NJRC 2013

CHALLENGE MANUAL

National Junior Robotics Competition 2013

CHALLENGE ANNOUNCEMENT MANUAL

Organised by:

Sponsored by:

Supported by:

NJRC 2013

CHALLENGE MANUAL

CONTENT
1.

An Introduction to the NJRC

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2.

Format Of Competition

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3.

The NJRC Challenge

Primary Division Mission 1

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Secondary Division Mission 1

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18

Tertiary Division Mission 1

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29

All Division

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41

Trial / Practice Playing Fields

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43

4.

NJRC Awards

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44

5.

Open Category

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48

6.

Side Events

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49

7.

Important Dates to Remember

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53

8.

Challenge Week Schedule

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54

9.

World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2013

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

An Introduction to the NJRC

The National Junior Robotics Competition (NJRC) is an exciting and unique event organised
by Science Centre Singapore and supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the
Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR). This competition promotes
strategy building, teamwork and creativity among student participants.
2013 is NJRCs 15th anniversary. This annual competition started in 1999 and over the past
years, more than 40,000 participants and 200,000 supporters had gathered for this premier
robotics competition.
Theme for NJRC 2013
Every year, the NJRC revolves around a specific theme and a challenge is revealed to the
students. With NJRC celebrating its 15th year running, coupled with the celebration of the
Science Centre Singapores 35th year anniversary, it is only appropriate that this years
theme will be Celebrating Science.
Teams
The NJRC is divided into 3 categories:

Primary Division (for Primary 3 to Primary 6 students)

Secondary Division (for Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 students)
Tertiary Division (for 1st and 2nd year ITE/JC/Poly students)

Each team; of not more than 5 students each, will work together in order to fulfill the
missions of the competition. One or more teachers and/or parents can mentor each team.
Mentors are to provide guidance and support, and are NOT allowed to work on the project
for the students. Teams have to canvass for funds from the community around them. During
the process of constructing their robots, students can request for assistance in technology
know-how and entrepreneurial skills from industry partners.
Expectations on Teams
After the Challenge Announcement in July, teams will work on the different aspects of the
competition. The primary task for the teams will be to build a robot to take on the challenge
during the NJRC event. Using the LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX (9794) or NXT (9797)
challenge kit, students have to construct and program their creation to overcome a specially
designed and challenging course called the playing field.
Teams will be allowed to use the LEGO 9694 color sensor. Their robots will compete with
one another during the four-day challenge preliminary rounds. The top 40 teams from each
category and Top 20 from tertiary category will vie for the top position during the Grand
Finals on the last day of the NJRC.
Apart from the building the best robot, teams are expected to conduct research on this years
theme, which is Celebrating Science. They are to present their findings to a panel of judges
during the pre-event presentation rounds. Teams will also present their competition learning
journey that encapsulates their robot design, research work and all other work that they done
for this competition.
NJRC is an excellent opportunity for students to interact with their peers, teachers and
judges (from tertiary institutions & various industries), during the course of the competition.
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The NJRC is about celebrating the process of learning through interactive and
meaningful experiences.
Format of Competition
The competition will have three categories: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Level. It will run
over a two week period, from 2nd of September to 14th of September 2013. The first week of
the competition is the Presentation Week while the second week is the Challenge Week.
i.

Presentation Week (2 September - 7 September 2012)

During the presentation week, teams will present to a panel of judges the
work they have done for this competition. These teams will be assessed for a
number of awards which includes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

The Best Mechanical Design Award

The Best Programming Award
The Best Research Award
The Best Learning Journey Award
The Best Presentation Award

It is strongly recommended that each team brings a copy of their research, a

laptop with the programme as well as the robot that they would be using in
the competition. The presentation plays an integral part for those teams who
wish to vie for the NJRC Championship Award.
Teams are allotted 10 mins (5 mins presentation, 2 mins learning journey
presentation, 3 mins Q&A) only.
Note: Details and judging criteria for each award is listed under the The NJRC Awards
section.

The Presentation
1) Presentation Content (5 mins)
This is an important section of your participation. Your findings will go on to
determine if you have the right stuff for the Championship Award.
The research topic this year will be to convince judges of the importance and
relevance of the teams interpretation of the theme Celebrating Science and
its impact in the present and future generations. Since the theme has a very
wide scope it would also be best if the brainstorming and the rest of the
scientific process is well documented and emphasized.
The presentation shall also include explanation(s) of your robot design and
programming.
2) Learning Journey (2 mins)
After the presentation of the research, teams are required to showcase their
entire learning journey, co-operative work and members reflections during
their participation in the NJRC.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

Teams are free to decide on their presentation platform (video, project timeline
chart, learning journal, photo montage, etc). Presentation time is 2 minutes so
any footage must not be longer than 2 minutes long.
Teams are required to show their videos and footage on their own laptops
during the presentations. Each team must also submit a CD containing a copy
of the video.
3) Q&A (3 mins)
Team members are to answer questions asked by the judges after their
presentation.
Presentation Preliminary (2 September - 5 September 2013)
Teams will be allocated a specific time slot on one of the days to make their
presentations. Each team is to present to one panel of judges, pitching on the
awards for which the team is vying for.
Presentation Finals (7 September 2013)
During the finals, shortlisted teams will give a presentation focusing on the
award for which they are being considered. E.g. Teams considered for the
The Best Research Award are to pitch their presentation towards their
research.
Each team is given only 10 mins (5 mins presentation, 5 mins Q&A) for the
presentation finals.
Important notes:
Teams that are considered for the presentation finals will be informed through
their touch-point (either their teachers-in-charge or their team leaders). Each
team is to provide its touch-points contact number when they register
for the presentation preliminary.
ii. Challenge Week (9 September 14 September 2013)
The challenge comprises of two missions. Mission 1 is made known during
the Challenge Announcement while Mission 2 is a surprise mission to be
announced on the day of the challenge. Each mission comprises a variety of
tasks, which the teams need to accomplish to earn points.
Mission 1 will make up 30% of the final score while Mission 2 will make
up 70%.
Apart from designing their robots, teams may also decorate their booths,
market themselves or their products, showcasing their entrepreneurship, and
to impress a panel of judges who will assess them for a number of awards
such as those listed below.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

