NAVIGATION / MANIPULATION
Obstacle Challenge
Navigate, pick, sort and drop under time pressure.
Navigate obstacles, pick up objects, sort them and deliver them to the right place. Combine clever navigation with accurate handling.
The challenge
A clever robot does more than move.
Navigate an obstacle course and complete a sequence of object pickup, sorting and delivery tasks. Your team will combine perception, movement and a dependable gripper or mechanism. The challenge rewards thoughtful planning and accurate task execution as well as speed.
Your mission
Identify obstacles and navigate the permitted route safely.
Pick up the designated objects using a compliant mechanism.
Sort and place objects in the correct zones, then finish the mission.
Skills you will put to work
2027 scoring guidance · RescueSort
Rules & scoring
Timed mission; the run limit is awaiting the final rulebook.
How the score determines ranking
Mission points come first. Penalties and elapsed time resolve ties according to the final rulebook; their exact sequence and calculation are not yet specified.
| Criterion | Calculation / priority |
|---|---|
| Obstacle navigation | Checkpoint success and contacts are recorded; point values are awaiting the final rulebook. |
| Object pickup | Correct acquisition without prohibited hand assistance; point values are awaiting the final rulebook. |
| Transport | Carry or control the object to its destination; point values are awaiting the final rulebook. |
| Sorting / drop | Correct object in the correct target zone; point values are awaiting the final rulebook. |
| Completion / return | Final-zone or return task applies only if included in the final rulebook. |
| Penalties / elapsed time | Tie-break criteria; values and order are awaiting the final rulebook. |
During your run or match
- Navigate the course and complete object-handling tasks without unauthorised hand assistance.
- Objects must reach their correct destination zones to satisfy sorting/drop tasks.
- Object positions and field configuration are consistent for official attempts within each division.
- Younger divisions may use fewer obstacles or objects; final division layouts will be published.
Awaiting the final rulebook
The supplied guidance does not define percentage score weightages or a complete weighted-score formula. No percentage weights have been assigned.
- Points and any weightage for each mission element
- Object count, dimensions, sorting criteria and arena layout
- Run limit, attempts, resets and numerical penalties
- Tie-break order and any treatment of time in the score
Prepare for your best run
- Test pickup and release with objects of different positions and orientations.
- Practise navigation in narrow spaces without disturbing arena elements.
- Make task sequences recoverable if the first pickup attempt fails.
- Inspect the gripper for sharp edges and check motor/battery limits.
Before you compete
This page includes the 2027 document baseline. Missing score values, exact penalties and final arena specifications are awaiting the final rulebook. Your robot must pass technical inspection before it enters the arena.