2010 - 2011 K*bot World Championships Camp Official Guidebook®

(Made from K'NEX® Industries parts) See Disclaimer Information Section (August 4, 2010)  Note: Anything marked  in red below is new for 2010-2011. Please remember that the 2010-2011 Guidebook may add and change existing rules until the competition starts in 2011. Nothing is final in this Guidebook until July 25, 2011.

2010 - 2011 Basic Student Educational Competition Structure

Students will get the chance to test their engineering, logistics and construction skills for preparation K*bot matches throughout the week, with a competitor's performance each day contributing towards a seeding system for the Finals on Friday. All entrants except those in Division M will be competing on Friday, or the final day of the competition. For timing reasons, Division M Finals will run on Thursday. The strongest K*bots will be seeded in the first round. If there are an uneven number of students for the Finals, the top seed's will receive an automatic bye to the second round. A competition tournament is played until one winner remains.

Our goal at these K*bot competitions is to teach students engineering principles such as torque, traction, gearing mechanisms and center of gravity, as well as robotic design, logistics and construction skills to stimulate scientific creativity and imagination using K'NEX Industries parts, as we enhance students basic robotic design and technical skills. One team one goal is how I and my volunteers teach, meaning to bring all of our talented K*bot students together as one K*bot family dedicated to helping other K*bot students achieve their robotic goals.

Division 1 (two wheel drive) and Division 2 (four wheel drive)
For students aged 7 – 15 years. Two K*bots compete in every match. They are lined up opposite each other on a table measuring 6 ft (183 cm) x 2 ft 4 in (71 cm). At the starting signal, both machines are turned on and start moving towards each other. The aim is to push your opponent's K*bot off the edge of the table, (see section 2.7). The K*bot which goes off the table first loses and their opponent is the winner. A K*bot is adjudged to be off the table if any of its wheels are off, and can go off the table either on the side or at one of the ends. These Divisions encourage students to develop an understanding of concepts such as Traction, Torque, Center of Mass, Weight Distribution, and Gear Ratios.
 

Division 3 (Three Engine 3-channel remote control unit)
For students aged 9 – 16 years. These powerful remote control K'NEX Three Motor Division 3 K*bots will have weapons and score points this year. Two K*bots compete in every match. They are lined up opposite each other in a table-top arena measuring 6 ft (183 cm) x 3 ft (91.3 cm) with Plexiglas walls 1.5 inches above the surface of the competition table. At the starting signal, both K*bots may begin moving through radio control. The aim is to score points against an opponent for damaging attacks or pinning your opponent against the wall. The K*bot which amasses the most points over the 90 second match is the winner unless a K*bot is pushed over the 3.8 CM (1 and 1/2 inch) high Plexiglas wall, which counts as a automatic loss. This Division encourages students to develop an understanding of Radio Control Systems, Moving Weaponry and vital Tactical Control when driving their K*bots.

Division M (Manual K*bots)
For students aged 7 – 16 years. Division M K*bots are controlled manually (without a motor), following set rules of engagement. Two K*bots compete in every match. They are lined up opposite each other in a table-top arena measuring 6 ft (183 cm) x 3 ft (91.3 cm) with Plexiglas walls 1.5 inches above the surface of the competition table. The aim is to score points against an opponent for damaging attacks or flipping your opponent over. Matches will be played over 90 seconds, or until one of the K*bots is defeated by knock-out. This Division encourages students to develop an understanding of Pivots, Energy Transfer, Structure and Tactical Control when operating their K*bots.

K*bot World Championships Divisional Age Limits
These age limits take into consideration entry level building capabilities designed to create a graduated level of competition across each Division. Since Division 3 is generally more complex than Division 1, 2, and M the entry age is slightly higher. Generally the veteran competitors as in any sport who have years of experience will have an advantage when involved in building and competition, however, our veteran students and veteran teachers are taught to help  first and second year students achieve the maximum amount of understanding possible concerning the building of their K*bots.

