TCEA Robotics
Introduction
Every year a new game manual is posted for the Arena robotics competition. This manual explains the overview, playing field, game elements, robot specifications and software, and tournament play. There will be a special twist for the state championship, so it is crucial to read the Arena robotics game manual from beginning to end, multiple times.
For the 2021-2022 Arena game, we’ve made quite a few changes. Our goal was to recharge and energize the contest. We hope these changes will offer more challenges and learning opportunities for your students.
Arena teams build a robot using a LEGO SPIKE Prime, Robot Inventor, EV3, or VEX IQ kit. Teams are allowed a total retail value of $5 to incorporate non-electrical, non-LEGO parts on their robots to enhance functionality or for decoration. Note this important disclaimer: No LEGOs or VEX pieces can be harmed for competition. Do not melt, deform, cut, bend, glue, or solder for any reason.
Arena teams participate in three qualification matches. A team’s robot must perform a variety of specific tasks on the challenge field. Points and penalties are calculated after each period. Task goals may (or may not) differ between Intermediate and Advanced divisions.
Arena Problem
The Arena contest is a prescribed problem contest. Teams of two (2) to four (4) students receive a set of game rules and specifications designed around a theme that varies from year to year. The year’s game theme will be announced by September 1st.
This year’s Arena Contest problem writer is Darren Wilson, Makerspace Manager at The LIFT of ATEMS High School in Abilene ISD. He’s also worked for the ACU Maker Lab, Guthrie ISD, and Irving ISD.