Challenge Preliminary (9 September - 12 September 2013)

Teams will spend a full day at the competition venue during the challenge
preliminary. They will be informed of their allocated competition day prior to
the challenge week. Teams should make sure their touch point contacts
are registered.
The competition hall will be divided into 2 sections:
(1) The quarantine area
Each team will be assigned a work station located within the main quarantine
area. The works station will be the teams pit where the team works on their
robot.
There is a quarantine period in the morning and in the afternoon. During
these periods, only 2 members from each participating team (students) are
allowed in the quarantine area to work on their mission. The remaining team
members are to stay at their marketing booths to conduct their marketing
operations.
(2) The marketing booths area
Each team will also be assigned a booth located within the main competition
hall. Teams may decorate their booths and use them as bases for their
marketing operations. The booth areas will be open to all competitors,
supporters, teachers, parents, public, etc.
Judges will be visiting the booths during the quarantine period to assess each
team for a variety of awards. Teams are advised to have at least one
member present at their booths before the quarantine ends.
Each team will be assessed for the following awards:
a. Best Booth Design Award
b. Entrepreneur Award
Note: Details and judging criteria for each award is listed under the The NJRC Awards
section.

The following is what the teams should expect during the course of the
competition day.
The competition hall will open at 8 am. Teams are expected to stay from
8am to 6pm. No team shall exit the hall during the quarantine period
unless the team has been disqualified, or under certain special
circumstances.
Teams can calibrate their sensors at their allocated playing field during
the allocated time before the start of the quarantine.
Each team needs to accomplish two missions. Each mission allows a
total of 2 actual runs. Mission 1 is attempted in the morning, and Mission
2 which is a surprise, is in the afternoon. The better result of the two runs
for each mission will be considered for entry to the Grand Finals.
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After the first run, teams can go back to their work station at the
quarantine area and wait for the team coordinators to call for Run 2.
Teams may opt not to do Run 2.
No trial runs will be allowed on the competition fields. (Teams who want
to do their trials can use the trial playing fields provided at the
competition venue.)
The top 40 teams from each of the Primary and Secondary Divisions and
the top 20 teams from the Tertiary Division will proceed to the Grand
Finals. The Grand Finals will have a total of 100 teams (40 Primary, 40
Secondary, 20 Tertiary) to vie for the Best Robot Performance Award,
and eventually the Championship Award.

Grand Finals (14 September 2013)

The top 40 teams from each of the the Primary and the Secondary Divisions
and the top 20 from the Tertiary Division will pit their robots against one
another to vie for the Best Robot Performance Award. Details of the Surprise
Mission will only be made known in the morning of the Grand Finals after
quarantine starts.
They will be given approximately three hours to modify their robots to
accomplish this mission. Results from the Surprise Mission will be used to
determine the Best Robot Performance Award.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

The NJRC Challenge

PRIMARY DIVISION
MISSION 1
This year we are celebrating 15 years of National Junior Robotics Competition! Science
Centre Singapore is putting together a big celebration with the help of the teams.
In mission 1, the teams will help prepare for the celebrations. Each category is responsible
for a different task.

Primary Category: Your task is to deliver the right drinks to the Sorting Bins and
clean up the area. Then, make your way to the holding area to await your next task.
The team starts off with 5 coloured bricks which represent the drinks. The coloured
bricks are red, blue and green. These bricks are randomly drawn by a member of
your team before the start of the run.
Each drink is to be placed in its corresponding coloured area which represents the
Sorting Bins. Then, the cylinder must be moved from the Cylinder Zone to the
Storage Area. Lastly, you must end the game by entering either Finish Zone A or
Finish Zone B.

1. Playing Field
The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props
and the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics
and LEGO elements.
The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1180mm (width) and has 40mm high walls all
around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements,
colour codes and dimensions.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

All measurements are in mm.

The dimensions of the playing fields, props and scoring elements may have some
deviations, approximately 5mm. the lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.
Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However, they are not
allowed to test their robot on the actual playing field.
Copies of the drawings are available for download at http://www.njrc.com.sg/documents.php
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CHALLENGE MANUAL

2. Scoring Elements
2.1. There are a total of 6 drinks; 2 of each colour. 5 will be chosen randomly at the start
of the run. Drinks represented by the bricks below:

Made up of four 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two 1 X 2 LEGO tiles at top

The picture above shows how each drink is built.

