WRC Open Ant Demo

The members of WRC have taken on a new challenge. Since the beginning of the year, WRC has been collaborating with the Oconomowoc Public Library to introduce youth to robotics by building and fighting cardboard combat robots. (They're nicknamed "paperweights.") The program is changing from a 1-day event to a multi-day program to lead up to the library's tech fair. Since everything will be set up anyways, it made sense to host this small competition and show the tech fair attendee's what real combat robots can do.

The goal of this event is a good time and a good demonstration of combat robots - good fights, but not something obscenely competitive. I don't know what you're willing to do as a builder, but I would not recommend attending this event unless you're local. Make it convenient and casual. There are also only 8 spots, so while I'd like them all filled, maybe consider only bringing one robot to run if there are other people on the waitlist. 

UPDATE: The times got changed slightly.

 

Event details

Schedule

11:00am-12:30pm: Setup

The library will still be open during this time, but the pits will be open for setup and minimal robot testing. The pit area is directly on the left when you walk in. By the way, this is also a great time to get lunch somewhere in Oconomowoc.

12:30pm-12:45pm: Driver's Meeting

During this time, a driver's meeting will take place in the pits for the open ant competitors. The library will still be open.

12:45pm-1:00pm: Final Setup

The library opens at 1:00pm, so we're going to try and sneak our stuff out there to try and start as close to 1:00pm on the dot as possible.

1:00pm-3:30pm: Open Ant Tournament

We probably won't get started at 1:00pm on the dot which means that we need to average a 5min cycle time across 28 fights. You will be fighting your robot 7 times within that, so be ready. It's gonna be a really tight schedule.

3:30pm-5:00pm: Paperweight Tournament

You are welcome to leave for this time, but the paperweights will be fighting their tournament. Help in the pits would be greatly appreciated, but if you want to just stay and watch, it's pretty cool to see so many young minds try their hand at combat robots too.

5:00pm-6:15pm: Takedown

Me and my volunteers have somewhere to be afterwards, so we need all the help we can get for takedown, but we totally understand if you can't or don't want to stay.

Other Notes

Bring extension cords and power strips. Chairs and tables will be provided.

Spectators are free. If you want your family in the pits, just make sure they're given competitor wrist bands.

Competition details:

This is a round robin tournament. With a full field of 8, we need to run 28 fights. I can't reasonably hold anyone to a tigher turnaround than 20mins, but prepare to make repairs in times closer to 10mins.

Arena: 4' x 4' x 2' arena with wooden kickplates (The floor is textured with sand paint - it's quite grippy.)

 

Open Ant: Round robin tournament with 2 minute fights. (Maximum of two bots per driver allowed, but one is strongly recommended given the tight schedule.)

Entry: Free! (Our volunteers might appreciate food if you're feeling so kind.)

Challonge: https://challonge.com/WRCaugust2022OpenAnt

Antweight Rules: https://midwestrobotcombat.com/rules/

 

Please email me with any questions. I hope to see you there!

Discord server: https://discord.gg/hzvM5zQURg

Livestream: https://www.twitch.tv/wisconsinrobotcombat