1. Purpose

The MakerBotz competition aims to inspire and challenge participants through a hands-on, problem-solving experience that empowers essential STEM skills and encourages creative innovation. By engaging with real-world challenges, the competition contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goals 4 (Quality Education), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Specifically, the competition is designed to: 

• Develop Engineering and Design Skills: By constructing circuits and integrating them with 3D puzzle models, participants will gain practical experience in electrical engineering, design principles, and spatial reasoning, contributing to SDG 4 by fostering technological skills crucial for future careers. They will learn to translate circuit diagrams into functioning systems, troubleshoot electrical challenges, and optimize their designs for maximum illumination and visual appeal.

• Innovative Problem Solving: The competition's challenge of creating intricate illuminated displays will encourage participants to think critically and creatively to solve design and technical challenges. They'll need to analyze the 3D structure, plan the circuit layout, and implement their ideas effectively. This process will hone their ability to approach challenges with ingenuity and resourcefulness, skills essential for addressing real-world issues.

• Cultivate a Passion for STEM: Building and competing with illuminated 3D models offers an exciting and engaging way to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM. Participants will experience the thrill of hands-on learning, connecting theoretical principles with practical applications, and see how STEM can be used to create beautiful and functional designs.This focus on resourcefulness promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging participants to utilize resources efficiently and explore the potential of electronic components.

• Empower Future Problem Solvers: By participating in the Makerbotz competition, young innovators will gain the confidence and skills to tackle complex challenges, both in their academic pursuits and in their future careers. They'll learn to persevere, adapt, and think critically – essential skills for success in any field and for contributing to a sustainable future.

• Build Community and Celebrate Achievement: The event provides a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their accomplishments. This fosters a sense of community and belonging within the STEM field, encouraging collaboration and peer learning, which are vital for achieving the SDGs.

2. Task/Mission

Embrace the thrill of on-the-spot innovation at the Be STEM Ready Robotics Challenge! You'll be provided with a treasure trove of materials – from motors and gears to recycled wonders – and tasked with building a championship-climbing robot on-site. This isn't just about construction; it's about rapid prototyping, testing, tweaking, and transforming your vision into reality. Be prepared to replicate key components, pushing your problem-solving skills to the limit. 

Design, build, and refine the ultimate climbing robot to seize victory!

Some parts of the climbing robot will be provided, but not fully. Participants will need to figure out how to replicate certain climbing robot parts in order to make their climbing robot functional. Parts may include, but not limited to:

Tutorial on how to build the climbing robot:

Tutorial on how to build the ramp and stairs:

​

Field Size: 120cm * 120cm

3. Robot Requirements

• Participating climbing robots must be designed to traverse both the staircase and the ramp.

• The climbing robots must be capable of ascending and descending the staircase.

• The climbing robots must be able to transition smoothly between the staircase and the ramp.

• The climbing robots must utilise a walking mechanism to navigate the obstacle course. Wheeled or rolling robots are not permitted.

In the case where a participant’s climbing robot falls off from the staircase and ramp during the competition, that participant is required to take their climbing robot and start from the beginning again.

4. State Competition Regulations

• Video Submission:

  Participants will compete in a timed race to determine which climbing robot can successfully navigate the obstacle course and reach the designated finish line first. The competition will consist of two phases: a video submission phase for the state competition and an on-site construction and performance phase for the national competition.

  The competition arena consists of a two-part obstacle course:

  • Staircase: A three-step staircase with each step measuring 13mm to 15mm in height.

  • Ramp: An inclined plane positioned opposite the staircase, measuring 200mm in horizontal length and 45mm in vertical height.

• Time-Based Evaluation:

  • The primary criterion for the state-level competition will be the shortest time taken for the climbing robot to cross the ramp/obstacle.

  • All participants must include a physical timer in their video, clearly visible throughout the entire run, to ensure transparency and prevent manipulation of the recorded time.

  • The climbing robot must return to the starting point if it falls off the ramp or obstacle course.

  • Each participant may only submit once, with one video showcasing their best attempt.

• Tie-breaker:

  • In the case of a tie in completion time, the judges will consider the "Creativity of Design" to determine the winner.

  • The climbing robot that demonstrates the most innovative and effective design, while adhering to the competition's rules and regulations, will be awarded the higher ranking in the tie-breaker.

5. Scoresheet

6. National Competition Regulations

• Participants are permitted to learn and build a climbing robot before the competition day. However, participants are not allowed to use their pre-built climbing robots on the competition day itself. They must use the provided materials to construct a new climbing robot to complete the task given.

• Participants must be registered as a contestants before they enter the competition venue.

Construction Period

• During the competition, participants will have a designated 1-hour construction period to build their climbing robot.

• Once the 1-hour period is over, all participants must halt their progress and construction of the robot.

• Participants are permitted to perform a run-test and amend their climbing robot during the construction period before the time limit is up.

Post-Construction Period

• Once the 1 hour construction period is over, all participants must halt their progress and construction of the robot.  

• Participants would then place their robots at the designated lockdown area until their turn.

Competition

• Each team will consist of 2 participants. 

• Each team will have two rounds to complete the staircase obstacle course using their climbing robot.

• The timer starts when the judge says "Start!" and stops when the climbing robot crosses the finish line.

• The climbing robot is considered to have crossed the finish line when any part of the robot has crossed the finishing line.

• If any parts of the climbing robot fall off during the competition, the judges will retrieve the piece and return it to the player. The timer will not stop for the player to fix their robot.

• If the climbing robot fully runs out of the field or falls off the staircase obstacles, it can be retrieved and restarted from the beginning.

Post Competition

Once a participant has completed their competition and their official results have been recorded, they may then retrieve their robot and place it back to the designated lock down area and continue with the second round.

Scoring

• The winner will be determined based on the shortest total time. 

• The robot is considered to have completed the race when any part of the robot has touched/crossed the finishing line.

• In the case of a tie for the final time between participants, the organiser reserves the right to make changes to the field for a tiebreaker round or include additional winning criterias.

7. Regulations

State Competition

• Participants are not allowed to construct the climbing robot required to complete the task given before the competition day.

• Participants are forbidden to carry any online or offline references to the competition. 

• Participants are not allowed to use external materials to construct their vehicles during the construction period on the competition day.

• Participants are strictly prohibited from intentionally causing damage or disruption to other participants or their climbing robots at any time during the entirety of the competition.

• Participants officially marked as absent will be disqualified from the competition.

• Participants who willfully refuse to follow instructions provided by the competition committee will be subject to disqualification.

• If a climbing robot causes visible damage to the interior or exterior of the obstacle, the responsible participant will be held accountable and may face further penalties or disqualification.

• If a participant comes in physical contact with the obstacles to alter the outcome of the competition, the participant will be disqualified from the competition.

• Climbing robots must adhere to the following restrictions:

  • Maximum voltage: 9V

  • Maximum number of motors: 1 that customised and engraved with “BSR”

  • Materials used for the climbing robot must be provided by Be STEM Ready, these materials include but are not limited to: wood, plastic bottles, recycled cans, paper, cardboard etc.