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FAQs
The NERC FAQs page is your go-to resource for answers to commonly asked questions about the National Engineering Robotics Contest. Whether you’re a participant, mentor, or enthusiast, this page provides detailed insights into event guidelines, competition rules, and more. Explore the NERC FAQs to get all the information you need to ensure a smooth and successful experience at the contest.
General
1. Is free accommodation available for nerc 2025?
No, we’re not providing on-campus accomodations for NERC’25. So, Please read the instructions for this year’s accommodations.
2. What is the schedule for NERC'25?
The event is from 19 to 21 June 2025 and this is the schedule we have decided upon link
SumoWars
1. What is SumoWars?
SumoWars is a robotics competition where robots attempt to push their opponents out of a circular ring, inspired by traditional sumo wrestling.
2. Are there size and weight restrictions for Sumo bots?
Yes, robots must adhere to the size and weight limits specified in the rulebook. These restrictions ensure fair competition.
3. Are weapons allowed in Sumo Wars?
No, Sumo bots are typically unarmed. The focus is on strategic pushing, maneuvering, and staying within the ring.
4. How are matches judged?
Matches are judged based on which robot successfully pushes its opponent out of the ring. The winner is declared when one robot forces the other out or immobilizes it.
5. What makes a good Sumo robot?
Low center of gravity, high torque motors, durable treads or wheels for grip, and efficient weight distribution are key to building a successful Sumo bot.
6. What robots can participate in sumowars?
Remote controlled robots are allowed to participate in sumowars (tethered robots are not allowed).
Lightweight RoboWars
1. How is Lightweight RoboWars different from the main RoboWars category?
Lightweight RoboWars features smaller and more agile robots with a maximum weight limit (specified in the rules). The focus is on speed, strategy, and innovation.
2. Can lightweight robots use the same weapons as in the main category?
Yes, lightweight robots can use similar weapons, but they must adhere to weight and size restrictions. Safety remains a priority.
3. Are there any specific challenges in building a lightweight robot?
The biggest challenge is balancing weight with durability and weapon efficiency. Lightweight bots require compact designs and careful material selection.
4. How long do matches typically last?
Matches usually last between 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the competition rules.
5. What is the best strategy for lightweight bots?
Speed and maneuverability are key. Lightweight robots often rely on outmaneuvering opponents and delivering quick, targeted attacks.
RoboWars
1. What is RoboWars?
RoboWars is a robotic combat sport where two or more remote-controlled robots battle inside a specially designed arena. Robots are equipped with weapons like hammers, saws, and flippers to defeat their opponents.
2. Are there any size or weight restrictions for the robots?
Yes, robots must meet specific size and weight requirements outlined in the competition rulebook. Make sure to review these before designing your bot.
3. What type of weapons are allowed?
Most weapon types are allowed as long as they comply with safety regulations and do not pose a risk to the audience or referees. Forbidden weapon types will be listed in the official rules.
4. What materials are recommended for building a durable robot?
Materials like aluminum, titanium, or steel are commonly used for the frame, while polycarbonate or other impact-resistant materials are ideal for protective armor.
5. How are matches judged?
Matches are typically judged on aggression, control, damage, and strategy. Points are awarded based on these criteria if no knockout occurs.
6. Is there any relaxation on the weight of robots for RoboWars?
After discussion with the judges, we decided to give weight relaxation for robots above the maximum weight but 1 point per Kg will be deducted for robots above maximum weight limit.
Indigenous
1. When the robot’s length is being measured will the arm also be counted if it extends out of the base of the robot meaning that if at zero extension of arm, it extends out of base, will it be measured along with the base? Or will only the base’s length be measured?
The Projection of the whole robot on horizontal plane should be within the stipulated size. The arm may extend beyond that after the robot has started its run.
2. Can we use Limit Switches?
Yes.
3. Can we use Buck Converter?
Yes Buck boost converters are allowed.
4. Can the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor be used?
Yes.
5. Please clarify if H-Bridge ICs like L293D can be used for the ball potting mechanism. To clarify, I am asking for the ball potting mechanism, not for the driving mechanism.
You can use H-Bridge ICs for the ball potting mechanism as well as for the driving mechanism, however, pre-designed modules are not allowed.
6. Can omni-wheels be used as free wheels?
All types of omni-wheels are allowed.
7. Can we change our microcontroller for retries?
According to the Theme and Rules under the heading Retry, when a team takes a retry, it is only allowed to restart the robot. Changing the microcontroller or reprogramming the robot is not allowed.
8. Can we include a switch for the red and blue arenas as that would be decided by a toss?
You may include a switch for deciding between the two arenas.
9. Can we have separate codes made for red and blue arenas and burn the code/change the controller after the coin toss?
Yes, you can have separate codes made for red and blue arena and you can burn the code/change the controller once the arena is assigned after the coin toss. However, according to the “Theme and Rules” under the heading Retry you cannot reprogram/change the controller once the match has started and the robot has entered the arena.
10. Can we use gate driver IC and/or other logic ICs?
Yes, you can use gate driver ICs and other logical gate ICs to develop the logic and gate driver circuitry of H-Bridge.
11. If a team takes multiple retries, points of which retry will be considered?
For Qualifying Rounds, points of the last retry will be considered.
For Final Rounds, points for only the latest retry will be considered. Every time a team takes a retry, its points will be reset to zero.
12. Can we use QTR-8RC Reflectance Sensor Array and Line Tracking sensor TCRT5000L as line detecting sensors?
Yes.