Division 1   7 - 15 years         Division 2   7 - 15 years

Division 3   9 - 16 years         Division M  7 - 16 years

Registration for the 2011 K*bot World Championships
Tentative City of Las Vegas registration will begin on March 1, 2011 for the July 25-29, 2011 K*bot World Championships at the Leisure Center in Las Vegas; competitors are allowed to register in all 4 Divisions if they wish. (It is recommended limiting your entry to two or three Divisions at any one event, to ensure you get enough time to work on a K*bot for each Division). All K'NEX parts, motors and batteries are supplied for competitors at the K*bot World Championships.
 

General K*bot Divisional Rules  
S.1 Construction Rules (All Divisions)

1.1 Generally K*bots may only be made from commercial K'NEX parts as sold in official K'NEX sets or the K'NEX Education department. The two exceptions are 1) a small number of approved thin elastic bands, providing that these are not the sole means of holding 2 pieces of K'NEX parts together; and 2) Division 1 and 2 K*bots are permitted to carry a single Alliance Rubber ™ Band around each of their tires. All K*bots will also be issued an identity tag which is required to compete at the K*bot World Championships.

1.2 Mechanized parts must be made out of a recognized K'NEX kit and approved by the event referee. They may include  alkaline batteries (which are provided) and rubber bands not included with the kit. Division 3 K*bots must also carry a certified K*bot radio control receiver kit as part of their design.

1.3 Alliance Rubber Trademark Bands may only be used around the tires of the K*bots wheels. Their use anywhere else is ILLEGAL.

1.4 The number of gears in a K*bot is not limited, provided it is within reason. However, they may ONLY be used as part of the K*bot’s drive or weapon systems.

1.5 White “snowflake” connectors may not be used purely as ballast, due to part shortages. These connectors should only be used as part of a K*bot’s chassis structure.

1.6 Projectile weapon systems which can launch a K'NEX part clear off the K*bot are banned due to safety reasons. Any other weapons systems which the organizers deem too dangerous will also not be permitted.

1.7 All battery packs built into K*bots must be reasonably accessible and unobstructed, so that batteries may be changed quickly by approval of an instructor.

S.2 Division 1 & 2 Regulations

2.1 K*bots may weigh no more than 3 lb (1.3 kg), and measure no more than 26 inches (65 cm) long by 18 inches (45.5 cm) wide and 10 inches (25 cm) high. Division 1 and 2 K*bots are powered by a K'NEX Red Power Pack motor and 2 AA alkaline batteries. Note: All parts must be securely attached to the K*bot before the start of each match.

2.2 Students are limited to 4 medium wheels with tires per K*bot. Division 1 K*bots must have 2-wheel drive, and Division 2 K*bots must have 4-wheel drive. Only two wheels are permitted on each drive axle (Or set of axles in the transmission, if applicable).

2.3 K*bots must line up with their front wheels on or behind a white line, painted 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm) in from each end of the table. K*bots may start a match at an angle, provided they are not being moved by the operator at the time the match starts. If, for any reason, the K*bots do not touch when the match is started, the referee will restart the match.

2.4 Matches will be played over 90 seconds, or until one of the K*bots is pushed off the table.  If both K*bots are still running on the competition table after 90 seconds, the winner is adjudged by the referee to be the K*bot which has pushed its opponent furthest past the white center line. In these circumstances, measurements will be taken from the WHEEL which is furthest forward on each K*bot.

2.5 After 45 seconds, if the two K*bots are locked together and not moving, the referee may ‘tap the table’ by lifting and dropping each end of the table in sequence. The referee must tap equally at both ends of the table, even if the K*bots are moving. This movement is designed to dislodge the K*bots from a stalemate during the match, thus allowing the K*bots to begin moving again.

2.6 In the event of two K*bots leaving the table simultaneously, or if it is too close to call as to which went off first, the referee will order a rematch. Rematches last for 30 seconds.

2.7 If a K*bot is unable to move under its own power, (i.e. a K*bot that is turned or pushed up to a vertical position), it is considered to be immobile and is eliminated. K*bots tilted back and somehow still moving under their own power are not considered immobile. The referee will always have the final call on this rule.

2.8 Behind the rear wheels of a K*bot, no parts may protrude below 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) above the competition table surface. This is to prevent such devices acting as a “brake system”.