2.2. The Trash Can is represented by the clear acrylic tube painted grey internally. The
dimensions are: 100mm height, 60mm in external diameter and 3mm thickness. The
picture below shows the tube.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

3. General Rules, Game Play and Scoring

3.1. Each mission has 2 runs and the duration of each run is 2 minutes.
3.2. Only 2 team members are allowed in the playing field area.
3.3. Teams must heed all instructions from the referees during game play.
a) Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may forfeit the
run and be awarded zero points.
3.4. Teams are forbidden any form of communication devices or remote control
throughout the competition at any time during the competition.
3.5. Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start zone.
a) The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the start of the
run. The robot must also be motionless.
b) The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the start of the
run.
c) Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements for
placement on the field.
d) Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game, either to be
placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.
e) Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring elements in
any manner.
3.6. Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the robot.
a) Once the run has started, the robot can expand its extensions.
b) During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field except for
the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.
3.7. Restarts: Teams may request a restart at any point during the run.
a) The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and acknowledged by
the referees.
b) The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start zone.
c) In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on the playing
field except their robot.
d) If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the elements
will not be forfeited.
e) The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will not be reset
for a restart.
f)
Time runs on, even if a restart is declared.
g) Only one restart is allowed per run.
3.8. End of Run: The run ends when:
a)
The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s).
b)
The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.
c)
When time runs out.
d)
If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or otherwise), the
run will be stopped by a referee.
e)
If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off the robot immediately
and will not score any points thereafter. If there are any scoring elements on
the robot or possessed2 by it, the elements are forfeited.
3.9. Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it to
acknowledge the score.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

a)

Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run. Maximum
time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.
b) Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referees decisions must
inform the referee after the run and before leaving the playing field area.
3.10. Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the following
are not valid reasons for a re-run:
a) Battery failure
b) Robot durability
c) Any deviations in the playing field setup, within the declared margins
3.11. The chief referee has final say on all scoring, game play and re-run
decisions.
a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may be
disqualified from the competition.
b) The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.
c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game play and
scoring before the start of the competition.
3.12. The chief referee and referees will not review any form of recording at any
time during the competition.
1.

2.

entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring
elements
possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position
relative to the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.

4. Mission 1 Game Play and Scoring

4.1. Before the start of the run, one member of the team will draw 5 drinks randomly. The
sequence of drinks drawn will determine the sequence of depositing drinks into
sorting bins.
4.2. Teams will then load the drinks into their robot.
4.3. The team places the robot at the Start Zone and starts when the referee gives the
signal.
4.4. The robot begins by bringing the drinks and placing them completely into the
appropriate sorting bins in the correct sequence.
a) Placing a coloured drink into its matching coloured bin is worth 10 points each
(maximum 50 points).
b) The drinks must be dispensed one at a time and dispensing sequence must be
clear to the referee.
4.4.b.1. Teams will be awarded a bonus of 10 points for successfully dispensing
drinks in the correct sequence.
4.5. The robot then brings the Trash Can out of the Cylinder Zone and into the Storage
Area completely.
a) Bringing the Trash Can out of the Cylinder Zone completely is worth 10 points.
b) Bringing the Trash Can into the Storage Area completely is worth 10 points
(standing vertical) or 5 points (other orientations).
4.6. The robot then proceeds to the Finish Zone.
a) The entire robot entering Zone A completely is worth 10 points.
b) The entire robot entering Zone B completely is worth 20 points.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

4.7. Scores will be taken at the end of the run except for the sequence score (Refer to
4.4.b.1)
4.8. Run time will be recorded for tie breaking.

Colour Object (5 objects)

Placed correctly
into the colour
bins

Placed in the
correct
sequence

10 pts per
object

10 pts

Cylinder Position

Finish Position

Into storage area

Outside
completely
original
Not
position
Standing
Standing
completely
Vertical
Vertical
10 pts

13

10 pts

5 pts

Zone
A

Zone
B

10 pts

20 pt

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

SECONDARY DIVISION
MISSION 1
This year we are celebrating 15 years of National Junior Robotics Competition! Science
Centre Singapore is putting together a big celebration with the help of the teams.
In mission 1, the teams will help prepare for the celebrations. Each category is responsible
for a different task.

Your task is to uncover pots and retrieve the empty pot to the Finish zone to await
your next task.
There are 2 types of coloured pots grey pots which represent pots with a flower
and black pot which represent the empty pot. These pots will be randomly placed in
the Challenge Object Area (grey squares) and surrounded by a fence.
The fences must be removed to reveal the pots. Only the black pot is to be moved
out of its area and into the Finish Zone. The game ends when you enter the Finish
Zone, with or without the black pot.

1. Playing Field
The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props and
the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics and
LEGO elements.
The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1800mm (width) and has 50mm high walls all
around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements, colour
codes and dimensions.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

The dimensions of the playing fields, props and scoring elements may have some
deviations, approximately 5mm. The lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.
Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However they are not
allowed to test their robot on the actual playing field.
Copies of the drawings are available for download at http://www.njrc.com.sg/documents.php

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

2. SCORING ELEMENTS
2.1. There is 1 black pot and 3 grey pots with flowers. The position of the black pot
will be chosen randomly at the start of the run. Pots are represented by the
bricks below:

Black pot

Grey Pot

The Black Pot is made up of six black 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two black 4 X 1
LEGO flat and two black 2 X 1 LEGO flat on top
The Grey Pot is made up of six grey 4 X 2 LEGO bricks with two grey 4 X 1
LEGO flat and two grey 2 X 1 LEGO flat on top. It is attached with one green
LEGO flower stalk, one red LEGO flower and one yellow 1 X 1 LEGO round
plate.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

The pictures above shows how each pot is built.

2.2.

