Over 160 teams participated in Robocon 2014.

This year's Robocon competition attracted 161 teams from universities, colleges, and vocational high schools across the country.

Today, the qualifying rounds of the 2014 Robocon Vietnam competition officially opened in three regions. The competition in the North is held in Hanoi with 110 teams; the Central - Central Highlands region is held in Da Nang with 31 teams; and the South is held in Ho Chi Minh City with 20 teams.

The team showcased their robot at the opening ceremony this morning at Tay Ho Gymnasium (Hanoi). (Photo provided by the Organizing Committee)

According to the schedule, the qualifying rounds of the competition will take place from April 2nd to 6th. Following that, the 32 best teams will participate in the finals from May 5th to 11th in Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa). The winning team will represent Vietnam at the Asia-Pacific Robocon (ABU Robocon 2014) held in India in August 2014.

ABU Robocon 2014 had a relatable and meaningful theme, "Robot Family," to honor and celebrate parents for their great dedication and contributions to their children – the future leaders of the country.

Teams competing in Robocon 2014 will have to design and build a "Robot Family." This year's competition arena will be a park where two teams – two robot families – will perform three tasks: Seesaw, Pole Walk, and Swing. Once the robot completes three tasks, it can proceed to a fourth task on a climbing platform located in the middle of the park. If the robot can wave a flag at the highest point, that team will achieve "SHABAASH," also known as absolute victory.

The biggest challenge of this year's competition is the more complex robot transitions on the competition field. Because autonomous robots don't have wheels or tracks, movement and climbing stairs rely on arms and legs, requiring coordinated action. After separating from the mother robot (at the stairs), the smaller robot must perform several tasks independently, such as climbing to the top of the stairs without touching the sides, and waving a flag at the highest point to score the highest points.

According to Khoahoc.vn