2.9 K*bots must remain in a constant gear ratio throughout a match. They may not be designed to “change gear”.

2.10 Certain types of disruptor K*bots (K*bots which are built with the sole intention of making both of the K*bots go off the side of the table) are now banned. However, you may get approval from the event coordinator or K*bot instructors on certain flex design K*bot front ends which do not appear to be designed for the sole purpose of disruption. The event coordinator or Referee will have the final call on this matter.

2.11 All rules may be subject to small changes at each individual event, at the organizer’s discretion, in order to address urgent problems which may arise with the rules during the event.

 
S.3 Division 3 Regulations

3.1 K*bots may weigh no more than 3 lb (1.3 kg), and measure no more than 26 inches (65 cm) long by 18 inches (45.5 cm) wide and 10 inches (25 cm) high, this doesn't include the extended weapon unit like a hammer or axe . Division 3 K*bots are powered by radio control units and coloured control motors. The green motor units must be only used for weapon systems and the blue and maroon motor units must be used only for drive train purposes to move the K*bot.

3.2 Students are limited to a maximum of 4 wheels of any size, and there is no limit as to how many wheels a permitted on each shaft. The use of Alliance Rubber™ bands is optional in Division 3, but if they are used, all students must have access to them.

3.3 K*bots must line up with their front wheels on or behind a white line, drawn at 40cm (16 in) in from each end of the table. K*bots may start a match at an angle, provided they are not being moved by the operator at the time the match starts.

3.4 Matches will be played over 90 seconds, or until one of the K*bots is rendered immobile. A K*bot is considered to be immobile when it is unable to move under its own power, (i.e. a K*bot that is turned or pushed up to a vertical position). K*bots tilted back and somehow still moving under their own power are not considered immobile. Please note that a K*bot in Division 3 may be unable to move, even with all its wheels on the floor. The referee will always have the final call on this rule.

3.5 If a K*bot leaves the arena at any point, or is hanging over the Plexiglas wall during a match and is unable to move independently after 10 seconds, it is automatically eliminated. (Note: In Qualifying matches, winners by knockout will gain an additional 6 points to their points score.)

3.6 A Damage Point is scored only when a K*bot dislodges a K'NEX part or cluster of parts from its opponent K*bot (one point per part or cluster dislodged), or when a K*bot pins its opponent against a wall for three seconds (only one pin against a wall point per attack). Parts lost from a K*bot during a match for any reason will be counted against the owner of the K*bot provided they can be verified by the referee.

3.7 Two K'NEX orange connectors (called orange ladder target parts) will be placed on each K*bot before each match by the referee. These orange connector ladder parts are considered bonus parts. The object is to dislodge these orange K'NEX bonus parts to gain points during the match. Each orange ladder bonus part is worth 2 points if dislodged from the K*bot.

3.8 Each K*bot may only score up to a maximum of five points per attack. After this total has been reached, the operator is obligated to back away 12 inches from the opposing K*bot before scoring further points. He is also obligated to back away 12 inches after a three-second pin of the opposing K*bot against the wall. The referee may also call for the K*bots to stop, and separate them by moving them back 12 inches to resume another attack. Unlike Division M, you are not obligated to let your opponent return fire with their weapon if you can move away fast enough.

3.9 The K*bot amassing the most points in the match is the winner. If scores are level after 90 seconds, the winner will be the K*bot which has sustained the least damage. If scores are still tied at this point, the match will continue into overtime until the first point is scored. The first K*bot to score a point will be the winner. Overtime requires the referee to place the two orange connector (ladder) bonus parts back on each K*bot before the match is resumed.

3.10 If during a match "it is apparent" to the referee after about 20 seconds that the Division 3 student is deliberately not engaging their opponent, they will be given a first warning that they will receive a penalty of one point if they do not attack in the next 10 seconds.

 

S.4 Division M Regulations

4.1 K*bots must weigh between 1 lb and 1½ lb. Mechanised parts may not be used in Division M.  The maximum dimensions permitted at the K*bot World Championships are 20 inches (50 cm) in length by 12 inches (30 cm) in width and height. K*bots must use wheels for mobility, although the size and number is not restricted.

4.2 Matches are played over 90 seconds, or until one of the K*bots leaves the arena. Both K*bots will start behind a white line drawn at 40cm in from each end of the table. It is up to the operator how they wish to start their K*bot.

