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Horizon Ecobot Olympiad is an innovative robotics competition designed to engage students in addressing environmental challenges through engineering and research. Through this program, participants develop and implement advanced robotic solutions for ecological problems, gaining hands-on experience in the design, construction, testing, and control of autonomous systems. This comprehensive experience cultivates essential professional skills, including teamwork, research methodology, and analytical problem-solving.
Teams consist of up to three students, with schools having the option to field multiple teams. Each student may participate in only one team, and each team must have its own dedicated ecobot. Recognition and awards will be exclusively granted to team members who actively participate in the Horizon Olympiad.
EcoGuardian evaluates robotic and team performance in environmental restoration through a simulated disaster recovery scenario. The competition field features a zone representing disaster-affected terrain surrounded by agricultural areas. Teams must execute a two-phase environmental restoration mission: debris removal and recyclable material collection from the designated area upon completion of cleanup operations.
Ecobot Specifications and Categories
We accept robots utilizing standard development kits with power specifications under 12V, including TETRIX, VEX-Exp, VEX-V5, and VEX-Pro platforms. Approval from the Horizon Ecobot Committee is required for alternative development kits. Classification into categories will be determined based on technical specifications, including motor power and programming architecture. Please contact info@horizonolympiad.org for approval of non-standard kits, providing detailed specifications of motor power and kit specifications.
Field Layout: The competition field consists of two identical subfields divided by boundary lines in dark blue and purple. Each team operates within its assigned subfield to complete mission objectives. The field features distinct zones demarcated by colored tape.
Phase 1: Environmental cleanup requires collecting and transferring debris items (tennis balls) to designated debris bins situated outside the field perimeter.
Material recovery involves gathering recyclable materials (2-inch yellow cubes) from the affected zone and properly sorting them into designated recycling bins within each subfield according to their respective colors.
Phase 2: Ecological cleanup requires collecting and transferring plastic bottles (utilizing standard 0.5L water bottles) to the designated collection bin for bottles.
There will be at least three rounds for each team, and the team may compete on either the dark blue or purple side of the field; different rounds may be held in different fields.
Task 1
Debris Collection: EcoGuardian must retrieve debris items (tennis balls) from the affected land zone and transport them to the designated debris bin outside the field while avoiding the loading deck. The robot may collect multiple debris items simultaneously and retrieve any dropped items from farmlands.
Material Recycling: EcoGuardian must collect and sort recycled materials (yellow cubes) from the affected land into corresponding recycle bins within their subfield. The robot must handle one material type.
Task 2
Ecological Cleanup: Upon completion of debris removal and recycling, EcoGuardian must transport plastic bottles (0.5L water bottles) from the field to the designated collection bin for bottles. Multiple bottles may be transported simultaneously. This phase may only commence after completing the first task.
EcoGuardian must strictly remain within its designated subfield boundary. The robot's operations begin from the robot lot - this is the only location where teams can decisively modify their robot by adding or removing attachments or updating code during the competition round. The rules firmly prohibit any other interference during active rounds.
The competition subfield will be stocked with exactly 6 tennis balls and 6 cubes (6 yellow) and 6 bottles (water bottles) in the affected zone.
Placement of cubes identified (recycled items): The cubes will be strategically distributed across the affected zone to ensure a balanced challenge.
Placement of tennis balls (debris): Tennis balls will be positioned throughout the affected zone to simulate realistic debris distribution.
Placement of bottles (collection bin): Water bottles will be collected throughout the affected zone in to the collection bin.
Teams will have a defined 4-minute window to complete all tasks.
Competition Scoring
1. Successfully delivering each recycled item (wood cube) to the recycle bin will secure 20 points.
2. Successfully delivering each debris item (tennis ball) to the debris collection bin will secure 20 points.
3. Successfully cleaning up each plastic bottle in the designated area will secure 25 points.
4. Teams that successfully collect all recycled items in the recycle bins will earn an additional 20 points.
5. Teams will incur a 20-point deduction for carrying multiple recycled items simultaneously.
6. Teams will incur a 20-point deduction for carrying debris items and recycled items simultaneously.
7. Each recycled item (wood cube) remaining in the farmland, loading dock, or outside the field at the game end will result in a 20-point deduction.
