Draft:National Engineering Robotics Contest NERC

• Comment: Please see also Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/National Engineering Robotics Contest, September 2020. Wikishovel (talk) 17:37, 20 June 2024 (UTC)

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National Engineering Robotics Contest (NERC)

The National Engineering Robotics Contest (NERC) is one of the oldest and most prestigious robotics contests in Pakistan, organized annually by the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, NUST – Society of Mechatronics Engineers, Pakistan – Higher Education Commission (HEC) – STEM Careers Program. Since its inception in 2003 as a firefighting engineering contest, NERC has continuously evolved and expanded its scope. NERC 2024, commemorating its 20th edition, serves as a testament to its enduring legacy and impact on the robotics landscape. Over five days, participants from schools, colleges, and universities across Pakistan converge to showcase their talents and compete in various automation and robotics challenges. This milestone edition of NERC not only celebrates its rich history but also reaffirms its position as a premier platform for advancing cutting-edge robotics designs, control algorithms, and architectural innovations. With a focus on STEM education, NERC aims to inspire and engage young minds, particularly students, in critical disciplines, shaping the future of robotics in Pakistan.

HOST INSTITUTION

NERC, hosted by the esteemed NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (CEME), epitomizes excellence in engineering education and innovation. With a longstanding reputation for academic rigor and technological advancement, CEME provides an ideal setting for nurturing the talents of aspiring engineers and robotics enthusiasts. Each year, NERC invites robotics enthusiasts, students, professionals, and industry leaders to participate in this dynamic event, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and hands-on learning opportunities. This inclusive approach underscores CEME's commitment to cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and creativity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds converge to push the boundaries of technological advancement.

NERC at CEME serves as a catalyst for inspiration, learning, and professional development, empowering participants to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections within the engineering community. Through engaging workshops, competitions, and networking sessions, NERC equips participants with the tools and skills needed to address real-world challenges and drive positive change in society. In essence, NERC embodies CEME's dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, shaping the future of engineering education and practice both locally and globally.

History:

NERC initially started as a firefighting engineering contest and remained so from 2003 to 2004. From 2005 to 2008, NERC entered its phase of slam dunk, focusing on image recognition sensor slam dunks. The years 2009 to 2010 marked its period of precision placement, followed by the phase of mechanical brains from 2011 to 2012. In 2013, NERC shifted its focus to maze solving, followed by the interval of path planning from 2014 to 2015. The disaster planning period took center stage from 2016 to 2017. In 2019, the theme shifted to kitchen recycling, followed by fruit harvesting in 2022. The theme for NERC in 2023 was fruit plucking.

THEME 2024 : Revolutionising Environmental Conservation through Autonomous Tree Plantation Robotics

The focal point of the NERC 2024 theme is to pioneer a new era of environmental conservation through the deployment of autonomous robotic technology. With a primary focus on optimizing tree plantation drives, participating teams are tasked with designing and implementing cutting-edge autonomous robots capable of revolutionizing traditional methods. These robots are entrusted with a multifaceted mission: to meticulously prepare the soil for plantation by removing rocks, debris, and other impediments, and then planting tree saplings at predefined locations within the designated field.

Equipped with advanced sensors and robotic arms, these autonomous agents navigate the terrain with precision, ensuring optimal conditions for tree growth and development. Their seamless coordination and adaptability, guided by intelligent algorithms, exemplify the transformative potential of robotics technology in addressing complex ecological challenges. As the pinnacle of the NERC 2024 theme, the team that successfully completes the task and reaches the finish line will be declared the winner, earning recognition for their innovative contributions to environmental conservation and ecological restoration.

CATEGORIES

NERC features a diverse array of categories, catering to participants of all ages and skill levels:

Modular category:

The modular category, where students from both schools and university compete to complete a task centered around the central theme using robots constructed from modular kits like LEGO Mindstorm, VEX robotics etc.

Ready to Race:

In the "Ready to Race" module,a subcategory of the modular category, teams engineer high-speed robots to navigate complex tracks, testing robotic speed and adaptability. This category emphasizes the optimization of robotic locomotion and control algorithms to achieve maximum performance in dynamic environments.

Lego :

The Lego category focuses on precision agriculture, challenging participants to design fruit-harvesting robots for enhanced farming efficiency. Leveraging LEGO Mindstorms kits, participants explore innovative solutions for automating agricultural tasks, promoting sustainability and productivity in farming practices.