4.3 K*bots must be moved by pushing in the direction that the K*bot is to move. Once the K*bot has sufficient inertia to move by itself, operators must remove their hand. It is illegal for an operator to have their hand on their K*bot while it is moving.

4.4   Operators must try to move their K*bots together. Each operator is obligated to wait until the other is ready to move. As soon as both operators are ready, movement may take place – we suggest: “1, 2, 3, move on go,” for tactical reasons. Note that spinning disc weapons must also be activated before movement.

4.5 All moving mechanisms must be activated by using a pivot mechanism on the K*bot itself, or by movement around a fixed point by turning a crank or lever. The weapon shaft may not be directly operated by hand.

4.6  A K*bot can use any active weapons it supports as soon as both K*bots come to a halt after movement. Both operators must be given the time they need to use their weapons, although they may choose not to. A K*bot may only fire ONE weapon in a single turn. When a flipper K*bot is ready to try and flip it's opponent he or she must warn the opponent by saying "I am going to Flip". This allows the other student time to back up and be ready to catch their own K*bot if launched.

4.7 If both K*bots are still competing after 90 seconds, the winner is adjudged to be the K*bot which has scored the most points during the match. Points can be scored in the following ways:-

i)             ONE point will be awarded for each successful flip by an active weapon flipper, in which all the opposing K*bot’s wheels are lifted off the ground.

ii)       TWO points will be awarded for each damaging hit by an active weapon hammer or spinning disc. Note that points will ONLY be counted if damage is caused.

iii)     ONE point will be awarded for each piece of damage that is caused by means other than an active weapon (i.e. if a K*bot accidentally damages itself).

4.7 For Division M, “damage” means every part, or cluster of parts, that becomes completely detached from a K*bot during a match. Note that ‘blue washers’ are not included in this tally.

4.8 Penalty points may be awarded against your K*bot (i.e. to an opponent) for any infringements of the regulations during a match. These are awarded at the referee’s discretion.

4.9 If a K*bot gets stuck in a position where it cannot move because none of its wheels are touching the floor, the operator may return the K*bot to its wheels by turning it over and placing it in the EXACT spot where it fell.

4.10 If a K*bot leaves the arena at any time, it is eliminated from the competition. (Note: In qualifying matches, winners by knockout will gain additional points added to their score. The exact total awarded will be at the referee’s discretion, and will take account of the time elapsed in the match so far and the average points scored by other winning K*bots.)

4.11  If scores are level after 90 seconds, any accrued damage points will be used as a tie-break. If this still does not break the tie, then the match will continue until the first point is scored (including damage).

4.12  Any parts which become completely detached from a K*bot during the course of a match "may not be re-attached" for the duration of the competition. However, parts which end up hanging loose from a K*bot may be re-attached after each match. Parts may not be repaired during a match itself.

 

S.5 General Competition Rules for all Divisions

5.1 All K*bots will be issued with an identity tag depicting the name of the builder and the K*bot’s Division. This tag must be securely attached to the K*bot AT ALL TIMES for you to compete and is designed to prevent your K*bots from becoming lost.

5.2 You may not remove parts from any tagged K*bot without the owner’s permission. In the event of part shortages, you are encouraged to either use parts from spare, unused K*bots or find alternative parts to use instead.

5.3 Students are not permitted to run around the competition arena at any time, as this is dangerous to yourself and others.

5.4 All students must take part in at least two qualifying matches during the week in each Division they are registered in. The draw for the Finals will be directly representative of a student’s performance in qualifying. In short, the better you do in qualifying, the easier your first-round draw will be.

5.5 Students are able to make any changes they wish to their K*bots on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, provided that they stay within the regulations with the changes they make. Generally there will be NO changes permitted on Friday, aside from emergency repair work to your K*bot in its original final form). This means that when you start the Finals on Thursday (Division M) or Friday (all other Divisions), you MAY NOT add or remove any parts from your K*bot. (Note: see rule 4.12 for Division M.)

5.6 Students are expected to use their own ideas when building a K*bot, and so making a carbon copy of another K*bot is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED, though not illegal. However, you are encouraged to sit by your friend and work together on your K*bots at your assigned table to build, provided that you have informed the event coordinator of your intentions and exact location.

