RoboCupSoccer - Nanogram Competition
Frequently Asked Questions
The Field of Play
What are the dimensions of the field of play?
The field of play measures 2.5mm on a side. The goals lie within this 2.5 mm square (one at each end), and measure 900 micrometers wide by 500 micrometers deep.
What are the dimensions of the PCB on which the field of play is mounted?
The current prototype of the circuit board measures 89 mm by 68 mm. This may change somewhat as the system is refined. If your design could be effected by changes in the board configuration, please e-mail us.
What happens if my robot goes out of bounds?
The boundaries are marked with a thick film of cured photoresist and form physical walls to prevent micro-robots from leaving the field of play. In the event that your micro-robot does leave the field, the trial in progress will end.
Can a micro-robot cross the goal line in the ball handling drill?
Yes, this will be allowed.
Optics
What is the working distance of the microscope to be used at the competition?
The microscope working distance is 7.5 cm.
What is the maximum distance between the microscope s base and its front lens element?
The maximum separation between optics and base is 14.75 cm.
Power Delivery
Do I have to use the electrodes that are available on the field of play?
You may use the electrodes however you wish, or you may decide not to use them at all.
How thick are the electrodes on the field of play? Is the electrode insulation conformal?
The electrodes are just a few hundred angstroms thick, and the insulation is conformal.
Can I use {optical/RF/vibrational/chemical/other} power-delivery systems?
Sure! You may use any power delivery system that is safe, does not interfere with the operation of the contest equipment (microscope, camera, etc.), and requires no physical wires or tethers to be connected to your micro-robots. If you're not sure whether your power delivery system can be used, please e-mail your questions.
The Team Description Paper (TDP)
What is the purpose of the Team Description Paper?
The purpose of the Team Description Paper (TDP) is to ensure that all teams participating in the RoboCup Nanogram demonstration competition have a feasible plan for producing a functional micro-robot in time for the July 2007 RoboCup championships.
How will my Team Description Paper be evaluated?
The Team Description Paper (TDP) will be evaluated based on how well it presents the case that the team will produce a micro-robot capable of competing in the July 2007 RoboCup Nanogram event. The TDP should demonstrate that the team has the skills required to design and build micro-robots, has access to the facilities required to fabricate their designs, and has a design plan that is simple enough to implement in the allotted time.
Some of the people on my team are not yet determined. What should I write in my TDP?
You should clearly identify the team members who are already committed to the project, as well as the primary contact person. You should then describe how additional team members will be selected, and what assets you expect them to bring to the team.
How do I submit my Team Description Paper?
You can submit your Team Description Paper (TDP) electronically or by mail. To submit the paper by mail, you may use the following address:
RoboCup Nanogram Demonstration Competition
c/o Craig McGray
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Dr., MS 8120
Gaithersburg, MD, USA 20899-8120
To submit your TDP electronically, please use MS Word document format or PDF format, and e-mail it to us.
What if my Team Description Paper is not accepted?
The RoboCup Nanogram competition poses a very challenging task and a difficult time schedule. Your team may benefit from having additional time to develop, implement, and test your ideas. Please keep innovating! The success of this initial demonstration competition will create opportunities for more events in this field.
Miscellaneous
My question isn't answered here. What should I do?
This FAQ is not complete, but it grows when you ask questions! If you do not find your question answered here, please send an e-mail to us.