8. Each debris item (tennis ball) remaining in the farmland, loading dock, or outside the field at the game end will result in a 20-point deduction.
9. Each cleanup plastic bottle (0.5L water bottle) remaining at the cleanup area at the end of the game will result in a 20-point deduction.
10. Knocking down recycle bins will result in a 50-point deduction.
11. EcoGuardian carrying mixed items will incur a 50-point deduction per instance.
12. Crossing to the opposite side of the field will result in a 30-point deduction per instance.
13. Team interference with the robot outside the robot lot will result in a 50-point deduction.
14. At the game's end, any items remaining on the robot will be counted as left at the robot's final position.
15. Teams completing all tasks (full collection of cleanup and debris items) will earn 1 point per second after returning to the robot lot.
16. Fair play violations, including intentional robot interference or item removal, will result in a 100-point deduction and possible disqualification at the referee's discretion.
Ecobot Requirements and Setup Guidelines
Robots will undergo inspection during setup day. Robots that don't meet our requirements will not be allowed to compete. Teams must bring exactly one robot - multiple robots are not permitted.
Size: Each robot must start within a 20-inch cube (width, height, and length). Robots may expand beyond these dimensions during gameplay.
Motors: Each robot can have up to 10 DC motors plus any number of servo motors. Motor controller quantity is unrestricted.
Power: Maximum 12V per component. Teams must supply their own batteries. External power sources are not allowed.
Software: Teams may use any programming language.
Control: Robots must be controlled wirelessly by student operators in tele-op mode.
Ecobot ID: Clearly display your robot ID name (which you received during application) on at least one side of your robot. The name must be printed in bold with a minimum font size of 100 points to ensure clear visibility.
Horizon Ecobot will provide all competition and practice fields at the event. Teams should not bring their own field materials, but are welcome to bring any necessary robot maintenance equipment. We have carefully selected the competition materials listed below and will mark the field layout using colored tape on black floor tiles. While we encourage teams to obtain these specific items for practice, you are free to use suitable alternatives during your preparation. For your convenience, we have included purchase links below, though Horizon Ecobot is not affiliated with any vendors and does not supply materials directly to teams.
1. Competition Field: We use the First Tech Challenge field for competition.
2. Floor Tiles: Soft foam mat tiles cover the field. The competition map is marked with colored tape. You can use FTC mat tiles or equivalent 12'x12' foam tiles.
3. Field Design: Download field maps showing measurements and setup. We use 3-inch wide tape for thick lines and 1-inch wide tape for thin lines to mark the field.
4. Game Cubes: Painted hardwood cubes (2-inch, 90-95 grams) serve as recycling items.
5. Game Balls: Standard tennis balls (2.5-2.7 inches) represent debris.
6. Game Bottles: Standard 0.5L (16.9 Oz) water bottles represent collection items.
7. Recycle Bins: Colored bins (5" H x 10.5" L x 8" W-inches) are fixed inside the field perimeter for wood cubes.
8. Debris Bin: A Green bin (5" H x 10.5" L x 8" W-inches) is placed inside the field perimeter for tennis balls.
9. Cleanup Items: Bucket for Empty 0.5 L (16.9 Oz) water bottles (5" H x 12" L x 8" W-inches)
1. Engineering book - 10%: Teams will demonstrate their development process through a comprehensive engineering book that showcases their robot's development journey. This includes detailed design choices, technical drawings, experimental results, development photos, programming architecture, and system specifications. While the format is flexible, teams must clearly document and effectively communicate their project journey through this engineering documentation.
2. Teamwork - 10%: During the judging session, teams will demonstrate strong collaborative dynamics through active participation from all members. Teams can maximize their score by strategically distributing presentation responsibilities to highlight each member's expertise and contributions.
3. Presentation - 20%: Teams will deliver a compelling presentation showcasing their robot design and engineering process using their engineering book and optional poster. Each team has a focused 6-minute window to demonstrate their technical expertise and innovative solutions. Judges will engage with teams through questions during or after the presentation. While project posters are optional with no specific requirements, we strongly encourage teams to create one to enhance their presentation.
