Rover is be able to pick up and hold 5 different-colored
rocks.
Speed test
Finish the course (about 8 feet) in less than 1
minute. There is no need to go faster, it isn't worth more points!
Hill climb
Climb 60° incline.
No championship rover has climbed 60°. 35° -
40° is good.
Blind driving
Finish the course in under 5 minutes with no deductions
(don't hit the plateaus, don't fall in the crater, don't knock over the
rocks).
Competition details
Rock collecting
Rocks are light-weight, like pumice or plaster. They
are different sizes, from about 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches across.
Rocks can be near a wall, in a corner, at the top of a
cliff, on the side of a hill, or in a crater.
The rover may need to climb a 30° incline to get to
some rocks.
Speed test
Rovers may take a shorter route if they are able to climb a
30° incline.
Rovers may be able to take a shorter route if they can
drive over rocks.
Hill climb
The hill surface is rough, it looks plaster and sand
sponged onto a plywood board and painted.
Blind driving
Parts of the course may be narrow. A narrower rover
is easier to navigate through it without a point penalty.
Parts of the course may be rough. A rover that can
travel over rocks and ditches will have an advantage.
Rover Speed
The rover does not need to be fast. Think of the parable of the Tortoise and the Hare; slow and steady wins the race.
Fast rovers are usually more difficult to control
and more likely to run into obstacles or miss the best position to pick
up rocks.
Rover Maneuverability
Maneuverability is essential for all challenges except the hill climb.
If a rover is hard to turn, it will have problems
negotiating the blind driving and speed courses. It will also
make rock collecting much more difficult.
Reliability
The rover can be fixed during the challenges, but it will cost the team time and possibly points.
