The Fastest Maze-Solving Competition On Earth

Summary

The video explores the history and evolution of Micromouse competitions, where small robots race to solve mazes. It traces the concept back to Claude Shannon's electronic mouse 'Theseus' in 1952, which led to the first competition in 1977. The video explains various maze solving algorithms used by Micromice and how innovations like diagonal movement and vacuum fans for traction revolutionized speed and control. It emphasizes that there is still room for new ideas, with possibilities like omnidirectional wheels or computer vision on the horizon. Ultimately, it frames Micromouse as an accessible introduction to robotics and engineering that brings together multiple technical disciplines in a fun, competitive format.

Takeaways

• 😮 The original inspiration for the Micromouse competition came from a misunderstanding about an electronic mouse solving mazes.
• 😀 Micromouse competitions challenge competitors to build small autonomous robots that can quickly solve unknown mazes.
• 👀 The view inside the maze is limited for the Micromice, making mapping and path planning very difficult.
• 💡 The flood fill algorithm is commonly used by Micromice to efficiently map the maze.
• 🚦 Advanced Micromice can now complete mazes in under 10 seconds by using optimizations like diagonal movements.
• 🔧 Innovations like vacuum fans allow Micromice to take tighter turns by increasing friction with the ground.
• 🤯 Modern Micromice can accelerate faster than a Tesla Roadster over short distances.
• 📈 The competition continues to drive new innovations, like omnidirectional wheels and computer vision.
• ✍ The rules constrain the size but allow creative solutions, leading to advanced robot designs.
• 👍 Onshape provides free CAD software to help design custom Micromouse robots and other complex machines.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the electronic mouse contest in France that inspired the IEEE Micromouse contest?

The original electronic mouse contest in France was thought to be a competition for intelligent mouse robots that could solve mazes, similar to Claude Shannon's Theseus mouse. However, it turned out to be simply battery powered devices in cases, not autonomous robots. This misunderstanding inspired the IEEE to hold their own Micromouse competition focused on intelligent maze solving robots.

Why is the micromouse contest considered the perfect combination for robotics and engineering?

The micromouse contest requires skills in multiple disciplines - robotics, engineering, programming, and embedded systems. Competitors need to build a fully autonomous mouse robot that can quickly solve a maze. This provides an accessible yet challenging project to get into robotics and engineering.

How did the introduction of foam padding change the sport of high jumping?

The introduction of foam padding allowed high jumpers to try new techniques without fear of injury if they hit the bar. This enabled Dick Fosbury to successfully perform the backwards "Fosbury flop" jump for the first time in 1968, completely changing the optimal technique.

What was innovative about the micromouse Mitee 3?

The Mitee 3 was the first micromouse small enough to implement diagonal movements through the maze by cutting corners. This opened up many new route options compared to mice that could only move orthogonally along the maze walls.

Why is dust such a significant issue for micromice?

At the precision and speed micromice operate, tiny changes in friction from dust specs can cause them to slip or lose control. Competitors often wipe dust off the wheels between runs to maximize traction and stability during tight turns.

How does a vacuum fan help micromice take tighter turns?

The vacuum fan generates suction that pushes the micromouse down onto the surface, increasing friction and traction. This allows the mouse to take turns at higher speeds without slipping sidewards into the maze walls.

What was innovative about the design of the first four-wheeled micromouse to win in competition?

Four-wheeled designs allow for greater traction and stability at high speeds compared to two or three wheeled mice. However, it took significant innovation to create a compact enough four-wheeled chassis capable of solving the tight maze quickly.

How could future innovations like computer vision potentially change micromouse competition?

If computer vision systems become advanced and compact enough, they could allow micromice to directly perceive the maze layout rather than mapping through touch sensors. This could enable more efficient routing and navigation through the maze.

What makes Onshape different from traditional CAD software tools?

Onshape is a cloud-based CAD system that allows for easy real time collaboration on designs. This eliminates version control issues of emailing files back and forth. The online access also makes it easy to work from any device.

Why might small design tweaks matter for a micromouse?

At the size and speed of micromouse robots, small design changes can have a significant impact. Details like wheel traction, center of gravity, chassis width, and turning mechanisms make a major difference in solving time and reliability.