Home/ Categories/ Future Technologies/ Drone Swarm Systems
Operation: Seismic Rescue
Sub-Category

Drone Swarm Systems

Deploy an autonomous swarm of drones into a ruined city simulation to detect survivors, map the zone and deliver emergency aid kits in a fully coordinated operation.

Apply Now All Categories
Competition Concept

Seismic Rescue & Swarm Autonomy

A post-earthquake scenario is simulated in a challenging obstacle course built from engineering-marvel buildings of the city of Atlantia.

A drone swarm is dispatched to a collapsed industrial zone too dangerous for human rescue teams. The swarm must autonomously map the area, locate "survivors" (heat sources or QR codes) and drop emergency aid kits to them.

As this category falls under "Future Technologies", the use of off-the-shelf swarm software is prohibited. Teams must develop their own swarm algorithms and communication protocols.

Drone Swarm
Hardware & Rules

Swarm System Technical Specifications

3–6 Members Team Structure
5–10 Drones Swarm Size
Max. 450 mm Diagonal Motor Span
Max. 1.5 kg Weight incl. Battery

Full Autonomy

The swarm must operate fully autonomously from takeoff command to mission end. External manual intervention (except emergency stop) results in disqualification.

V2V Communication

Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication between drones is mandatory. Drones must share position, sensor and mission data for coordination. Developing a custom protocol earns bonus points.

Payload & Safety

Each drone must carry a mechanical drop mechanism simulating a 100 g "Emergency Aid Kit" and must have fully enclosed propeller guards (prop-guards).

Mission Flow

Operation: Seismic Rescue

Teams are given a total of 10 minutes. The mission consists of 4 stages.

1
STAGE 1
1 Minute

Autonomous Takeoff & Formation

The swarm takes off autonomously from the launch zone and enters a random geometric formation (triangle, ring, etc.) assigned by the jury. The formation must be held for 10 seconds.

2
STAGE 2
4 Minutes

Reconnaissance & Mapping

The swarm enters the "Ruined City" simulation zone. Swarm members disperse across the area and autonomously scan it to generate a 2D/3D map. Anti-collision between drones is critical at this stage.

3
STAGE 3
5 Minutes

Target Detection & Rescue Operation

The swarm autonomously detects 5 hidden "survivor" targets (heat signal or QR code) in the mapped area. Drones share target coordinates within the swarm, and the swarm collectively decides which drone delivers an aid kit to which target.

4
STAGE 4

Autonomous Landing

After all missions are complete, swarm members return to the launch zone in coordinated fashion and perform autonomous landing.

Scoring

Scoring System

Mission stages, coordination and software bonus make up the total score.

20 Points

Autonomous Takeoff & Formation

Takeoff success and geometric formation quality are evaluated.

30 Points

Reconnaissance & Mapping

How much of the area was autonomously scanned and map quality are evaluated.

50 Points

Target Detection

10 Points for each of the 5 hidden targets. Autonomous detection and location accuracy are evaluated.

50 Points

Aid Kit Delivery

Coordinated kit drop operation. 10 Points for each successful delivery.

30 Points

Swarm Coordination

Overall swarm fluidity, task allocation and collision-free flight performance are evaluated.

20 Points

Autonomous Landing

Coordinated and safe return of all drones to the launch zone and landing.

+20 Points

Custom Software Bonus

The team's custom swarm algorithm and communication protocol are evaluated by the jury.

Maximum Total Score 220 Points
Penalties

Penalties & Disqualification

Inter-Drone Collision

Points are deducted for each collision between swarm members. A collision indicates a failure in swarm coordination.

Each collision: -20 Points

Environment Collision

Points are deducted for each contact a drone makes with course obstacles or simulation structures.

Each contact: -10 Points

Manual Intervention

If manual intervention is applied to drones during the mission, the round is cancelled and no points are awarded.

Round Cancelled
Rules Booklet

Get your swarm airborne

Take your place on the most prestigious stage of the Atlantia STEM Olympiad with your autonomous swarm intelligence.

Apply Now All Categories