After reading "10 Rules to Win at Robot Combat" (URL here), I thought they are equally applicable to mobile robotics competition like Worldskills MR.
1. “Finish your robot before you come to the competition!”
I recall many times when we approached WSS MR without finishing everything we planned to do. This is either due to a last minute change in specification/rule, a new idea, or just components failing. Going into a competition without finishing all the hardware is tempting with Murphy's Law. If something can happen, it will.
2. Practice
Although we spend a lot of times training the students how to operate the robots, how to program it to handle the tasks, it is still better to have practiced until everything seems second nature. As with all other physical tasks, like riding a bicycle, swimming, or playing a violin, practice, practice and practice. If you are not practicing, your opponents are.
3. Be Able to Self-Right
For WSS MR, this refers to the ability to come out of an "error", or the ability to handle unexpected situations, like random obstacles, or detection of unexpected colour/objects etc.
4/5/6. Simulate Getting Attacked/Have a Weapon System/Simulate Attacking
These 3 points combined to mean having a well-conceived plan to tackle the task. Having proper path planning, that can be executed well and consistently. Having an object management system that is reliable and consistent, off course it must work!
7. Go to a Competition, Watch as Many Matches as You Can, and Take Notes
Watch as many videos of past competitions as you can. Learn from the mistakes of past competitors.
8. Use Good Batteries, Have Spares, and Make Sure They’ll Last Five Full Minutes
For WSS MR, the battteries have to last at least 20 minites.
9. Don’t Let the Judges Decide the Match for You
Know the rules and regulations of the competition, and know your rights as a commpetitor. Don't let the judges "sabotage" your game.
10. Read the Damned Rules
Goes without saying.
