1	Colorado Robot Challenge April 7th, 2007 8:00 a.m.
2	"The Colorado Robot Challenge is..." The Colorado Robot Challenge is a state-wide event. It is open to the colleges and universities in Colorado as well as high schools.
3	Mission To Develop Autonomous Robots Capable of Functioning in Harsh Environments
4	"We will be developing and..." We will be developing and field testing the technology which will allow small robots to operate either independently or in interactive swarms in such harsh environments as: * volcanic calderas * mines * collapsed buildings * other planets or moons
5	Test of Concepts Our first test of our design concepts will be on April 7^th either at or near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
6	Satellite Image Great Sand Dunes National Park
7	Satellite Image Sand Dunes on Mars
8	"The Mars Global Surveyor shows..." The Mars Global Surveyor shows sand dunes, shaped by the wind and at their angle of repose. Between the dunes, the terrain is rocky. The Great Sand Dunes offers the same terrain.
9	"Our site" Our site, either at the Great Sand Dunes National Park or near it, is an excellent location for a simulated Mars mission. The terrain near the Sand Dunes creates an environment similar to what can be found on Mars.
10	At the Sand Dunes, like on Mars: Participants should design their robots to function is a range of temperatures
11	At the Sand Dunes, like on Mars: There will be wind which can render many sensors non-functional.
12	At the Sand Dunes, like on Mars: There is concern that the moving sand can created static electricity which could damage the microcontrollers and memory in the robots.
13	At the Sand Dunes, like on Mars: The challenges the terrain presents are not trivial; it is the perfect outdoors laboratory where different ideas can be tested and evaluated.
14	Not the First to Link Mars to the Great Sand Dunes!
15	Differences Our goals are different from either the Viking Landers or even the two rovers presently on Mars. Our robots are true robots! They must be completely autonomous. They must navigate without the “external drivers” the rovers use. They can not use GPS or compasses. And, unlike the Mars probes, our robots must contend with obstacles such as rocks of various size, soft sand, and dunes about to collapse.
16	These Are NOT Our Robots! Robovolc Robot : Volcano Explorer
17	This is NOT our robot either!
18	Nor Is This Our Robot!
19	And Still Not Our Robot!!
20	Colorado Robot Challenge Mission Secondary Goals The Colorado Robot Challenge is foremost an educational activity. It is directed towards Colorado’s university/college students (including graduate students) and high school students. As such, we wish to highly encourage: Team work! Open and friendly cooperation. Sharing of ideas. This is NOT a competition. There are no awards or trophies. Tips will be accepted.
21	"Our open cooperation is essential..." Our open cooperation is essential to the development of better robots. Our designs may never make it into space. Yet, on Earth there are numerous situations where our designs will succeed. Robots are needed to clear mine fields in developing countries. Robots are needed to search for survivors in buildings devastated by natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes. Robots can assist in mine rescues. Autonomous robots are needed in situations where the environment is too dangerous for people. Our Mars simulation may lead to new ideas that can address these needs.
22	"We want to encourage students..." We want to encourage students to enter career tracks in the sciences, engineering, and robotics. We want to stimulate their imaginations. We want to expose them to real world problems and the proper method to solve those problems.
23	"Our robots may fail to..." Our robots may fail to complete the challenge, but we will succeed at the secondary goals. And then next year …. To paraphrase one Hollywood robot, “We will be back.”
24	What Should You Expect? Three or four courses over very difficult terrain. * Courses will be about 25-m long * Obstacles on the courses * Wind * Climbs on dunes at their angle of repose * Variety of temperatures
25	What Should You Expect? A 433 MHz radio beacon to provide a direction locator signal. * It will be modulated. * Designs for the directional signal detector will be provided. * The beacon is the ONLY outside signal your robot will receive. We have absolutely NO interest in radio- controlled vehicles.
26	What Should You Expect? 3) Positive Interactions – during the event AND before! * Adams State College will provide initial workshops, approximately 3 hours long, introducing participants to microcontrollers, motor control, and sensors. * Site information when it becomes available * Assistance in defining problems * Assistance in solving those problems
27	What Should You Expect? 4) Positive Interactions – during the event AND before! CU-Boulder and the Colorado Space Grant Consortium, using their experience with Demo-Sat, will help establish time lines and keep the teams on those time lines. (Thanks for “volunteering” Chris. Give him a big round of applause!!)
28	What Will the Colorado Robot Challenge Cost? There is no fee to enter the event! Each team will be responsible for travel, food, and housing for the event. Camping is an option. So is staying awake and doing last moment adjustments. There is no fee for the workshops or follow-up interactions. We estimate the cost of the robots will be less than $300.
29	The Fine Print: Basic Rules First, the disclaimer – the rules may be changed! There are a host of legal issues impacting this event. For example, we want TV coverage of our robots. If the event occurs within the National Park, we must observe their regulations on filming. The same restrictions apply to photographs.
30	Basic Rules Once a robot begins a course, it can not receive any outside signals other than the modulated 433 MHz radio signal from the beacon. It may generate signals such as modulated IR for sensors. It may use Ultra-sonic signals. But it may not use a signal from an outside source other than the provided radio beacon!
31	Basic Rules The robots must be under 1.5-kg in mass. Yes, there will be a weigh-in before you can attempt the challenge!
32	Basic Rules People may not intervene with a robot while it is on a course. If the robot is touched after leaving the starting point, it will not be allowed to continue. After the robot has attempted a course, you may make modifications or change the batteries before it begins another course.
33	Basic Rules No hazardous chemicals are allowed. If in doubt, ask! Remember, we are working cooperatively. Further, we expect publicity from this event. We want it to be favorable! We will take all necessary steps to insure the publicity will be favorable.
34	Basic Rules Likewise, we will not litter. We will not damage the environment. We will not damage the plants. We will use the provide restrooms. We will park where indicated. You are getting the idea. It is important to conduct ourselves in a matter that reflects positively on the Colorado Space Grant Consortium and our institutions.
35	Basic Rules The goal is to work with the imposed restrictions rather than find ways to get around them. We want to develop better robots. We need robots that can navigate through difficult terrain. We don’t need robots designed to use loopholes in the regulations. If you have questions about your robot, ask! This is a cooperative event, not a competition.
36	Oh, What Else Can You Expect? A challenge! Creativity in problem solving! Novel approaches to a very hard problem! And a lot of fun with good interactions.
37	THE END And now we can begin!