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STEM Challenge

DEADLINE EXTENDED to 26th April 2024

Calling all young innovators! Are you passionate about science, technology, design, and building robots? Then get ready to take part in something extraordinary!

This year, India is searching for its brightest for the FIRST Global Challenge 2024. This international robotics competition unites students from around the world to tackle real-world challenges, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Eligibility Criteria:

Ages of 14 to 18 and have a group of science enthusiasts to make a team of 5 people, then you can participate.

The team must also include a technical mentor who could be a teacher, parent or even a professional.

Mission

Design and build a robot that can walk without using electricity.

Creator of the challenge

This year’s STEM challenge was curated by Deepak Pathania, who also runs a popular Youtube Channel “d’Art of Science” teaches Creativity and Design, through Hands-on Science.

Deepak is an inventor & industrial designer from the National Institute of Design. In the past he has created Fun Science content for TV shows like F.A.Q on POGO and Science with BrainCafe on zee.

He Founded Design Intervention in 1998, and has worked on award winning multidisciplinary design projects over the past 2+ decades and currently he’s designing mobility solutions like a VTOL, 5 passenger, wingless, amphibious craft for coastal operations and Island hopping.

Rules of the Challenge

Here are some more rules that you need to keep in mind while you’re building this marvel.

      1. The Robot has to “walk”: Rolling, sliding, gliding, flying or vibrating actions are not allowed. The robot can have 2 or even more than 2 legs, maximum being 8.
      2. You may use wheels on the robot but only for providing support to the robot. The wheels should not provide power to propel the robot forward but only for balancing, if required.
      3. The team has to do everything by themselves. You cannot take professional help to make things . 
      4. All  parts of the body need to be made by you/team. You can use papier mache, recycled items, or even clay moulding. 3D printing and reusing existing toy parts as body and frame etc are not allowed.
      5. You may not reuse pre-built mechanisms from other devices such as walking toys. You may however build your own mechanisms by reusing gears and other parts from toys or robot kits.
      6. The robot should be small enough to fit inside a box of size 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches but large enough to be able to NOT fit inside a box of size 6 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches.
      7. Power source: Any external power source like springwind, windup energy, gravity power, harnessing wind etc can be used; Electricity directly powering a motor to move the robot cannot be used (including battery, solar etc). But electricity can be used to drive an external power source that doesn’t touch the robot. For example, you can use the breeze from a table fan to move the robot. The external power source may not come in direct contact with the robot at any point of time.
      8. The external power source should not be moved along the robot. It should remain in one place.
      9. The floor needs to be perfectly horizontal to gravity. It can be indoors or outdoors.
      10. The distance the Robot needs to cover is 10ft, on camera.
      11. If it is touched by anyone or supported in any way while it is in motion, then you should start from the beginning once again or the entry will be disqualified.

    https://youtu.be/8lEwmZsjLS0?si=PO34_hxYuZA_Uukv

    Reference video to help you check out existing walkers

    Selection Process

    First stage is 5 Min video to showcase your robot’s uniqueness, innovation, and understanding of scientific principles, you need to capture your robot’s journey in a 5-minute video. This video should include:

        • Team introductions: Who are you and what school do you represent?

        • Design process: How did you come up with your robot’s design?

        • Robot demonstration: Show your robot walking the entire 10-foot distance.

        • Explanation of unique features: What makes your robot stand out?

        • Hardware list: What materials did you use?

        • Team strengths: Why should you be chosen for Team India?

        • The deadline for submitting your video is 26th April 2024 (let this be as text so can extend the deadline) Upload your video to YouTube and include the link of the video in the application form.

      Judging Criteria

          • First, Innovation- How unique is your invention?

          • Second, Comprehension- Have you understood the principles working behind your Robot and have you maximised them to your advantage?

          • And third, Articulation- How well have you explained the working of your device in the video? Do you have a good understanding of the scientific principles involved?

        Second Stage: If you’re shortlisted, you will progress to the next round of selections – the Q&A round with judges. In this round, you will first be given 5 minutes to present your solution, followed by Q&A by judges for 15 min.

        Are you ready to take on the challenge? Get your team together, unleash your creativity, and build a robot that will walk your way into the FIRST Global Challenge!

        But wait, there’s more! The winning team doesn’t just get bragging rights. They win pride and lots and lots of exposure!

        The winning team will own the “Team India 2024” title and win an unforgettable experience: Also an amazing opportunity of travelling to the country hosting the FIRST Global Challenge 2024!

        If you have any queries, you may reach out to us by sending an email to addresses displayed on the screen as well as given in the description box below. 

        Nominate your team by Clicking Here 

        (For general queries, email teamindiafgc2023@gmail.com. Or whatsapp on 82082107911 )

        To all the teams participating, best of luck! Let’s show the world what Team India is made of!