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Prepare for the Package Dash Challenge

Image showing a layout for the Package Dash Challenge, featuring 3 pink squared-off 24 in x 24 in areas where an aluminum can will be placed for the robot to pick up. The layout includes driving distances and a 24 x36 inch loading dock in the lower left corner and an 36x36inch Start area in the upper right corner, within a 12 ft by 12 ft space.

A square grid layout of a robotic competition field with marked areas. The field measures 12 feet by 12 feet (3.66 meters by 3.66 meters). There are five distinct zones: a Start area measuring 36 inches by 36 inches (91.4 cm by 91.4 cm) in the upper right corner, a Loading Dock area of the same size in the lower left corner, and three smaller zones (each 24 inches by 24 inches or 61 cm by 61 cm) distributed across the field. The distances between the zones are labeled in both inches and centimeters

Prepare for the Package Dash Challenge

In this challenge, you will program your robot to pick up packages and bring them to the Loading Dock as fast as possible! To successfully complete this challenge, you need to create a project that drives the robot to specific places (the pink squares) in the warehouse, picks up packages (aluminum cans) from the shelves (stacks of textbooks), and drops them onto the Loading Dock. The Loading Dock is a taped off area on the floor.

Ask your teacher if your team should set up the Package Dash Challenge.
When the Challenge field is ready, you should measure all of the driving distances and heights of the packages (cans) so that you can precisely plan and program.

To complete the challenge you will need:

  • 12 x 12 ft. or 3.66 x 3.66 m open area

  • Optional: VRC Field Perimeter and Tile kits.

  • Roll of tape

  • 9+ textbooks

    • Each stack of three books should be between 7 and 11 in. or 200 and 300 mm high.

  • 3 aluminum cans

  • A ruler or meter stick to measure distances

  • Stopwatch