ROBOCON MALAYSIA 2018

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Category Description
A General technical questions related to ROBOCON Malaysia 2018
B Shuttlecocks and rack
C Game field
D Game procedure
E Robot

First release : 28th January 2018

Second release : 23rd February 2018
28th January 2018 Edition
No. [A] General technical questions
A.1 Is the competition open for international students?
Is the competition open for local students only?
A.2 Which students can participate (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or
4th year students) or is it opened to all
undergraduate students.
A.3 What happens if a team cannot attend the 1st
technical briefing and is it a must for all members
to attend?
A.4 Up to how many teams can participate from one
university?
A.5 For safety purposes, are the helmets and goggles
of operators and pit crews prepared? Or do we
have to prepare it ourselves.
Updated 23rd February 2018
A.6 Can external expertise be used to build the robot?
A.7 Does the international competition rule apply to
ROBOCON Malaysia 2018?
A.8 Can a university send multiple teams for the
competition?
Answer
It is open to all undergraduate students that
registered in any higher education institution
in Malaysia. Both local and international
students can join.
Open for ALL undergraduate students.
Attending the 1st technical briefing session is
not compulsory, but very useful information
can be obtained during the session. You can
also get the latest updates from our
ROBOCON Malaysia 2018 website.
For the first round registration, only ONE
team per institution is allowed. Further
announcement will be made after 15
February 2018.
Helmets and goggles for the operators will be
prepared by the organizer. However, the
teams are encouraged to bring their own.
NO. Refer to Article 7.3.
NO.
Maximum of TWO teams are allowed for
each institute as announced on 15 February
2018.
28th January 2018 Edition
No. [B] Shuttlecocks and rack Answer
B.1 Is the shuttlecock rack part of the robot? The total weight of the rack and two robots
(combined) CANNOT exceed 50kg, and
each individual robot CANNOT exceed 25
kg. Refer to Article 7.6.

B.2 Is there any specific material that we should use
for keeping point at shuttlecock?
B.3 Is the shuttlecock provided to the registered team?
B.4 Can we put a magnet in the shuttlecock?
Both the normal and golden shuttlecocks will
be provided by the organizer during the first
technical briefing. The similar shuttlecocks
(new sets) will be used during the
competition. No other material can be
attached to these shuttlecocks.

B.5 The shuttlecocks given to each team during New shuttlecocks will be provided during the
technical briefing will be used during competition competition which are similar to the
or will there be new sets of shuttlecocks prepared shuttlecocks given to the teams.
during competition?

B.6 Regarding the ROBOCON 2018, may I ask if we
can tie a ring shape with the fringe after the
keeping point?
B.7 I'm one of the ROBOCON 2018 participants. Can
I ask whether it is allowed to tie a knot using the
fringes after the keeping point of the shuttlecock
during the preparation time in the competition?
YES. Team members are allowed to tie
temporary knots using the fringes after the
keeping point. Team will be given the
shuttlecock for this minor modification
before the game during the queuing time
(approximately 30 minutes before the game).
After the game, the teams must un-tie the
knots and return the shuttle cock in its
original form. Failing to comply with this
rule may result in disqualification.

B.8 According to your website, the shuttlecock was The dimensions of the shuttlecocks are given
given an approximate number for size and weight in the GAMEFIELD document, Figure 1.7.
(60-100g). What is the exact size and weight of The weight is in the range of 100 – 115 g.
the shuttlecock?

B.9 Can we have a number of racks in LZ? There is not limit on number of racks but
they must be within the maximum allowable
dimension when placed on the robot or in
LZ.
B.10 Can we put some mechanism on the rack? NO. It should be passive structure with no
(powered or non-powered) mechanism and power used.
Updated 23rd February 2018
B.11 Can the color of the shuttlecock be modified?
NO. Each team will be provided with the
same shuttlecock, and color modifications
are NOT allowed.
B.12 What is the maximum length of the fringe It will be about the length of the fringe of the
starting from the keeping point? shuttlecock given to the team. There will be
some tolerances.
B.13 Can we modify the shuttlecock? NO. Refer to B.6 and B.7.

B.14 Could you describe the detail about the keeping

point of the shuttlecock when throwing? If
possible, can organizer give some pictures of the
keeping point. Which part should the AR hold
during the throwing process?

AR should
only grip
here (after
the keeping
point) during
throwing.

