The time has come when robots can be created while learning programming by becoming familiar with robots and purchasing kits even for ordinary people.
Along with that, robot contests and robot competitions are held frequently, but do you know “micromouse”?
When asked what kind of robot competition is, “micromouse” was a typical one, but now it is becoming a competition known to those who know it.
In fact, I would like you to know the deep “micromouse” that is famous all over the world.
What is a “micromouse”?
This is a competition in which self-supporting robots created by the participants autonomously explore the maze and compete for the shortest time to reach the goal.
This competition was advocated by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) in 1977, and has been held every year in Japan as the “All Japan Micromouse Tournament” since 1980, and next year will be the 40th year.
See the video below for the competition
Software control is important as well as hardware
“Micromouse” is a competition for speed, but you have to reach the goal by running independently.
Small and lightweight hardware is not excellent, and software that allows it to run stably is also required. It is necessary to develop large-scale software that includes not only control but also route planning.
Ingenuity for the fastest time
The route to the goal is not limited to one, and the shortest route is not always the fastest route. The road to a high score is to calculate the “fastest route, not the shortest” based on the running characteristics of the aircraft, not limited to mechanical control such as long distances but many straight lines.
At the tournament, you can see the aircraft running in various ways, such as moving diagonally on a zigzag route with exquisite control, and accelerating on a straight road to shorten the time.
Deep micromouse
The basic rules of “micromouse” have not changed for decades since it was first proposed.
In other competitions, there are generally changes in regulations and rules, but “micromouses” have very loose regulations.
Generally, there are many aircraft that run on two wheels, but there are also mice with three to six wheels, and there is no problem even if the maze sticks to the floor like a vacuum cleaner.
In the first place, it is not limited to wheels, and it is possible to participate by walking on two legs.
The regulation is loose, the maze search algorithm is different for each person, and the route to the goal is not limited to one. This deep competition cannot be seen in other robot competitions.
If you are interested, please try it.
Information on the 40th All Japan Micromouse Tournament: https://www.ntf.or.jp/mouse/micromouse2019/index.html
Thumbnail image quote … Wikipedia