Lego Robotics Challenge Scope

There is a long history of celebrations spanning from late January to mid-February in Canada. In the worldwide capital of snow, the first large-scale winter carnival took place in 1894. A population often faced with harsh winters used these festivities to warm their hearts during the cold season.

The first edition of the modern Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955, and Bonhomie was chosen as its representative. Very soon, the Carnival became a must-see for the local population and a major celebration of the cold season.

This year advances in technology means that for the first time robots will be able to compete in 4 of the Winter Carnival events.

Sliding

La Glissade / Sliding Challenge

Sliding and toboggan racing has long been a favorite winter activity during the carnival. Your robot will be used to launch sliders down the icy slopes toward point scoring rings. Maneuver your robot into position at the top of the mountain, release your sled and hope for big points at the bottom. 

Crossing

La Course En Canot / The Ice Flow Crossing Challenge 

River crossings during winter months can be difficult and dangerous. To complete the crossing your robot will have to align the ice pans and safely push your canoe across the river. Be careful as slips and falls could result in a cold wet robot. 

Sculpture

La Sculpture De Glace / Ice Sculpture Challenge 

Artistry and beauty combine in the Ice Sculpture challenge. To complete these sculptures, carvers need large heavy blocks of ice. Your robot will need to safely deliver the ice blocks to each carver before the event begins. Care and precision will be key in preventing accidents during this exciting competition.

Bombardier

The Bombardier Challenge

Even since Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented the snowmobile people have wanted to race them. Here is your chance to compete in the winter carnival snowmobile race. Turn your robot into a snow mobile and test your driving skills on the race course. The faster you go the more points you will receive for your carnival team.

Engineering Parameters

  • The robot must begin the trial in the “Home” area in some cases return to the “Home” area.
  • Once a trial has begun there will be no changes made to the challenge board. Game pieces will not be moved, touched or reset during the trial.
  • You may only use the materials provided in your Lego kit that you brought from your school. All parts and materials must be Lego brand. Pay close attention to your parts as there will be limited opportunity to obtain replacements.
  • Light sensors are not mandatory but may be useful for some challenges.

Trials

  • Scoring judges will be located at each station and will monitor the time allotted for the trials and final scores. Each challenge station will have a value of 100 pts.
  • Each attempt will be between 60 and 90 seconds in length, your team will be allowed multiple attempts within the 50 minute challenge timeframe. Your best single attempt score will be used towards your overall point’s grand total.
  • There will be approximately 5 teams assigned to a challenge board at any given rotation.
  • A master schedule of the team rotations will be available the day of the competition.