The Pots are placed within the Fences. Fences are represented by the bricks
below:

Fence
The Fence is made up of sixteen black 1 X 6 LEGO beams with holes

The picture above shows how the fences are built.

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3.

CHALLENGE MANUAL

GENERAL RULES, GAME PLAY AND SCORING

3.1.
3.2.
3.3.

3.4.
3.5.

3.6.

3.7.

3.8.

Each mission has 2 runs and the duration of each run is 2 minutes.
Only 2 team members are allowed in the playing field area.
Teams must heed all instructions from the referees during game play.
a)
Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may
forfeit the run and be awarded zero points.
Teams are forbidden any form of communication devices or remote control
throughout the competition at any time during the competition.
Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start
zone.
a)
The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the
start of the run. The robot must also be motionless.
b)
The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the
start of the run.
c)
Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements
for placement on the field.
d)
Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game,
either to be placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.
e)
Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring
elements in any manner.
Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the
robot.
a)
Once the run has started, the robot can expand its extensions.
b)
During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field
except for the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.
Restarts: Teams may request a restart at any point during the run.
a)
The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and
acknowledged by the referees.
b)
The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start
zone.
c)
In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on
the playing field except their robot.
d)
If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the
elements will be forfeited.
e)
The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will
not be reset for a restart.
f)
Time runs on, even if a restart is declared.
g)
Only one restart is allowed per run.
End of Run: The run ends when:
a.
The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s).
b.
The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.
c.
When time runs out.
d.
If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or
otherwise), the run will be stopped by a referee.
3.8.a.1.
If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off
the robot immediately and will not score any points thereafter.
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3.9.

3.10.

3.11.

3.12.

CHALLENGE MANUAL

If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2

by it, the elements are forfeited.
Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it
to acknowledge the score.
a)
Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run.
Maximum time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to
complete the run.
b)
Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referees
decisions must inform the referee after the run and before leaving the
playing field area.
Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the
following are not valid reasons for a re-run:
a)
Battery failure
b)
Robot durability
c)
Any deviations in the playing field setup, within the declared margins
The chief referee has final say on all scoring, game play and re-run
decisions.
a)
Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may
be disqualified from the competition.
b)
The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.
c)
Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game
play and scoring before the start of the competition.
The chief referee and referees will not review any form of recording at any
time during the competition.

entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring elements

possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position relative to
the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.
4. MISSION 1 GAME PLAY AND SCORING

4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.

4.5.

4.6.

The team places the robot at the Start Zone, after which the team may not
modify the robot or its software in any way.
Before the start of the run, one team member will draw for the position of the
Black Pot.
The team starts the robot when the referee gives the signal.
The robot will then cross the Drain and head towards the Pots.
a)
Successfully crossing the Drain is worth 10 points. The points will only
be awarded once.
The robot then moves the Fences out of the Challenge Object Areas.
a)
Each Fence moved outside the Challenge Object Area is worth 10
points. (maximum 40 points)
b)
Successfully moving all Fences outside the Challenge Object Area is
worth an additional 20 points.
c)
The entire Fence must be completely outside any Challenge Object
Area.
Grey Pots must not be moved out of the Challenge Object Area.
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a)

Each Grey Pot inside the Challenge Object Area without a fence

is worth 5 bonus points each. (maximum 15 points)

4.7.

The robot must move the Black Pot out of the Challenge Object Area
completely.
a)
Successfully moving the Black Pot is worth 10 points.
4.8.
The robot then proceeds to the Finish Zone.
a)
The entire robot entering the Finish Zone is worth 10 points.
b)
The entire robot entering the Finish Zone with the Black Pot is worth
a bonus 10 points (combined with 4.7.a this is worth 20 points).
4.9.
Scores will be taken at the end of the run except for crossing the drain score
(Refer to 4.4.a)
4.10. Run time will be recorded for tie breaking.

Passing
through
Drain
10 pts

Fence
moved
outside
Challenge
Object Area

All Fences
moved
outside
Challenge
Object Area

10 pts per
fence

20 pts

Finish condition
Black Pot
moved
outside
with
without
Challenge
Black
Black Pot
Object Area
Pot
10 pts

10 pts

20 pts

Bonus: 5-point bonus for each Grey Pot inside the Challenge Object Area
without a fence.

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CHALLENGE MANUAL

TERTIARY DIVISION
MISSION 1
This year we are celebrating 15 years of National Junior Robotics Competition! Science
Centre Singapore is putting together a big celebration with the help of the teams.
In mission 1, the teams will help prepare for the celebrations. Each category is responsible
for a different task.

Your task is to identify the blown light bulbs from the good light bulbs and remove
them. The robot must then be able to indicate the number of blown light bulbs that
needs to be replaced.
There are a total of 12 red and blue balls representing the light bulbs. Blue balls
represent good light bulbs, which must not be removed. Red balls represent the
blown light bulbs, which must be brought back to Start Zone.
The ratio of red/blue balls and their placements will be drawn by a team member
before the start of each run.

1. PLAYING FIELD
The playing field is where your robot will attempt the mission. The playing field, props and
the scoring elements are made from several materials such as wood, metal, plastics and
LEGO elements.
The playing field is 2400mm (length) by 1180mm (width) and has a 40mm high wall all
around the field. The pictures below show the location of the props, scoring elements, colour
codes and dimensions.

*the location of the balls is only an example.

