The “First XROBOCON” supported by Tokyo Electron (TEL) was held at the Expo in Osaka over two days on August 26 and 27.
The concept of this XROBOCON was “creating the technology for 20 years into the future,” and is a new contest that combines robotics, AI (artificial intelligence), and GAME (strategy and direction).
In this competition entitled “Summon! Xtreme Sumo,” robots operated by AI compete against each other in attaining coins set upon a circular sumo ring on a platform stacked in three tiers. The first team to get 20 coins is the winner (consisting of three rounds that last three minutes each, the first team to win two rounds is the winner).
With 18 coins in the first field and two on the top platform, and because after obtaining a coin, another one can only be obtained after four seconds have passed, competitors cannot meet the requirements for victory unless they can climb to the top platform. A highlight is watching the competitors’ tactics, such as how they observe each other’s movements and strategize the order in which to gather coins.
There are two novel points that differ from the conventional Robocon.
The first is that the robots are operated by AI. AI interprets information such as “coin acquisition status,” “positioning information,” “passage of time,” and “various sensors (placed on the robots)” and leads the robots through the optimal route to victory, with participants using only the operation button to send instructions on strategy to the AI.
The second point is the use of “SIM to REAL*¹” technology.
Each team’s AI simulated results are presented just like a video game to the audience on a mega screen in the venue. How “SIM to REAL” is adapted is also part of the evaluation, giving competitors no time to relax.
And as suggested in the “Summon” in the competition title, the robots of each team put on a summoning performance. How the robots engage the audience is also a highlight of the competition.
Spectators also enjoy the competition that fused “virtual x real” and “technology x entertainment.”
Mixed teams of working adults and students was a feature of this contest, and the four participating teams competed against each other in attaining coins placed on a three-tiered sumo ring using AI operated robots which implemented original technology developed by each team.
The team introductions brought out the uniqueness of each team, with teams projecting avatars on to the mega screen, presenting stories, or showcasing the personalities of the presenters.
TEL is also a sponsor for the KOSEN Robocon, Gakusei Robocon, and ABU Robocon, and will continue to support a wide variety of “Roboconists.”
*¹SIM to REAL… The technology in which movements are thought out using simulations and that enables actual robots to move in reality according to the simulations.
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