Simbatech Experts
This year’s Robotics for Good competition focuses on disaster response, where robots play a crucial role in providing swift and precise solutions during natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides. The challenge is centered on evacuating people from an earthquake-affected area, minimizing human exposure to hazardous conditions, and making aid delivery safer.
Our Approach & Missions
We programmed our robot using a laptop with the Vex Code software running on C++, then downloaded the mission codes onto its robotic brain. In programming the robot, we paid attention to the sequence of events regarding how each step should be executed. This was important to ensure the robot does not get stuck at some point during the execution and also, doesn’t tamper with any other obstacles causing more harm. The challenge consists of three key missions:
- Clearing the Road & Transporting Injured People:
- The robot removes obstacles and transports red blocks (injured people) to the hospital.
- Scoring:
- 8 points for each block delivered to the consultation room.
- 6 points for the waiting room.
- 2 points for the hospital roof.
- Evacuating Survivors to Safety:
- The robot transports green blocks (people needing evacuation) to a designated refuge.
- Scoring:
- 4 points for placing each block on the upper level of the refuge.
- 2 points for the lower level.
- Clearing Debris & Rescuing Remaining Victims:
- The robot clears debris from collapsed buildings and transports any remaining injured people to the hospital.
- If successfully delivered, the score for each block is doubled according to Mission 1’s scoring system.
Our game strategy prioritizes efficiency:
- First, clearing the road to create a safe path for transporting survivors.
- Next, ensuring green blocks (evacuees) reach the refuge.
- Finally, removing debris to prevent further hazards and rescuing remaining victims.
Robot Design & Innovation
Our robot is an original design, built using the VEX IQ kit. When building the robot, we considered several factors such as giving it a grip on uneven surface as well as making appropriate turns within the shortest time. To achieve this, we used big omnidirectional wheels at the rear and threaded smaller wheels for the front side. We also took to note the various game objects on the field thus the need for the robot to learn its environment effectively and promptly. Research on this made us incorporate the several sensors whose key features are as given below:
- Distance Sensor: Measures distances for precise navigation.
- Optical Sensor: Detects red and green blocks for accurate sorting and placement.
- AI Algorithm for Debris Clearing: Optimizes movement to prevent delays and improve efficiency.
Our Impact & Vision
This project aligns with our goal of reducing loss of life and biodiversity during disasters. By ensuring swift and safe evacuation, our robot helps prevent unnecessary casualties and enhances disaster response effectiveness.
We are excited to compete, learn, and innovate, and we hope to make a meaningful impact through this challenge.
