Robotics Category C β€” Open AI Rescue Robotics

ROBOTICS CATEGORY C

Open AI Rescue Robotics

Use any school-approved robot to solve the Highway Collapse rescue mission. Train your own AI Pose model for up to +20 bonus points.

πŸ€– Year 3 – Year 12πŸ‘₯ Individual or Team (1–4)πŸ”“ Any Robot Platform

Your Mission 🎯

Design, build, and program a robot that solves a Highway Collapse rescue problem β€” search, detect, deliver supplies, clear obstacles, or control traffic.

Category C is an open platform category: use LEGO, micro:bit, Arduino, VEX, MRT, Raspberry Pi, or any school-approved robot.

🧠 2026 Focus: Students are strongly encouraged to train a Google Teachable Machine Pose Classification model and use it to control their robot. Successful AI-to-robot integration receives up to +20 bonus points.

Two Ways to Participate πŸ›€οΈ

Standard Open Robotics

Use any robot platform to complete a rescue mission. Program with any language or tool.

Scoring: 100 points (base)

⭐ AI-Enhanced Open Robotics

Train your own Teachable Machine Pose model and connect it to control your robot via body movements.

Scoring: 100 points + up to +20 AI Bonus


Accepted Robot Platforms πŸ€–

βœ… LEGO SPIKE Primeβœ… LEGO EV3βœ… micro:bitβœ… Arduinoβœ… Raspberry Piβœ… VEXβœ… MRTβœ… Other school-approved robots

Coding tools: Any language or environment β€” block coding, MakeCode, Python, C++, Scratch, or MRT AI Studio.


Mission Ideas πŸ’‘

MissionDescription
Survivor Detection RobotUse sensors to detect people or objects in a collapse zone
Supply Delivery RobotTransport medical supplies to a destination through obstacles
Hazard Zone ExplorerNavigate debris and mark danger areas
Smart Traffic ControlUse lights, barriers, or signals to reroute traffic around the collapse
AI Pose-Controlled Rescue BotControl the robot with body movements via Teachable Machine
Temporary Bridge BuilderTransport and assemble parts for a temporary crossing

Evaluation Criteria πŸ“Š

Base Score β€” 100 points

CriteriaBeginning (1)Developing (2)Accomplished (3)Exemplary (4)Weight
Problem SolvingNo clear problemProblem identified but weak solutionClear problem β†’ solution designInnovative, well-researched approachΓ—5 = 20
Robot DesignRobot doesn’t functionBasic movement onlyEffective structure and componentsElegant engineering with clear purposeΓ—5 = 20
Coding & ControlNo working codeBasic commands onlyLogic, conditions, sensors usedRobust, well-structured programΓ—5 = 20
Mission PerformanceMission not attemptedPartial missionMission mostly completedFull mission success with precisionΓ—5 = 20
PresentationNo explanationBrief overviewClear demo + explanationExcellent walkthrough of design processΓ—4 = 20

⭐ AI Bonus β€” up to +20 points

AI ElementBonusRequirement
Custom AI Model+5Student/team trained their own Teachable Machine Pose model
Pose Recognition Quality+5Stable, accurate recognition of 3+ distinct poses
AI-to-Robot Integration+5Pose recognition results connected to real robot movements
AI Mission Usefulness+5AI control meaningfully helps complete the rescue mission

Maximum Total: 120 points


Submission Requirements πŸ“¦

  • A video link (YouTube Unlisted) β€” max 3 minutes, uncut robot performance recommended
  • Robot and components used
  • Coding tool or language used
  • A short description (300+ characters)
  • If AI is used: Teachable Machine model URL

Australian Curriculum Connections πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

Curriculum AreaConnection
Digital TechnologiesAI control, sensor input, autonomous logic, robot programming, digital solutions
Design & TechnologiesOpen robot design, prototyping, testing, iterative improvement for real-world problems
ScienceForces, motion, friction, motors, structural stability, sensors
MathematicsMeasurement, distance, angles, timing, path planning, data accuracy
HASS / GeographyRoad collapse impact, safety systems, community infrastructure, disaster response
Critical & Creative ThinkingDesigning innovative solutions, evaluating effectiveness, creative engineering

Aligned with Australian Curriculum V9.0

“Any robot. Any code. Add AI to go further.”

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Australian Government UNSW built Environment MRT Robotics Partnership Inquiries Your Logo Here
Organised In Partnership With UNSW Built Environment
Supported By
πŸ”Ή UNSW Built Environment Women in Construction Project πŸ”Ή Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women πŸ”Ή MRT Robotics (mrtrobotics.com) e-learning system

Corporate sponsors are acknowledged for supporting specific RCC events, awards, programs or student initiatives. Sponsor recognition does not imply endorsement by participating schools, public institutions or universities. Names and logos of institutions are used only where permission has been granted.