4. Competition Performance score - 60%: (Details are given above under competition scoring) Based on Master Game judging criteria, top-performing teams will earn recognition with 15% receiving gold, 15% silver, 35% bronze, and 20% honorable mention awards.
1. Teams consist of three dedicated students who will collaborate to develop and submit their Ecobot project.
2. Schools have the flexibility to enter multiple teams in the competition, with each student committed to a single team. All applications require individual submission, though schools should maintain one central account for managing multiple entries.
3. Once selected as finalists, teams must maintain their original roster - no substitutions will be permitted.
4. Each team must develop and compete with their own distinct robot. Sharing robots between teams is strictly prohibited, regardless of school affiliation.
5. Teams must submit a focused video demonstration showcasing their robot's capabilities in meeting the Horizon game objectives. Videos should maintain a professional focus on technical demonstrations without extraneous content.
1. Demonstrate your team's capabilities through a compelling 3-minute demo video of your student-built robot. Upload it to YouTube titled "Horizon Ecobot_YEAR_TITLE" and provide the link during application. Your video must showcase the complete development process - from initial planning through construction to final demonstration. This is your opportunity to highlight your robot's core capabilities in lifting, picking, carrying, and other essential functions.
2. Each team/robot requires its own dedicated video submission. For schools with multiple teams, failing to submit separate videos will result in the disqualification of all applications.
3. When submitting supplementary documents, use English characters in file names and keep them under 25 characters.
5. Engineering book submission is optional for project applications.
1. All participants, including team members, guests, supervisors, and organizers, must wear proper safety glasses in the competition area - standard prescription glasses and sunglasses will not suffice. For safety, closed-toe shoes are mandatory in all practice and competition areas. Teams can showcase their work using poster boards/presentations on the provided 40x60 inches table, with no height restrictions. Refer to the Finalist Guide for detailed shipping instructions.
2. Teams will present their robots without additional posters.
3. Teams have full freedom to enhance and modify their robots between application submission and fair presentation.
4. The power supply is available through 110V outlets exclusively.
5. Each team will receive a dedicated setup table.
6. Teams will have access to two practice fields, accommodating four teams simultaneously with 15-minute rotation intervals.
7. Teams will demonstrate full independence in the competition area - supervisors must remain outside.
8. Teams must maintain a presence at their assigned stations to ensure timely participation in competition rounds.
9. Competition rounds cannot be rescheduled - missing your assigned time will result in forfeiture.
10. Award recognition is reserved exclusively for students who actively participate in the competition.
Here are straightforward answers to frequently asked questions:
1. Development kits: You can use alternatives to Lego, Tetrix, or Vex with committee approval. Email info@horizonolympiad.org
2. Robot size: Maximum 20x20x20 inches (50x50x50 cm) for competition performance.
3. Robot control: Wireless control only.
4. Application timing: You can apply before your robot is complete. Just show a working prototype in your video.
5. End-of-round items: Penalties depend on robot location.
6. Controllers: Maximum two controllers per robot.
7. Multiple robots: One robot only - no splitting allowed.
8. Starting position: Robot lot.
9. Setup time: Rounds every 30 minutes over a 5-hour period.
10. Missing competition: Results in disqualification. Stay at designated areas.
11. Robot interference: Intentional - disqualification. Accidental - point deduction.
12. Item collection: One recycled item at a time.
13. Border rules: You can touch a 3-inch border, but there is no crossing.
14. Extended parts: No border crossing with any part.
15. Time limit: 4 minutes.
16. Item combinations: Cannot carry recycled and debris items together.
Debris bin: For tennis balls, a green bin (5" H x 10.5" L x 8" W-inches) is placed inside the field perimeter.
Recycling bin: Yellow cubed-colored bins (5" H x 10.5" L x 8" W-inches) are fixed inside the field perimeter for wood cubes.
Collection bin for bottles: Bucket for Empty 0.5 L (16.9 Oz) water bottles (5" H x 12" L x 8" W-inches)
Field dimension: Length: 140 inches (350 cm), Width: 70 inches (175cm)
