RoboGames
RoboGames (previously ROBOlympics) is an annual robot contest held in San Mateo, California. The last RoboGames was held April 6-9, 2023 in Pleasanton, California, having been on hiatus since the previous event in April 2018.[1]
Competitions typically involve entrants representing a large selection of countries, who compete in over fifty categories, such as autonomously navigating robots in RoboMagellan, combat robots, stair-climbing, weight-lifting, soccer bots, sumo bots, and kung-fu. About two thirds of the robot events are autonomous, while the remaining third are remotely operated (RCVs). Despite this, a large plurality of entrants in RoboGames remain in the remotely operated events, specifically combat robotics.[2]
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the 2005 RoboGames held the record for the world's largest robot competition until being surpassed by VEX Worlds in 2016.[3] RoboGames was selected by Wired for their list of "The Best Ten North American Geek Fests".[4]
Media coverage
In May/June 2011, Science Channel broadcast selected heavyweight combat division matches from RoboGames in a one-hour special titled Killer Robots: RoboGames 2011. The program was hosted by Grant Imahara.[5] RoboGames built a framework for collaboration between builders and engineers from all over the world.[6]
Events
RoboGames events are divided into ten general categories:[2]
- Humanoids, for human-like robots
- Sumo, where the robots push their opponents
- Combat, where the object is to destroy one's opponent's robot
- Junior League, a category for under-18s
- Autonomous Autos, a navigation category
- BEAM, a racing competition
- Art Bots, for aesthetically pleasing robots
- Robot Soccer, a soccer competition
- Autonomous Humanoid Challenges
- Open, a miscellaneous category
References
- "Register to Compete at RoboGames". robogames.net. Retrieved 2022-07-23.
- "RoboGames Event Schedule and Rules". robogames.net. Retrieved 2016-08-25.
- "Robotics tournament VEX Worlds is named largest in the world after 1,075 teams take part". 27 April 2016. Retrieved 2018-04-30.
- "The Best: 10 North American Geek Fests". Wired. Retrieved 2016-08-25.
- "Sci Sports: Killer Robots : Programs : Science Channel : Discovery Press Web".
- "SN&R • Arts&Culture • Arts & Culture • Robot fight club • Nov 21, 2019". 20 November 2019.