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The dimensions of the playing fields, props and scoring elements may have some
deviations, approximately 5mm. The lighting conditions may vary between playing fields.
Teams will be allowed to calibrate their sensors at the allotted time. However they are not
allowed to test their robot on the actual playing field.
Copies of the drawings are available for download at http://www.njrc.com.sg/documents.php

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2. SCORING ELEMENTS
2.1. LIGHTS BULBS ARE REPRESENTED BY THE BALLS BELOW :

Blown Light Bulb

Good Light Bulb

2 X 2 Black LEGO plate

The light bulbs are made up of red and blue LEGO balls and are placed on a black 2 X 2
LEGO flat
3. GENERAL RULES, GAME PLAY AND SCORING
3.1.
Each mission has 2 runs and the duration of each run is 2 minutes.
3.2.
Only 2 team members are allowed in the playing field area.
3.3.
Teams must heed all instructions from the referees during game play.
a)
Teams behaving in a rowdy manner or distracting the referees may
forfeit the run and be awarded zero points.
3.4.
Teams are forbidden any form of communication devices or remote control
throughout the competition at any time during the competition.
3.5.
Preparation for Mission: the entire robot1 must be placed within the Start
zone.
a)
The robot must be switched on with the program chosen before the
start of the run. The robot must also be motionless.
b)
The robot may be programmed to retract its extensions before the
start of the run.
c)
Teams may need to randomly choose a selection of scoring elements
for placement on the field.
d)
Teams may be given scoring elements before the start of the game,
either to be placed on the field and/or loaded onto the robot.

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e)
3.6.

3.7.

3.8.

3.9.

3.10.

3.11.

Teams are not allowed to modify or add attachment(s) to scoring

elements in any manner.
Start of Run: When the referee signals, one team member may trigger the
robot.
a)
Once the run has started, the robot can expand its extensions.
b)
During the run, the team cannot touch anything on the playing field
except for the scoring elements and the robot in case of a restart.
Restarts: Teams may request a restart at any point during the run.
a)
The intention to restart must be made clearly known to and
acknowledged by the referees.
b)
The entire robot1 must resume the run within the designated Start
zone.
c)
In preparation for the restart, the teams must not touch anything on
the playing field except their robot.
d)
If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2 by it, the
scoring elements will be forfeited.
e)
The playing field, including the props and the scoring elements, will
not be reset for a restart.
f)
Time runs on, even if a restart is declared.
g)
Only one restart is allowed per run.
End of Run: The run ends when:
e.
The entire robot1 enters the Finish Zone(s) and stops.
f.
The team declares the robot is unable to complete the run.
g.
When time runs out.
h.
If any props or scoring elements are damaged (accidentally or
otherwise), the run will be stopped by a referee.
3.8.a.1.
If the run is stopped by a referee, teams must switch off
the robot immediately and will not score any points thereafter.
If there are any scoring elements on the robot or possessed2
by it, the elements are forfeited.
Scoring: The referee will complete the score sheet and teams must sign on it
to acknowledge the score.
a)
Timing: The run time is taken from the start of run till the end of run.
Maximum time is given if the team declares the robot is unable to
complete the run.
b)
Appeals: Any team that wishes to appeal any of the referees
decisions must inform the referee after the run and before leaving the
playing field area.
Re-Run: The chief referee may call for a re-run if necessary. However the
following are not valid reasons for a re-run:
a)
Battery failure
b)
Robot durability
c)
Any deviations in the playing field setup, within the declared margins
The chief referee has final say on all scoring, game play and re-run
decisions.
a)
Teams found acting in a disrespectful and/or rowdy manner may
be disqualified from the competition.
b)
The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.
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c)
3.12.

Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the rules, game
play and scoring before the start of the competition.
The chief referee and referees will not review any form of recording at any
time during the competition.

entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions etc. and any scoring elements

possessed: the scoring element must remain in approximately the same position relative to
the robot when the robot moves or changes orientation.

4. MISSION 1 GAME PLAY AND SCORING

4.1. The team places the robot at the Start Zone, after which the team may not modify
the robot or its software in any way.
4.2. Before the start of the run, a team member will draw the ratio of the red: blue balls.
These are either, 2:10, 3:9 or 4:8.
4.3. There are a total of 14 ball holders on the playing field. A team member will
randomly draw the positions of these balls. The referee will then place the balls onto
the ball holders. There will be two empty ball holders.
4.4. The team starts the robot when the referee gives the signal.
4.5. The robot must only remove the red balls, and carry them. Each red ball
successfully removed from its original position is worth 5 points.
a) A red ball is considered "carried" only if the ball is in contact with the robot and
not with the playing field at the end of the run.
b) The blue balls must remain in their original positions. Each blue ball in its
original position is worth 5 points.
4.5.b.1.
To get these points, the robot must have at least removed one red ball
from its original position.
4.6. After collecting the red balls, the robot will proceed back to the Start Zone and must
come to a complete stop (motionless) to end the run.
a) Successfully carrying" at least one red ball and stopping at any finish position
is worth 10 points.
4.6.a.1.
Successfully carrying" all red balls and stopping at any finish
position is worth additional 20 points.
b) The number of red balls drawn at the beginning of each run determines the
"finish position" at the Start Zone.
4.6.b.1.
For example, if 2 red balls were drawn, the robot must stop in Zone 2.
If 4 red balls were drawn, the robot must stop in Zone 4.
c) Stopping at the correct finish position is worth 10 points.
4.6.c.1.
The robot is considered to have stopped at the finish position if the
furthest contact point is in the finish position area.
4.6.c.2.
The furthest contact point is the point at which any part of the robot
touches the playing field (including side walls) and is furthest away from
the platform. See illustrations below for details.