5.7 We discourage students from bringing their own K*bots from home. K*bots brought from home to the K*bot World Championships must be taken to the event coordinator for K*bot non-entry yellow tag status. Students bringing K*bots from home will have to build a replica (copy), since we have no way of telling for sure who built it and so will not permit it into our competition. Students attempting to remove the non-entry yellow tag, or switch the replica K*bot with their original, may be banned from the K*bot World Championships competition.

Note: Generally, we do not permit students to operate another person’s K*bot (even if not feeling well), however, extreme exceptions with personal visit of the student’s parent will be considered by the event director. K*bots built in the United Kingdom which are not able to be operated by the original builder (due to occasional parental travel issues) will be assigned to a non-competing student in the relevant Division. This student will be then be the designated operator during the week. All UK K*bots must be fully registered in advance and paid for to participate in the competition.

5.8 Building second K*bots in one K*bot division is only permitted for veteran K*bot students. No first year student is permitted to build a second K*bot in one division.

5.9 All rules may be subject to small changes at each individual event, at the organizer’s discretion, in order to address urgent problems which may arise with the rules during the event.

 

Robotic Developmental Testing events. These special K*bot Testing events will help us develop 21st century concepts with existing K*bot Divisions as well as develop future K*bot Divisions through expanded alternative forms of mobility and enhance the engineering principle concepts associated with them. Proposed rules for these developmental testing events for the K*bot World Championships are listed below.

Small-Scale (SS) K*bots             

S.6  New proposed Small-Scale (SS) K*bot Division for 7 and 8 year old students who love to build small robots with K’NEX is ready to be tested. This proposed testing of a new future Division for the K*bot World Championships will be tested later this summer or fall in 2010. It will be considered for an official future K*bot Division (provided the interest in the SS K*bots is high at this age level and it addresses the concerns of the 7 and 8 year old students)

6.1 K*bots may weigh no more than 1 lb (450g), and measure no more than 7 inches (18 cm) long by 6 inches (15 cm) wide, with one exception, the single axle with its two medium wheels are permitted on your Division SS K*bot. This single axle is permitted to include the 7 ½ inch (19 cm) long K’NEX Black Rod, use only for its power train axle. You are permitted to use a smaller rod for your axle, however the 19 cm black rod gives you more structural K*bot stability during a Division SS battle. The height limit is 15.2 cm (6 in). Division SS K*bots are powered by a K'NEX Red Power Pack motor and 2 AA alkaline batteries. All parts of any kind must be securely attached to the K*bot before the start of each match. Please ensure your K*bot is complete before approaching the competition table. 

6.2 K*bots may be of two types, non gear reduction K*bots or single gear reduction K*bots. However there might be battle advantages in both types of K*bots. Single gear reduction K*bots will be more powerful, however, they will move slower over the shortened 60 second time limit battle and might not have as much of a surface traction advantage as the much heavier Division 1 K*bots. Non gear reduction K*bots will move faster when meeting gear reduction K*bots and should meet to start the battle about 12 inches inside the gear reduction K*bots side of the center line. The SS Division starting line is only 45.7 cm (18 inches) from the center line with on 91.4 cm (36 inches) to cover before the match starts. Students are limited to 2 medium wheels on one shaft. A single K*bot rubber tire band for traction is permitted on each tire. This Division is only 2-wheel drive.
 
6.3 K*bots must line up with their single axle wheels on or behind a white line, painted at about 45 cm (18 in) from the center line on the middle of the table. K*bots must start a match straight and directly pointing at the center of the opposing K*bot, not at an angle, provided that they do not consistently drift a little to the left or right during starts of each match. Since Division SS K*bots are only 15.2 cm (6 in) wide they might not always touch each other when the match is started as they start moving toward each other, if this happens the referee will start the match over. SS K*bots also use the Division 1 and 2 table during their competition.

 6.4 Matches will be played over 60 seconds, or until one of the K*bots is pushed off the table. If both K*bots are still running and on the competition table after 60 seconds, a decision will be made by the referee based on how far past the white center line a K*bot has been pushed. Measurements are taken only along a line which is at the center of their single axle Wheels position.
 