13. Is it compulsory for the participants to design and fabricate the electronic circuitry by themselves?
It is compulsory for the participants to design, etch and fabricate the electronic circuitry by themselves. The participants must not use any prefabricated board or electronic circuitry. Any type of electronic board or circuit must be etched by the students themselves. Circuits should not be fabricated by the help of any professional developers. Machine etched boards are not allowed. (i.e. Green PCB boards are not allowed).
14. Can we have 3 wheeled chassis for NERC indigenous category?
3 wheeled base is allowed.
15. Can a single team bring more than one robot to compete in the contest?
A single team can bring more than one robot, however, one team cannot compete with more than one robot under one registration. Each robot will be registered separately under a different group leader.
16. How will the robot be placed on the junction at the starting point?
The robot’s center will be placed at the junction point.
17. Can I use L298 module for Driving of Mechanism?
No, You can’t use any type of Motor driving module, but you can use L298-IC separately to drive the mechanism or motors.
18. Can we use the relay module as it is in the circuit?
No, you can’t use any type of relay module. You can use only relay components separately in the circuit.
19. Is it necessary for the robot in NERC 2025 to place the fruit box at station 2 in standing position? Or we can simply drop it from height no matter it lands in standing position or not as long as it is within the station 2 boundary?
Yes, the fruit box can be dropped as the requirement is that fruit should be within Station 2 boundary, no matter the position it stay there.
20. While placing the fruit box in station 2, the roof of the fruit box comes little out of the station 2 wall width, does it count as fruit box placed?
Yes, as long as the remaining part of the fruit box is inside the station 2 wall, the fruit box roof can be a little out of the station 2 wall when robot places fruit box very close to the inner wall of station 2. The base of the fruit box must be inside station 2 and not on the wall
21. If a robot had dropped a fruit box in station 1, which was not standing but it was not visible from above, is it allowed?
Yes, it is also allowed as all the visible part of the fruit box is within the station 1 boundary when seen from above.
22. Which image in the Indigenous Theme depicts the actual arena?
The image showing a 3d version of the Arena on Page 08 of Indigenous Category Theme shows the actual arena and all the black lines present on arena. The 2d Image on Page 09 of the theme only marks the Fruit Box Pattern Grids Locations, The Stations and the Fruit Field, the 2d image doesn’t replicate all the lines present in the actual arena and the 3d image on ,
Page 08 is to be seen for Exact Arena Depiction
Modular
1. What is the starting location for the LEGO/RTM category?
The starting position of robot is the intersection point at location (9,2) in the given map in the theme with orientation as shown by the arrow on the map in the theme.
2. Are RTR school and Ready to Race university both same categories?
No, both categories are different, but the theme is same for both categories.
3. What is the age limit for participation in the Modular Category?
The participant can be students from grade 6 to grade 12- and first-year university students.
4. Can we use ICHIBOT or similar Robots that can be programmned through buttons instead of self programming the Robot in Ready to Race category?
Ready-made kits that can be programmed through buttons/ pre-set functions, for example
ICHIBOT and similar bots are not allowed in the competition. The team must self-program
the controller.kits with buttons/pre-set function are prohibited even if the team claims
that the programming has been done through the controller.
Aero
1. I do not have an FPV. Can I still participate in ‘Build and Fly Quadcopter’ category?
Yes, you can still participate in ‘Build and Fly Quadcopter’ if you do not have/plan to use an FPV. In that case, the pilot can, of course, not move outside the designated area; but he/she can utilize the support of another person (helper) during the runs to help with line of sight to pass through different gates.
2. Will the shape of the circuit/lap of the Aero arena be exactly the same as depicted in the theme?
The shape of the circuit/lap can differ from what is depicted in the theme! What is depicted in the theme is just to show the high-level concept of the arena. The circuit/lap could for example have a zigzag shape or a different shape too.
3. In Aero ‘Build and Fly’, will the school/college teams compete against universities/professionals?
The Build and Fly Quadcopter Contest will separately be run in parallel for the two groups of participants as follows:
- Group 1 will comprise of participants studying at A level/Intermediate level (or equivalent), or below.
- Group 2 will include participants that are university students or professionals.
In Aero ‘Build and Fly’, will the school/college teams compete against universities/professionals.
4. Do you allow only a certain category of aerial vehicles to participate under the ‘Build and Fly Exhibition’?
It is open to all types of electric aerial vehicles, i.e. helicopters, quadcopters, planes etc. with no size limits. All teams are, however, required to follow the field and safety rules as mentioned in the rules section of the theme document.
5. Are the ‘Group 1’ participants of the Aero ‘Build and Fly’ contest allowed to use off-the-shelf RTF solution kits?
Yes, to encourage and facilitate the school/college students to participate in the contest, we allow them to use off-the-shelf RTF solution kits.
6. Are the ‘Group 2’ participants of the Aero ‘Build and Fly’ contest allowed to use off-the-shelf RTF solution kits?
No, each participating ‘Group 2’ team is required to build their quadcopter (and NOT simply buy an off-the-shelf RTF solution, kit, etc.) while considering the requirements specified in the theme document.
7. Are the ‘Group 2’ participants of the Aero ‘Build and Fly’ contest allowed to use off-the-shelf RTF solution kits?
No, each participating ‘Group 2’ team is required to build their quadcopter (and NOT simply buy an off-the-shelf RTF solution kit, etc.) while considering the requirements specified in the theme document.