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4.7. If the robot is not motionless at the end of the run, then it will be considered to have
finished in the incorrect finish position.
4.8. Scores will be taken at the end of the run.
4.9. Run time will be recorded for tie breaking.

Red ball

Blue ball

Removed
from
original
position

Stay on
original
position

Removed
from
original
position

Stay on
original
position

5 pts per
ball

0 pt

0 pt

5 pts per
ball

Finish position

At least
one red
ball
carried to
Base

All red
balls
carried to
Base

Correct
zone

Incorrect
zone

10 pts

20 pts

10 pts

0 pt

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FOR ALL DIVISION

1. Robot Regulations
1.1. The robot and its attachments will be checked by a Robot Inspector to ensure that
only legal parts are used.
a) Teams may be disqualified if any illegal parts are used.
1.2. Each team is allowed one NXT or RCX on the robot in the playing field area.
a) Teams may alternate between NXT and RCX between Missions only.
1.3. The robot and attachments can be built using any number of parts, motors and
sensors found (shown at the end of this section) in the LEGO 9797 set, if NXT is
used, or in the 9794 set, if an RCX is used.
a) A robot cannot be built using parts from both sets.
b) No other parts from other educational or non-educational sets are allowed.
c) Teams may add/remove/replace any parts in their robot and/or attachments
between Runs.
1.4. The starting size of the entire robot* must be a maximum of 250mm long by
250mm wide or smaller.
a) All extensions may be retracted and must not touch/lean on the sizing box
during inspection.
b) The robot can be powered to retract the extensions. However, it must be
motionless.
c) Teams will be asked to remove any part of the robot that fails these criteria
and the robot will be re-inspected.
d) Robots using attachments must be sized with the attachments attached to the
robot. If there are multiple attachments, each attachment(s) configuration must
be sized with the robot.
1.5. Attachments must not be built with a NXT or a RCX.
1.6. Teams can only use any versions of NXT-G, RoboLab or NI LabView to program
their robots. Teams who are found using any other programming software will face
immediate disqualification from the entire Mission.
1.7. Teams are not allowed to tamper, copy, upload or download programs to/from
another teams NXT/RCX. Teams will be disqualified if caught.
1.8. Teams are not allowed to clone robots from other teams. Schools or teams may
be disqualified if the Chief Referee or Chief Robot Inspector deems the robot to be
a clone.
1.9. Any NXT within the competition must have its Bluetooth Interface switched off
throughout the competition. Non-compliance may result in disqualification of the
team from the competition.
1.10. Teams are not allowed to modify any legal parts in any way. Teams will face
immediate disqualification from the entire Mission if their robots are found with any
such modified parts.
1.11. The NJRC Chief Robot Inspector will have the final say on all robot build and
regulations decisions.
a) Teams found acting in a disrespectful or/and rowdy manner may be
disqualified from the competition.
b) The Centre reserves the right to protect its staff from any abuse.

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c) Teams are encouraged to clear any doubts about the robot regulations
before the start of the competition.
*entire robot: robot, inclusive of its attachments, extensions, etc, and any scoring elements
attachments: an assembly of parts that add functionality to the robot. A part alone is not
considered an attachment. (e.g. a motor or a sensor are considered parts. A motor with a
beam attached to it, for mounting purposes, is considered an attachment)

RCX Sensors and Motor

NXT Sensors and Motor

9758
Light Sensor

9842
Motor with Tacho
9843
Touch Sensor

5225
Lego Technic
Gear Motor
9889
Temperature
Sensor (9V)
9891
Angle Sensor
(9V)
9911
Touch Sensor
And Leads

9844
Light Sensor
9845
Sound Sensor
9846
Ultra Sonic Sensor
9694
Color Sensor

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Trial/Practice Playing Fields

To help teams with the preparation for the challenge, there will be trial playing
fields set up at various locations within the Science Centre. (2 Primary, 2
Secondary, 1 Tertiary)
These trial fields will be set up and be made available for use (through
reservation) from 15 July 2012 to 23 August 2013 or as otherwise decide by the
organiser.
All teams are allowed to book the trial fields for their test runs from Monday to
Friday (between 9-11am, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm and 3-5pm) on a first-come-firstserved basis.
Each school is allowed to reserve up to 2 bookings per week only.
Registration can be done via email to njrc@science.edu.sg.
The bookings will be confirmed ONLY when a confirmation email is sent to the
applicant. (Please allow a minimum of 3 working days for bookings of trial playing
field).

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The NJRC Awards

The Championship Awards
This is the most prestigious award that a team can win. It is bestowed on the team that
embodies the NJRC spirit.
Teams are considered for the Championship Award based on their overall excellence
and total learning experience during the course of the competition.
As a Championship Award recipient, the winning team is recognised as being
outstanding and the assessment is based on the scores of the top 40 finalists according
to the following weightage:

30% on Robot Performance (Surprise Mission Score)

30% on Best Presentation (40% Research, 20% Learning Journey, 40% Presentation
skills)
20% on Technical Excellence (50% Mechanical & 50% Programming Skills)
20% on Soft Skills (50% Best Booth Design, 50% Entrepreneurship)

Technical Awards
The Best Robot Performance Award
For the team whose robot accumulates the highest scores in achieving the various
mission objectives on the playing field, based on the Surprise Mission in the finals.
The Best Mechanical Design Award
For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application
of mechanical design principles, as shown by their robust or sturdy, consistent and
dependable robot.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Structural design
Locomotion
Navigation
Overall design & integration