 6.5 After 45 seconds, if the two K*bots are locked together and not moving, the referee may ‘tap the table’ by lifting and dropping each end of the table in sequence. However, tapping must always occur on both competitors side of the table an equal number of times during the match, even if the K*bots are moving. This movement is designed to dislodge the K*bots from a stalemate during the match, thus allowing the K*bots to begin moving again.
 
6.6 In the event of two K*bots leaving the table simultaneously, or if it is too close to call as to which went off first, the referee will order a rematch. Rematches last for 30 seconds.
 
 6.7 A K*bot is also eliminated if it is flipped over on its side with none of its wheels touching the arena surface and no longer able to move at any time during a match. K*bots tilted back are not considered flipped unless they fall over backwards on their back during the match without outside intervention. The referee will always have the final call.

6.8 Behind the rear wheels of a K*bot, no parts may protrude below 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) above the competition table surface. This is to prevent such devices acting as a “brake system”.

6.9 All rules may be subject to small changes at each individual Event, at the organizer’s discretion, in order to address urgent problems which may arise with the rules during the event.

Send your comments or suggestions to: Tom Vermersch, Owner/Director K*bot World Championships at  tvercver@cox.net

      

S.8 Signed Release Forms

All parents or legal guardians of students competing must sign an Acknowledgment of Risk and Hold Harmless release form exactly as it states in order for their child to compete. Signing these release forms has the following effects:- Parent(s) / Guardian(s) are made aware of the risks involved in the competition and hereby agree to knowingly and freely accept any and all inherent legal responsibilities and risks, even if arising from our unintentional negligence including, but not limited to, loss or damage of equipment, injury, death, illness and other event related risks. Parent(s) / Guardian(s) agree to indemnify and hold harmless all people in any way associated with Mr. Vermersch who organizes the event concerning the release from any and all liability to their minor child. Parent(s) / Guardian(s) agree to allow digital competition photographs and camcorder videos to be taken during the event solely for the purpose of kbotworld.com website marketing the event promotion, and City of Las Vegas event media needs.

Disclaimer Information Section

Each regional K*bot camp / event is organized by a separate organization, person or entity which alone is responsible for their own actions and all K*bot event related legal ramifications. The K*bot World Championships, hosted by the City Of Las Vegas, is solely operated by Thomas Vermersch under the direct supervision of the City Of Las Vegas Veterans' Memorial Leisure Services Center staff which follows all Leisure Center rules which could supersede any rule in this rulebook. Companies, corporations, and individuals which might give limited support to the K*bot World Championships, are not liable in any form for Thomas Vermersch's actions or K*bot World Championships operation. Please note that K'NEX Industries Inc. which provides some K'NEX parts if needed for the K*bot World Championships is not a sponsor of these events and is not liable in any form for their operation.

The event holder Thomas Vermersch or City of Las Vegas host site is not responsible in any way for any K*bots or parts brought from home or overseas that are missing, lost or damaged during the 2011 K*bot World Championships.

The camp / event organizer Thomas Vermersch makes no representations, including errors or omissions, and assume no responsibility or liability for damages or harm of any kind to anyone in relation to this 2011 K*bot World Championships or Guidebook, or actions in any form related to it. This document should not be construed as granting by implication, or otherwise, any license or right to use any K*bot World Championships registered service mark contained herein without the written permission of Thomas Vermersch, Owner / Instructor of the K*bot World Championships. Final approval and related changes by the City of Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center director or staff at any time concerning anything placed in this 2011 K*bot World Championships Guidebook will supersede anything in this Guidebook.

Appendix A – Event staff

Keeping a watchful eye over student competition proceedings will be Thomas Vermersch, the Event Coordinator and Instructor / Referee. He will have a Leisure Center staff person to oversee all proceedings. The City of Las Vegas has full control over these K*bot camps since they are a part of their City of Las Vegas Specialty Camps. The City of Las Vegas Leisure Center rules and regulations will supersede all rules in the K*bot rulebook if needed.

