one to finalize the best design.
A significant challenge we encountered was the time wasted in turning the robot. To overcome this, we developed two mechanisms:
- Steering Mechanism: Allowed the robot to turn its front wheels left and right.
- Mecanum Wheels: Enabled the robot to move in any direction without turning, thanks to rubberized external rollers attached at 45° angles to the wheel plane and axle line.=
These innovations significantly reduced the time required to perform tasks, giving us a competitive edge.
The Competition
- Duration: 2 days
- Participants: 75 teams
The competition posed several key challenges, including building two functional robots in just two months, programming them with fallback mechanisms, and ensuring they were fast and lightweight.
Our Robots
Robot 1 (Manual):- Chassis: Acrylic-based
- Components: 3D-printed steering, climbing, and picking mechanisms, along with mecanum wheels
- Power: 12V LiPo battery stepped down to 3.3V and 5V for motors and controllers
- Chassis: Plastic
- Sensors: Six color sensors (three in front and three in the rear) detecting red, blue, and green light intensity to follow a black line
- Design: Two-wheeled with a front ball bearing, making it lightweight and stable
Tasks:
- Task 1: Pick blocks one at a time, climb a wall, insert the block in the correct location, climb down, and repeat. The team completing the task in the shortest time wins.
- Task 2: Involved using both robots. The autonomous line-follower picks a block and follows a damaged black line to the end, while the manually controlled robot removes obstacles to ensure the autonomous robot reaches its destination. The fastest team wins.
Our team completed both tasks in the shortest time, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our robots.
Winning Moment
When our team was announced as the winner, we were ecstatic. We had put in countless hours of hard work and dedication, and this victory was a testament to our efforts. We received a gold medal, a cash prize, and certificates.
Aftermath and Reflections
Winning the challenge had a profound impact on our team. It boosted our confidence, reinforced the importance of teamwork, and improved our trust in each other. This experience has helped us excel in subsequent competitions and projects.
Personal Highlights
The most memorable moment of the event was undoubtedly our victory. It was a defining moment that underscored the value of perseverance and hard work. The key takeaway from this experience was the importance of staying calm under pressure and being prepared for any challenge.
Participating in the Escalade: National Robotics Challenge was an unforgettable experience. It not only showcased our technical skills but also highlighted the power of collaboration and determination. We look forward to many more such victories in the future.