The Best Programming Award

For the team that demonstrates a sound understanding of programming and the
challenge requirements by creating the most ingenious and sound programme to run
their robot effectively and efficiently.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Overall understanding of the programme
Modularity
Strategy
Overall design & integration

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The Best Strategy Award

For the team that best demonstrates a sound understanding and appropriate application
of mechanical design and programming principles, as well as translating their knowledge
and skills into robots with excellent performance in the mission.
Criteria
Mechanical design
Programming
Mission 1
Surprise Mission

Weightage (%)
25
25
25
25

Team Performance Awards

The Best Presentation Award
For the team that best exhibits creativity, fluency, confidence and flair in its presentation,
and that demonstrates that WOW factor to the panel of judges during the interview
session.
Criteria
1 Creativity
2 Fluency
3 Confidence
4 Flair
The Best Research Award
For the most informative research related to the theme.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Contents
Research skills
Learning value
Teamwork

The Best Learning Journey Award

For the team that best demonstrate the highest levels of learning, application, analysis,
synthesis, critical evaluation, self-awareness and the ability to maintain a reflective log of
their learning journey.
Teams are free to decide on their presentation platform (video, project timeline chart,
learning journal, photo montage, special apps etc). Presentation time is 2 minutes so any
footage must not be longer than 2 minutes long.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Contents
Critical & creative thinking
Reflection & self awareness
Teamwork
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Other Awards
The Best Booth Design Award
For the team that designs and puts up the most creative and outstanding booth.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Aesthetic value
Creativity
Originality
Team effort

The Entrepreneur Award

For the team that displays entrepreneurship through their exceptional (marketing) efforts
with the most effective, interesting or original marketing ideas and/or gimmicks. It can be
in the form of a product, a service or advertising and/or promotional media, with the
purpose of selling their team and championing their cause. In addition, they must
secure sponsorship (financial or otherwise) from other agencies and/or organizations.

1
2
3
4

Criteria
Finance
Management
Sales & marketing
Corporate image

The Best Newcomer Award

For the most enthusiastic and spirited novice team from a school participating for the first
time, and which shows overall excellence in its performance.
The Best Cheer Team Award
For the school which gives the best cheer to support their participating teams with the
most innovative stunts, high-spirited members and spectacularly visual and audio
cheer(s).
The Best Mascot Award
For the most creative mascot designed and displayed or the most impressive attire the
team or the school wears on any of the competition days.

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The Side Events Awards

The side events are designed to encourage participants who are new to robotics and
would like to have a go at it. The NJRC has 2 side events:
SumoBot
Sprint Race
The Most Bizarre Robot Design Award
For the team that shows the most outstanding creativity in their robot design (during the
side events): the most unique, bizarre, aesthetic design screams for and grabs ones
attention! Robots may look attractive, weird or humorous, but they must look unique.
Special Recognition Award
The Judges Award
Apart from the awards listed above, the Judges may present up to FIVE (5) other awards
to teams and/or individuals that have displayed outstanding attributes (during the
competition) that set them apart in a unique way. These awards allow the judges the
freedom to recognise the most remarkable teams for which a standard does not exist.
Judges awards include:
The Against-All-Odds Award
For the team who has faced numerous difficult tasks in their NJRC journey, due to unexpected and external factors, and yet, is able to accomplish the challenge.
The Risk Taker Award
For the team that takes the initiative to achieve its mission objectives through intelligent
and well calculated risk management skills and strategies as well as a willingness to plan
and execute dangerous maneuver.
The Sportsmanship Award
For those teams and/or individuals that demonstrate great sportsmanship during the
competition cheering, encouraging other teams and/or schools, celebrating others
success as much as their own. This award is based on nominations by the competing
teams.
*Judges may not give the Judges Awards should there be no deserving teams.

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The Open Category

The open category aims to encourage creative expression and innovative ideas of robot
design. The theme of this years competition is Celebrating Science and teams are to
build projects where robots can play a part or be a part in the teams interpretation of the
theme Celebrating Science!
This category is open to the following age groups:
A: Primary 3 to Secondary 2
B: Secondary 3 to ITE/JC/Poly (1st year and 2nd year)
Each participating team is allowed to have a maximum of 5 team members and teams
are allowed to use any material in the construction of their robot.
Each team is to design and build a robot based on the theme. The robot must NOT be
for static display only.
The size of the robot must not exceed 1m wide x1m long. There is no height restriction.
Each team is given 8 mins to present its robots, 4 mins to introduce and demonstrate its
robot and the remaining 4 mins to respond to Judges questions.
Assessment for this award will be based on:
Creativity (25%)
Technical Design (25%)
Relevance to Theme (25%)
Entertainment Value (25%)
The winning team of each category wins the following prizes;
A: $500 education fund
B: $1,000 education fund
Registration
Registration is open to all students. Students do not need to be from the same school.
However, all the students of a team must be in the same category age group to qualify.
Registration for the Open Category starts on 8 July 2013 and closes on 16 August
2013.
To participate, please fill up the registration form (available for download at
www.njrc.com.sg) and send it back to us at njrc@science.edu.sg or fax 6561 6361.
Registration closes on 16 August 2013

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Side Events SumoBot & Sprint Race

This year, NJRC will have the SumoBot and Sprint Race as our side events on
the day of the Grand Finals. In these two competitions, participants are only
allowed to use the components from ONE (1) LEGO Team Challenge Kit
(RCX/NXT).
There will be Side Events challenges going on everyday throughout the duration
of the challenge week. For more info please check out our website
http://www.njrc.com.sg

SumoBot

SumoBot Competition Playing Field

(Drawing s not to scale)

In SumoBot, two robots pit their strength and strategy against one another,
somewhat similar to the Sumo wrestling sport. The robots start behind the line at
position A and B. When the referee signals the stat of the game, the robots must
be activated and make contact with each other. The winning robot is determined
through any of the following scenarios.
i.