Indigenous:

In the "Indigenous" category, creativity flourishes as teams build custom robots, pushing the boundaries of technology. Success is measured by task completion and the integration of various engineering disciplines into innovative robotic systems, reflecting the potential for future advancements in robotics and automation. This category highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of participants in developing locally inspired solutions to real-world challenges.

Robowars:

Robowars participants engage in intense robotic combat, designing and constructing formidable machines to outmaneuver and outlast opponents in the arena. With a focus on durability, strategy, and mechanical prowess, this category embodies the thrill of competitive robotics and the pursuit of victory through engineering excellence.

Sumowars:

In the Sumowars category, robots face off in a test of strength and strategy as they attempt to push opponents out of the sumo ring. Participants employ innovative design and control strategies to gain a competitive edge, showcasing the power and agility of their robotic creations in a battle for supremacy.

Aero (including Flying Exhibition and Aero Build-up Quadcopter):

The Aero category explores the exciting realm of aerial robotics, featuring captivating exhibitions and challenging competitions. From flying exhibitions that demonstrate the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles to Aero Build-up Quadcopter competitions that push the boundaries of flight dynamics and control, this category showcases the ingenuity and technical prowess of participants in the field of aerospace engineering and robotics.

Participation:

NERC welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, researchers, hobbyists, and professionals, fostering an inclusive environment for learning, networking, and innovation. Students from renowned institutions such as Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Headstart School, Baitus Salaam, Lahore Grammar School (LGS 55 & Johar Town) enthusiastically participate in the event, contributing to its success and enriching the experience for all involved. Their involvement underscores the event's reputation as a premier platform for showcasing talent and fostering collaboration within the robotics community.

FIVE-DAY EVENT PLAN

The NERC follows a five-day event plan every year, which includes the following:

Day One: The Grand Arrival:

NERC commences with a warm welcome for outstation teams. Teams register, and the administrative body ensures maximum facilitation for the participants, leading to an air of anticipation and excitement as students prepare themselves for the upcoming challenges.

Day Two: Inspection and Opening Ceremony:

Expert judges meticulously inspect the robots to verify compliance with allowed dimensions and technical specifications. Interviews are conducted to gauge participants’ understanding and preparation. Once approved, the robots are deemed ready for the forthcoming competitions. The grand opening ceremony takes place in the evening, including draws for heats and sharing the contest schedule with the teams. The arena remains open 24/7, allowing participants to practise and fine-tune their creations throughout the five-day event.

Day Three: A Day of Fierce Battles:

The third day marks the beginning of the actual contest with events like Ready to Race, Lego, and Indigenous categories taking place in the auditorium. Simultaneously, Aero, Sumo Wars, and Robowars play out on the ground, with robots engaging in epic battles for supremacy.

Day Four: Intense Qualifying Rounds:

Day four witnesses the qualifying round for the Indigenous category, where more teams earn their spot in the finals. The level of competition soars as teams demonstrate exceptional skills and engineering prowess to secure a place in the ultimate round.

Day Five: The Grand Finale:

The last day of NERC marks a crescendo of excitement. The finals of the Lego, Ready to Race, and Indigenous categories take centre stage, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats with intense and nail-biting competitions.

SPONSORS

NERC owes its success to the generous support of its sponsors. Sponsors play a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event, providing financial assistance, resources, and expertise to make NERC a memorable and impactful experience for all participants. The 20th edition of NERC, also known as NERC'24 (9th-13th July 2024), is proud to acknowledge the following sponsors:

1. CEME NUST
2. NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology)
3. Higher Education Commission (HEC)
4. Stem Careers PIEAS
5. Graana NERC robotics Pakistan
6. Zaroon Media & PR Events
7. Ranchers
8. Technology Links
9. Robotics World
10. National Centre of Robotics and Automation (NCRA)
11. Headstart School
12. MRS Technologies
13. National Centre of Physics (NCP)
14. Questlab

REFERENCES:

●     NERC | National Engineering Robotics Contest - NUST

●     Youth pitch robotic creations in 4-day contest (tribune.com.pk)

●     NUST holds annual national engineering robotics contest (thenews.com.pk)

●     NUST holds 19th annual National Engineering Robotics contest - Pakistan - Business Recorder (brecorder.com)

●     Madrassa Students Triumph in National Robotics Contest (propakistani.pk)