B.15 Can we attach anything on the rack just for the
Automatic Robot to align its position with it when
passing shuttlecock? The attachments will be the
same on all the racks so it cannot be used for
communication purposes.
B.16 When would the shuttlecock be given during the
competition?
B.17 If the shuttle is initially placed on the rack, it is
possible to tie a knot at the fringe shuttle and hang
the shuttle on the rack using fringe during
preparation stage (as shown in the picture
attached)?
B.18 Is the rack prepared or must be made by us?
If, the rack is prepared by us, can we use our own
design?
The rack is designed by the team and it
should be a passive structure without any
mechanical movement or powered
mechanism. Refer to B.10.
Before the match of the team, just after the
robot check. Refer to B.6 and B.7.
Refer to B.6, B.7 and D.52.
Rack should be designed and made by teams.
Refer to Rules & Regulation of ROBOCON
Malaysia 2018.
28th January 2018 Edition
No. [C] Game field Answer
C.1 Can we know the color code of the arena? The color codes of the game field are as
stated in the Game Field Technical
Specification provided in the Malaysia
ROBOCON 2018 website.

C.2 What happen if the robot accidentally damages
the game field?
Updated 23rd February 2018
C.3 What are the dimensions of the game field?
C.4 I would like to know where we can buy the
reflected tape for the line following?
If the damage done may cause the
interruption of the running of the contest, the
team will be disqualified. The referees will
make the necessary decision during the
game. Refer to article 5.
Refer to the “GAME FIELD ROBOCON
MALAYSIA 2018” provided in the website.
Non-reflective vinyl white colour tape is
usually available at electrical or hardware
shops. Please refer to the Game field
document for the dimension.
28th January 2018 Edition
No. [D] Game procedures
D.1 If our shuttlecock collides with another team's
shuttlecock in the golden shuttlecock, is it counted
as a fault?
D.2 Can we move the rack using manual robot then,
put it to the auto zone robot such that the auto
robot can take the shuttlecock directly from the
rack. It is considered as a Pass?
D.3 Can the manual robot get into the loading zone
area?
D.4 Can the manual robot enter the throwing zone
area?
D.5 Is it considered as a violation if I use a color
changing mechanism on the manual robot that can
be detected by the auto robot, which in turn will
take action corresponding to the color change?
D.6 Is it possible to use 3 racks (5 shuttlecocks every
rack) and pick-up the rack by the manual robot
one-by-one? For example, when the game starts,
the manual robot will pick 1 rack and leave the
other two racks in the loading zone. After that,
when the manual robot has successfully pass all 5
shuttlecocks to the autonomous robot, the manual
robot will put down the empty rack and pick the
other racks in the loading zone.
D.7 Are pit crews allowed to help operators to carry
robots to the start zone during retry?
Answer
NO. Only the shuttlecock that has
successfully entered and passed the ring will
be counted and awarded with the score.
NO, it is not considered as a pass.
Rack/shuttlecock has to be passed directly to
auto robot. Racks can ONLY be placed on
the robots or loading zone (LZ).
YES
NO. It is a violation. Refer to Article 4.3.
This act violates Article 3.4.3 that states:
"None of the Manual Robot part makes any
contact with Automatic Robot.
During the process of handling and receiving
shuttlecock, the Manual Robot is allowed to
make contact with Automatic Robot. But, the
Manual Robot is not allowed to send any
signal to or control the Automatic Robot.
However, the Automatic Robot is allowed to
control itself using sensors and so on."
Therefore, changing the color so that it can
be recognized by the auto robot is considered
as a signal from the Manual Robot to the
Auto Robot.
There is no limit of the number of racks used
as long as they can fit into loading zone and
the size stated in Article 7.5 for the robot and
rack. Also, at any time during the game, the
racks can only be placed on the robots or
loading zone (LZ).
NO. The pit crews are ONLY allowed to help
operators to carry robots to the game fields
and during the 1-minute set-up time. Refer to
Article 3.1.2.
D.8 Is that the fringes cannot touch the ground during
shooting or loading as the rule book define
shuttlecock and fringes are not the same part.
D.9 Can part of the robots touch the fence during
moving and during shooting?
D.10 Since the rule 2.7 mentioned “after receiving the
Normal shuttlecock, Automatic Robot will move
into TZ1 or TZ2 (in any order) and throw the
shuttlecock at the Normal Ring”. Can the
Automatic Robot move into the TZ1 or TZ2
without getting the shuttlecock after the start of
the game?
D.11 Can the operators touch the robot part to initiate
the movement of Automatic Robot during start of
game or after retry?
D.12 Is that only at the start of the throwing action,
Automatic Robot has to give visible indication or
throughout the whole throwing action?
D.13 May I ask whether the movement produced by
actuators like pneumatic cylinders is considered as
movement of robots for communication purpose?
D.14 In games rule, manual robots are not allowed to
send any signals to automatic robot. If the Manual
Robot has pneumatic cylinders with cardboards
attached on it and the cylinders will extend to be
sensed by sensors on manual robot during passing
of shuttlecock and before shooting. Is this
considered as sending signal to automatic robot?
D.15 If the shuttlecock falls outside the playing field
when the MR tries to pick it up, can team member
still pick up and put them on the rack?
D.16 If the shuttlecock falls outside the playing field,
when team members collect it and put it back to
the loading zone as per stated in Article 3.4.4, can
the shuttlecocks be loaded onto the racks? Can the
members touch the racks when reloading the
shuttlecocks?
D.17 For example, the Automatic Robot is programmed
to sense a ball with image processing. Manual
Robot use cloth to cover up either Normal
Only the fringes of the shuttlecock can touch
the game fields during shooting or loading.
Robots can touch the fence at any time as
long as it complies to Article 3.4.3 for
Throwing and not to do any damage to game
field which will be subjected to
disqualification (Article 5.1.2)
It is allowed.
Only one touch (press) is allowed to initiate
the movement or automatic robot after
obtaining permission from referee.
Only at the beginning of every throwing
action.
If the cylinder is giving some signals in such
a way to control the automatic robot, this is
not allowed.
YES. This is considered as manual robot is
giving the signal to control automatic robot.
YES. It is allowed as long as it is in the
Loading Zone.
YES. It is allowed as long as it is in the
Loading Zone. Team members are not
allowed to touch the rack.
If the automatic robot is sensing the cloth as
a way to communicate with the manual, then
it is not allowed.
 Shuttlecock or Golder Shuttlecock. Automatic
Robot will pick up any shuttlecock it can see from
the Manual Robot. Can we do this?(FB)

