Open Platform
Robotics
Build your robot from anything you want, VEX, LEGO, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Series Logic, PLC or a dustbin.
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
St Andrews International School Bangkok
To join the Mayhem!
Race to the top of a multi-level structure using only sensors and ingenuity
A multi-robot driver controlled sumo wrestling inspired competition with bottomless pits (defying the laws of physics) and the need to dodge moving obstacles that might knock you off the field.
A long and thin track filled with obstacles - get safely to the other side
Robots will need to:
Successfully ascend ramps without getting stuck.
Navigate autonomously to the summit.
Activate a game object at the top to release the RAT flag.
To add to the excitement, full challenge details and additional circuit variations will be kept secret until 10 days before the event, ensuring teams focus on adaptability, critical thinking, and real-time problem-solving.
Played on a field without edges and holes in the middle - 4 robots will attempt to tip, push, and remove their opponents from the game
Be able to push and tip other robots of the field
Be able to fit into a 25cm cube box
Be able to dodge moving obstacles located in the field that might try and force them into a hole/off an edge
Think ‘Robot Wars’ where your robots will return home without any battle scars (hopefully); they are only allowed to push and tip - no whacking or chopping the other RATs
Robots must autonomously navigate the narrow path without veering of avoiding obstacles along the way that are trying to disrupt their journey
Obstacles may include swinging bars, moving balls, or other unpredictable elements
The objective is to reach the end of the run without crashing
You gain more points for successfully passing obstacles
You can manually reset at any section or skip a section (but it will cost you points)
This challenge will test precision, path planning, and real-time obstacle avoidance, adding another exciting layer to the competition.
Competition Awards
Teams will compete for a variety of awards recognizing innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence:
Robot Autonomous Champion
Best overall performance in the autonomous challenge.
Best Carer Sharer
Team that exemplifies collaboration and support for others.
Forward-Thinking Design
Innovative ideas that push engineering and coding boundaries.
Innovative Design
Unique and creative problem-solving in robot design.
Best Build
Exceptional mechanical and structural design
Most Creative
Out-of-the-box thinking in robot functionality and aesthetics.
Engineering Excellence
Best integration of mechanics, electronics, and coding.
Best Problem-Solving Team
Team that overcomes major obstacles during the event
Best Use of Sensors
Effective application of sensors for autonomous navigation.
Resilience Award
Team that demonstrates persistence and adaptability under pressure.
Details
First Event Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 08:00 - 16:30
Location: St Andrews International School Bangkok
Number of Teams: 30 (maximum)
Age Limit: 8-14 years old
Team Entry Limit: Maximum of 4 teams per organization
Competition Format: Fully autonomous challenge
Next Event: May 2026
Cost to enter team: 4000 Baht
Competition Release Schedule
April 2025 – Competition Kickoff Announcement & Team Sign-Up
Team registration officially opens! Once teams have signed up, the following materials will be shared directly with schools:
Challenge Overview: A high-level introduction to the autonomous competition, outlining the purpose and scope.
Teaser Materials: Engaging content to build excitement and generate buzz among students and mentors.
Mid-May 2025 – CAD Files & Preliminary Game Rules Released
Environment Exploration: Early CAD models of the competition field will be released to help teams familiarize themselves with the design space.
Basic Guidelines: Key rules regarding team composition, robot dimensions, and eligibility criteria will be provided to guide early planning.
End of May 2025 – Full Challenge Details (Excluding Final Game)
Competition Format: A detailed breakdown of the competition structure, including scoring methods, ranking systems, and event logistics.
Design Resources: Additional CAD files will be released to support more advanced stages of robot design and strategy development.
Mid-June 2025 – Sample Materials Distributed to Schools
Hands-On Support: Sample materials will be sent to schools to assist teams in the robot-building process.
Starter Design: A sample robot concept will be shared, offering foundational guidance for teams new to prototyping.
Build Phase Begins: Teams are encouraged to start prototyping and testing their ideas.
August 26, 2025 – Final Game Reveal!
Official Game Release: At 13:00, teams will receive their first look at the finalized game challenge!
Strategy Session: A 90-minute window will follow for teams to brainstorm, discuss, and conduct initial testing.
Let the games begin! This marks the official start of detailed game strategy development and final robot iterations.
Other Details
Understanding our CAD Models
The CAD model provided serves as a visual reference only and should not be taken as an exact representation of the final competition setup. While the multi-story tower in the model may resemble the actual challenge and reflect the correct number of levels, teams should not rely on it for final design decisions.
Tracking the game object: There will be designated ways to track the game object’s movement on the multi-level structure.
Environmental features: Elements such as walls, corners, and tracking lines will play a role in navigation.
Raising the RAT flag: Specific details regarding the tag mechanism required to release the flag will only be revealed at the August game design reveal.
Finalized design insights: Official photos of the completed challenge setup will be published in August, ensuring teams have a clear understanding before the competition.
A True Student-Centered Competition
At RAT Foundation, students take the lead. This competition is all about fostering innovation and independence, while adults serve as facilitators only. Students will be responsible for:
Designing and programming their robots.
Managing their time and available resources.
Presenting and explaining their work to judges.
A structured event setup will be in place to ensure limited coach interaction, reinforcing a truly hands-on, student-driven experience.
Judging & Team Presentations
Each team will participate in a 5-minute interview with event judges. During this session, teams will:
Explain their robot’s build and coding approach.
Describe the pre-built components they brought to the event.
Showcase modifications made within the 1.5-hour adjustment period.
Detail time and resource management strategies.
Discuss potential improvements for future competitions.
Final Thoughts
The RAT Foundation Robotics Competition is built to challenge students in problem-solving, programming, and design, all while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and resilience.
With a strong emphasis on real-world robotics applications, engineering, and innovation, this competition will inspire the next generation of roboticists in an exciting, high-energy, and student-driven environment.
Get ready to innovate, build, and compete! Stay tuned for more updates as the challenge details unfold!ext here...