In the unfortunate, but unlikely, instance it is possible that all of a competitor's K*bots will be disqualified from any remaining competition if the violation was judged as totally unacceptable or threatening behavior by the Leisure Center staff. At the discretion of the Thomas Vermersch with the approval of the Leisure Center staff, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the disqualified student will be contacted to explain what has happened. No Event Refund might be forthcoming for students who have been disqualified for these serious behavior violations.

 

Glossary of Terms

Active Weapon - A moving weapon part which is activated by the operator. Passive Weapons (i.e. spikes or ramming devices) do not score ‘Attack Points’ in Division M, although they may well be useful for gaining ‘Damage Points’.

Alliance Rubber™ bands - Special rubber “tyres” which fit around the wheels of Division 1 and 2 K*bots. These bands give a K*bot more grip on the arena floor.

Attack Points - These are gained in Division M for every successful Attack on an opponent during a match.

 Brake System - A device on a Division 1 / 2/ 3 K*bot which is designed to prevent the K*bot from being pushed backwards. These devices are now ILLEGAL. Behind the rear wheels of a K*bot, no parts may protrude below 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) above the competition table surface. This is to prevent such devices acting as a “brake system”.

Competition Tables (for K*bot World Championships) - Aluminum 30" by 72" flat table covered with YEMM & HART tire veneer for Division 1 & 2 K*bots. In Division 3 &M the flat aluminum table is 36" by 72"also covered with YEMM & HART tile veneer covered with a 6 inch high clear Plexiglas wall around the perimeter area of K*bot competition table.

Damage Points - These are gained in Division 3 and Division M for every piece (or cluster) of Damage which comes detached from an opponent’s K*bot during a match. Damage Points are counted even if a K*bot causes Damage to itself. If damage cannot be determined for any reason beyond a reasonable doubt by the referees, no point will be awarded.

Drive Shaft & Axle - The Rods which runs through the K’Nex motor, and through the center of the wheels, causing them to turn whenever the motor is switched on.

Gear Reduction - An optional mechanism which can be built into a Division 1, 2, or 3 K*bots to modify the power of the motor’s drive. It works by reducing speed and increasing torque, making the K*bot more powerful. This can be done multiple times. In the UK, this is known as downshifting.

Pivot Mechanism - A pivot mechanism is used to activate most moving Weaponry systems on a K*bot. It consists of a handle or lever, a pivot and a shaft:-

Handle / Lever - The part of the mechanism which is pushed in order to create  movement of the weapon.

Pivot - The part which joins the Handle or Lever to the Shaft. The Pivot itself is a piece which is able to move around a fixed point such as a rod.

Shaft - The part of the mechanism which is moved by pushing the handle or lever. It usually forms the active part of the weapon (e.g. a flipper).

Rods, Connectors & Gears - The official name for the different K’Nex pieces.

 

Toby Wheeler and Dave Weston UK's Handy Hints

for getting started on K*bots

If you have never built with K’Nex before, or if you are an experienced builder

and just need a few tips on designing a successful K*bot, this section will help

you get started.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

These are only a small selection of the strategies which can be used to build a strong K*bot.

Note: Tentative Schedule only, the City of Las Vegas will decide later this year on all approved 2011 Leisure Services activities, schedules and locations.

 2011 K*bot World Championships tentative general Information schedule for your student

2011 K*bot World Championships on July 25 - 29, 2011 at the City Of Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr. Las Vegas, Nevada 89144

Division M  7 - 16 years (32 Competitors) Championship finals begin at 4 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday  July 28, 2011

K*bot Ollie Awards and Pro-Challenge 2011 K*bot Ollie Awards (student achievement awards) begin at 6 PM - 6 :30 PM Thursday July 28, 2011

Division 2   7 - 15 years (40 Competitors) Championship finals begin at 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Friday July 29, 2011

Division 1   7 - 15 years (40 Competitors) Championship finals begin at 12:00 Noon - 2:30 PM Friday July 29, 2011 

Note: Friday July 29, 2011 Lunch 11:30 AM until 12:00 Noon

Division 3   9 - 16 years (32 Competitors) Championship finals begin at 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Friday July 29, 2011


Good Luck with your (Division 1-2-3-M) K*bots and we hope to see you at the 2011 K*bot World Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center next summer.

 

For Camp Reservations call the City of Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center at (702-229-1100)