D.18 Is the tail a part of the shuttlecock? If so, what

YES. Article 3.4.2 : Shuttlecock cannot touch
will happen when the shuttlecock touches the the game field during the handling/receiving.
game field? However, any part of the shuttlecock can
touch the game field at other time during the
game. Also refer to D.8.
D.19 Is the Automatic Robot allowed to directly pick YES.
up the shuttlecock from the rack mounted on the
Manual Robot during the passing of shuttlecock?

D.20 Is the fringes allowed to touch the ground during Refer to D.8.
shooting?

D.21 Will the referees acknowledge when the signal NO.

indication each time when throwing the ball?

D.22 According to rule num 4.2, [A team member Both robots cannot be touched at any time
touches the robot without referee permission] during the game.
Which robot that cannot be touched? The manual
or autonomous?

D.23 When the robot is picking up the rack, can it pick Strictly NO. It is compulsory retry.
up the Golden ball even though TZ1 & TZ2 was
not scored yet?

D.24 What happens when a Normal ball was shot No points given.
into the Golden ring/TZ3? or vice versa [a
Golden ball shot into a normal ring/TZ1&2]

D.25 Can we leave a rack beside TZ1? NO. Rack must be in LZ or on robots only.

Updated 23rd February 2018

D.26 Is there a cap on the ‘Pass’ marks?
D.27 Any passive movement such as sliding or rotating
part for holding the shuttlecock allowed?
D.28 What happens to our score after retry? Will it
reset to 0, or will it be accumulated with the score
prior to retry?
D.29 Can we use the thrown shuttlecock during the
retry?
YES. Refer to Article 3.5.
If it is for robots, any movement is allowed.
However, if for the rack, refer to B.10 and
B.16.
It will be accumulated with the score prior to
retry.
It is allowed to reuse only normal
shuttlecock. Refer to Article 3.4.4.

