There are nine assignments, which are solved using the Merkur kit and the Arduino microcomputer system. This year, 54 teams entered, which in itself speaks volumes about the complexity of the competition's organisation. Another interesting fact is that the successful participants do not take the entrance exam to the BUT. The competition took place on 19.11.2019

Our school participated for the fourth time and entered two teams for the "muscle the robot" challenge. This involves driving a tracked or wheeled vehicle using bioelectric signals that are picked up by electrodes from a muscle on the shin.

Since we use Mekur kits and Arduino system in our teaching, a good preparation could take place. The actual competition in Brno was held at a brisk pace and it was soon possible to start the competition runs. Leaving the track meant an invalid time.

A good result then depended on the interplay of mechanical design, program, driver skills and tactics. It was the time of the last run that counted, not the fastest.

First there was testing of the track and then the competition rides. The first time of our car was 55s (not great), but in the second run there was an incredible improvement to 16s. This time was the best for a long time and literally took the competition's breath away. We were already hoping for a win, but one rover clocked 11s, which was the final winning time. So we finished second, although we were threatened by one other team, but they fell foul of the last run rule.

The other team of the school was not satisfied with the performance of their crawler and so during the competition they converted to a wheeled version. Paradoxically, it then paid for too much speed and agility of the vehicle and ended up in fourth place.

After the announcement of the results and the final buffet we arrived home safely. Finally, a compliment to the organizers, because the competition is getting better every year.

Oldřich Smutný

Detailed information about the assignments are on the BUT website. Photos from the event can be found in photo gallery.

Merkur perfFEKT challenge