The robot wins by pushing the opposing robot out of the circle.

ii.

The robot wins by pushing its opponent such that both robots are in
the opponents side of the circle at the end of 45 seconds.

iii.

If (i) and (ii) do not apply after 45 seconds, the robot furthest away
from its individual starting point while pushing its opponent, wins.
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NJRC 2013
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The weight of the robot must not exceed 1.1 kg.

Only parts from one LEGO set (RCX or NXT) will be allowed although
RCX will be allowed up to three motors.

Prior to the competition, robots will undergo inspection. If they dont

meet the requirements, players will be given 15 minutes to modify,
otherwise, they will be disqualified.

Non-LEGO parts will not be allowed.

Maximum of 5 members per team.

The overall winner is decided through a knockout system of play.

The Referees decision is FINAL.

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Sprint Race

Start B

Start A

End B

End A
Sprint Race Playing Field
(Drawings not to scale)

In the Sprint Race, two robots compete in tracking a black line from one end to
the other.
The robot that reaches the end point first eliminates its opponent. If a robot
deviates from the black line, the opponent robot wins.
The overall winner is determined through a knock-out system.
Referees decision is FINAL.
i.

Only parts from one LEGO set (RCX or NXT) will be allowed although
NXT will be allowed up to two light sensors and RCX will be allowed
up to 3 motors.

ii.

Prior to the competition, robots will undergo inspection. If they dont

qualify for the requirements, players will be given 15 minutes to
modify, otherwise, they will be disqualified.

iii.

Non-LEGO parts will not be allowed.

iv.

Maximum of 5 members per team

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Challenge Week Schedule

(The schedule in tentative and is subjected to changes)
Challenge Preliminary (9 12 September 2013)
Daily Timetable
Registration at Annex Foyer
0800

0815
0845
0900
0915
0930

Each team will be assigned a booth

number and a playing field number
Sensor calibration at playing fields
(Optional)
Quarantine begins. All visitors are to
vacate from the quarantine area.
Briefing for all teams in the Competition
Area
Robot Controllers to wait at work station
for Team Coordinators to bring them to
the competition area
Competition begins
Mission 1 (Run 1)

1030

Mission 1 (Run 2)

1130

Quarantine ends

1130

LUNCH

1230

Quarantine begins

1235

Announcement of Mission 2

1245

1445

Assembly/programming of robots
For Mission 2
Robots to be quarantined
Robot Controllers to wait at work station
for Team Coordinators to bring them to
the competition area
Mission 2 (Run 1)

1630

Mission 2 (Run 2)

1730

End of Competition Day

Note:
Trial playing fields are available for use during periods of quarantine only.

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Grand Finals Day (14 September 2013)

(The schedule in tentative and is subjected to changes)
Timetable
Registration at Annexe Foyer
Each team is assigned a booth number
and a playing field number
0730
Hall closed to public/schools
Only qualifying teams are allowed in
Booth Area
0800

Briefing/Surprise Mission announcement

0820

Booth area quarantine begins

0830

Surprise Mission preparation begins

0900

Halls open to public/schools

0930

Open Category Judging

1130

Teams are to bring their robots to Robots

Quarantine Area

1145

Booth area quarantine ends

1150

Lunch

1230

Surprise Mission

1330

Setup of Side Events Finale and Best

Performance Showcase

1415

Arrival of the Guest of Honour

1500

Closing
Ceremony
Presentation

1600

End of Competition

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The 2013 World Robot Olympiad (WRO 2013)

The 2013 World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Competition is a worldwide robotics competition.
Participants must progress through a number of qualifying stages (the NJRC) before they
can be selected to participate in the 2013 WRO final. This year, the WRO will be held in
Jakarta, Indonesia from 15 to 17 November 2013.
Individuals/teams interested in participating in the competition should direct enquiries to the
National Organizers (Science Centre Singapore). Further details and rules of the competition
can be found at http://www.wroboto.org/wro2013
The following award winners from NJRC 2013 will be sponsored by NJRC and represent
Singapore in WRO 2013:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Best Robot Performance Award Primary Division

The Best Robot Performance Award Secondary Division
The Best Robot Performance Award Tertiary Division
Championship Award Tertiary Division
Winner of Open Category

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Important Dates to Remember

Registration Deadline for the Open Category

Deadline for registration for the Open Category is on 16 August 2013.
Presentation Week
2 September 2013 5 September 2013 (Preliminaries)
7 September 2013 Presentation Finals
Schedule for Presentation preliminaries will be uploaded to the official NJRC
website http://www.njrc.com.sg
Challenge Week
9 September to 12 September 2013 (Preliminaries)
14 September 2013 Grand Finals
Schedule for Challenge preliminaries will be uploaded to the official NJRC
website http://www.njrc.com.sg
Open Category and Finals for Side Events Competitions
These will be held during the Grand Finals Day on 14 September 2013.
Time to report will be emailed to participants.

41