Design a functional autonomous machine using kinematic chains, gear ratios, crank systems and linkage mechanisms.
Competitors are tasked with designing a functional, autonomously operating automatic machine using fundamental engineering principles such as kinematic chains, gear ratios, crank systems and linkage mechanisms.
This category tests how theoretical physics and statics/dynamics knowledge can be transformed into moving mechanical systems that solve an industrial problem.
Aluminium, plexiglass, wood, carbon fiber, 3D printer filaments (PLA/PETG/ABS) and all standard mechanical fasteners (bearings, gears, belts, pulleys) are permitted.
Direct use of industrial ready-made robotic arms, toy chassis or unmodified closed-box assembly kits is prohibited. The original design of the mechanism must belong to the team.
Servo motors, stepper motors or DC geared motors may be used. Maximum operating voltage is limited to 12V DC. If a pneumatic system is used, the compressor must be external and system pressure must not exceed 4 bar.
The mechanical system must detect, transport and sort 10 objects with different physical properties from the Feed Hopper into the correct target bins within 3 minutes.
The system's dimensions, weight and safety standards (no exposed dangerous cables, sharp metal, etc.) are inspected.
The team spokesperson presents the torque/speed calculations, degrees of freedom (DoF), gear and linkage choices used in the mechanism to the VIP jury panel in a technical presentation.
The system is activated and the 3-minute timer starts. The machine autonomously picks objects (iron ball, wooden cube, plastic cylinder) from the feed area and places them into the corresponding sorting bins.
Evaluation is based on a total of 100 points.
+5 Points are awarded for each object placed in the correct bin. Objects must be transported mechanically without damage.
Motion fluidity, friction minimization, backlash reduction and engineering craftsmanship at connection points are evaluated by the jury.
Innovation points are awarded to designs that produce clever mechanical solutions with a minimum number of motors (e.g., generating multiple movements from a single motor via a camshaft).
A -10 Point penalty is applied for each physical intervention made to rescue or redirect a stuck part while the system is running.
-10 PointsIf the machine drops an object to the ground or throws it outside the competition area during transport, no points can be earned for that object.
0 Points (that object)If the mechanism breaks apart due to excessive strain during testing or creates a safety risk by throwing parts, the round is stopped by referee decision.
Round StoppedTake your place on the Atlantia STEM Olympiad stage with your innovative mechanical system.