Q & A - Rule’s supplementary document#
� How can we make our robotics performance “innovative”?#
“Innovative” refers to a creative, novel, and effective use of technology to enhance a robotic performance. It is about using technology in a way that no one used before, using creative design or construction with robots, or programming robots to show new capabilities to engage the audience during the performance.
Innovation is about how the technology is used to improve the performance, rather than just the complexity of the technology itself.
Innovations can be shown in the following ways:
Novel Technology Use: Employing sensors (light, sound, color, distance), materials, or software in unique, unexpected ways (the catch is “no one has done it before!”).
Performance Enhancement: Innovation must add value to the theme, storytelling, or artistic expression in the performance and/or encouraging audience participation.
Multi-robot Interactions: Developing dynamic interaction between multiple robots or between robots and their environment/humans, rather than relying on pre-programmed, static movements. - Originality: Moving away from standard, off-the-shelf designs toward unique, original hand-built designs that show the team’s creativity.
An innovative solution is about originality, creativity, and the “wow factor” achieved through the team’s own creation with the materials in hand rather than just buying expensive components, and they must add value to the robotic performance.
Some examples may be the following:
Original mechanical transmission designs capable of displaying entertaining movements and actions.
Originally developed a software system for interaction between various types of control units and electronic devices of robots and props.
New ways to trigger interactions between robots and the environment. The audience reactions (i.e., applaud rhythmically) trigger different robot reactions or movements. Or a robot uses lights and/or sounds to demonstrate synchronization with the audience reactions with sound sensors.
AI algorithms developed by the team.
� What Makes a Good OnStage Technical Video Presentation?#
We expect a technical video to clearly explain what your key robotic features are, how they work, why you designed them that way, and how they contribute to the overall OnStage performance, by using clear evidence and reasoning. The technical video is not a performance video or promotional trailer. Judges use the video to understand technical details that may not be visible during the live performance and to help form questions to ask during the technical interview.
Focus on the Chosen Robotic Features. Teams must clearly present their selected robotic features. Each feature should be named, demonstrated, and explained. Judges expect consistency between the technical video, poster, interview, and performance. Clear and Logical Structure. High‑scoring videos follow a clear structure that is easy for the audience to follow, such as: introduction, system overview, feature‑by‑feature explanation, explanation of how features are integrated in the performance, and a short conclusion. Explain Why, Not Just What. Judges reward engineering reasoning. Teams should explain why particular hardware, software, or mechanical design choices were made and how these choices support the performance. Show Real Technical Evidence. Strong videos use the robots movements rather than pictures alone. This may include close‑ups of sensors, robots reacting to inputs, annotated demonstrations, or brief views of code logic with the team’s explanation. The robots should be “naked” (without costume) rather than shown in their final costumes. Be Clear About your use of AI. If AI is used in development or operation, the video should clearly explain how it is used and what the team understands about it. Technical Clarity Over Visual Effects. Good quality audio, clear visuals, steady shots, and readable annotations are more important than cinematic editing or special effects. Include captions in English. Common Mistakes to Avoid. Common issues include repeating the performance video, failing to identify features clearly, lacking the explanation of design decisions, and making unsupported claims of innovation.
� Can the participant move a prop during the performance?#
A static prop may be moved during the performance if it is part of the storyline and enhances the narrative. It is important that this action is clearly communicated to the judges in advance, both in the documentation and during the interview, so that it is understood as a planned element rather than an unplanned human intervention. You can move the prop as long as it doesn’t alter the robot’s behavior. However, human actions should not distract the robots, which must remain the primary focus of the performance.
� Can we prepare slides or a formal presentation for the interview?#
The interview is meant to be a conversation between the judges and the team, so there is no need to prepare formal presentation slides or memorize a script. Judges are much more interested in hearing the team explain the project naturally, demonstrating the robots, and answering questions about the design process, programming, challenges, and chosen features. You are welcome to use your poster or simple visual materials to help explain ideas if needed, but focus mainly on being prepared to discuss and demonstrate your project confidently as a team.
� What are props? How should we use them during an OnStage performance?#
A prop is an object used on a stage during a performance. Props should only be used if they make the robotic performance better.
⛓️💥Interactive props are objects that can interact with other robots with sensors and/or actuators. If you plan to use props during the performance this is the type of prop that is encouraged. Interactive props can be wearable objects that interact with the robots, for example, a glove.
🧱Static props are non-interactive objects, such as cardboard scenery that robots or other interactive props on stage do not interact with. Static props are like decorations on the stage. Static props can be set on stage if they are used by robots or interactive props to interact with. However, they can make it difficult for the robot performances to be seen by the judges and audience. Teams can use the backdrop to “set the scene”. If they do not add significant value to the performance as a whole, teams should consider turning them into interactive props or use less static props on the stage.
Teams are encouraged to use portable, not too large, interactive props that contribute to the robotic performance. Teams are not rewarded for filling the stage with static props; these are ignored for judging. Props should be kept small and light weight. Teams must be able to move the props and robots without assistance. Teams are encouraged to use sustainable and recycled materials for props.
🗝Key Rules and Restrictions
Location: All props must fit within the defined 5m x 4m stage boundary.
Safety: No hazardous substances, projectiles, fire, smoke, or water are allowed.
Electricity: Nothing should be plugged into 240v mains electricity, including props.
Focus: The focus must remain on the robots, not the props or humans.
Examples of props good to be used during a performance include:
A wall that is used by a robot to show how it can avoid the wall. The wall is a static prop.
A door that opens when a robot gets close to it either by the robot sending a signal to the door to signal or the door has a sensor that detect the robot getting closer. The wall is an interactive prop as it uses sensors to interact with the robot.
A tree that receives a signal from the door (in the above example) and swings. The tree and door are interactive props.
You can watch past performances on our YouTube channel for inspiration! https://www.youtube.com/@rcjonstage