D.30 Can we use the opponent’s shuttle cock that has YES.
fallen into our game field
D.31 Are we allowed to pick up opponent’s shuttlecock
that ended up falling in our throwing zone?
D.32 Can auto robot arm that has rail touch the The AR can touch shuttlecock however, refer
 shuttlecock?
D.33 How will the shuttlecock be placed on the
throwing zone when the game starts?
D.34 Can the upper body of the manual robot enter the
auto robot area?
D.35 Can we automate all robots?
D.36 Can we put two buttons to do two different tasks
on the robots? Can we push it during the game?
D.37 Can the rack that are carried by the manual robot
be left in any area?
D.38 Can we retry one of the robots only?
D.39 What does it mean by touching the shuttlecock?
D.40 Can the operator of the manual robot enter the
game field?
D.41 What is the retry process?
D.42 Once the shuttlecock has been thrown from zone 1
to zone 2, are we allowed to collect it back and
throw it consecutively one by one?
D.43 After throwing the golden shuttlecock and not
achieve ‘Bidikan Emas’, could we return and
throw the shuttlecock again?
D.44 Is the spinning necessary before throwing the
shuttlecock?
D.45 During the spinning and swinging, can the
shuttlecock touch the robot’s body?
D.46 Can the manual robot communicate with the auto
robot?
D.47 When can the manual robot start passing to the
automatic robot?
D.48 Where are the manual robot and the automatic
robot zones?
D.49 Can we still obtain points even if the passing rules
are violated?
D.50 Can the manual robot touch the automatic robot?
to article 3.4.2 for Passing and article 3.4.3
for Throwing.
The shuttlecock cannot be placed in the
throwing zone at the start of the game. It will
only be placed on the rack within the loading
zone at the start of the game.
MR or any of its part is not allowed to enter
Throwing Zones (TZ1, TZ2 and TZ3). Refer
to D.4.
YES. Refer to Article 2.1.
YES. Many buttons can be used in robot.
But, team members are allowed to push ONE
BUTTON during the start of the game. Refer
to D.11. During the game, the robots cannot
be touched by any team member. Refer to
Article 3.3.3.
Refer to D.2 and D.25.
NO. Refer to Article 3.8.
Physical contact between robots and
shuttlecock occurs during loading, passing,
throwing and picking up. Refer to related
article for each task.
Not allowed. Refer to Article 3.3.
Refer to Article 3.8.
Refer to Article 3.4.4 and also D.15, D.16,
D.29, D.30 and D.31.
YES, only for normal shuttlecocks.
Not necessary.
YES.
NO. Refer to D.13, D.14 and D.17.
Anytime during the game.
Refer to Gamefield ROBOCON 2018
document.
NO. In order to get points for Throwing, the
Passing must be completed according to
Article 3.4.2.
YES, but not to give any signal. Refer to
D.46.
D.51 During throwing of shuttlecock, can the fringes YES.
touch any part of automatic robot?
D.52 How shuttle placed? Is it initially placed on the It is the team’s strategy to decide how the
floor? Then the manual robot picks the shuttle shuttlecock should be placed when to start
cock to place on the rack, or the shuttlecock can the game.
be initially placed on the rack?
D.53 Can we use a sensor located at the Auto Robot to Refer to D.5.
detect color located at the body of the manual
robot?
D.54 If the shuttlecock is stuck at the manual or auto Team members can request for retry.
robot, what should we do?
28th January 2018 Edition
No. [E] Robot Answer
E.1 I would like to ask if we can use Tetrix Robotic The Tetrix Robotic Set is not allowed. This
Set to build robot for our Robocon? set goes against Article 7.3 that states:

"... robot must be hand-built by students ..."

This rule is to encourage the participants to

experience designing and developing robots
from scratch. The usage of separate sensor
modules or controlling modules from the set
however is allowed.

E.2 The dimension of auto robot after leaving the red It must be 1000x1000x1000 before leaving
box is 1500x1500x1800 or still 1000x1000x1000. ARSZ. The robot can be in 1500x1500x1800
after leaving ARSZ.
E.3 Can the manual robot lift the shuttlecock rack? If YES. It should not exceed 1500x1500x1800.
so, is the shuttlecock
rack considered part of the robot and thus, should
not exceed 1.5m?

E.4 Hello, may I ask that the size of auto robot can YES. (Article 7.5)
extend to the size within 1.5m length x 1.5m
width x 1.8m height without attached to rack after
it leaving start zone?

E.5 7.7.2 All batteries used in the robot,
controller, and any other device used during
the game shall not exceed 24 V.
7.7.3 The maximum voltage within the
circuits shall not exceed 42 V.
24 V is the maximum voltage limit for each
single battery. 42 V is the maximum
operational voltage to operate the robots.
Both designs are allowed, and it will be
checked during Robot Check.

Hi, about rule 7.7.3 stated in rulebook, the

maximum voltage within the circuits shall not
exceed 42v means that i can boost up my
voltage from 24 V to 42V to supply my robot
or it mean I can have multiple battery sources
example 22.2 V, 11.1 V , 7.4 V but they are
separate from each other .
E.6 According to rule number 7.5, is the size for both Both robots.
robots or manual only?
E.7 According to rule number 7.6, is the weight limit YES.
applied for both robots with or without racks,
battery, controller, cables and any other
equipment that are used in the game.
Updated 23rd February 2018
E.8 What is the maximum air pressure allowed for the Check Article 7.7.4.
pneumatic system on a robot?
E.9 Are sealed lead acid battery allowed in the NO.
 competition?
E.10 Is it possible to use industrial compressed air
reservoir that can store more than 600kPa but we
regulate the air so that the pressure is below
600kPa when we use it?
It must comply Article 7.5, 7.6 and 7.7.4 and
deem not to cause any danger during the
game.