We are very fortunate to be part of an amazing maker and robotics community. We strongly support open-source technology, creativity, and accessible STEM learning.
We also want students to experience one of the most exciting parts of robotics: solving problems and creating their own code and algorithms.
Because of this, some sensors from 2027, across all our RoboCup Junior Australia leagues will not be allowed in competition. This decision is not because these sensors are “bad” or poorly designed. In fact, many of them are fantastic pieces of technology, and we encourage people to continue creating, improving, and sharing them.
Our goal is simply to ensure that RoboCupJunior remains focused on student-created solutions, student learning, and problem-solving.
This is the first communication RoboCupJunior Australia challenge chairs wanted to ensure that teams, and our open source community are aware leading up to the 2027 General Rules.
What Is the Difference?
Sensors that do the “thinking” are not allowed
This includes sensors that:
- interpret information onboard;
- make decisions themselves; or
- provide a finished solution without requiring students to write the algorithm.
Sensors that provide raw data are allowed and encouraged
These sensors provide measurements or readings that students must interpret using their own code.
Students are expected to create the algorithms that turn this raw data into robot behaviour.
Examples
Not Permitted
Anton’s Mindstorms 8-Channel Line Tracking Sensor
This sensor calculates the position of the line internally and provides a completed result. This means that much of the line-tracking algorithm has already been completed for the student.
Permitted
Octopus 2-Channel Tracking Module
This sensor detects reflectance and provides raw readings. Students must write their own code to interpret those readings and create the robot’s line-following behaviour.
The Main Rule
If the sensor does the thinking, it is not allowed.
If the student does the thinking using the sensor’s data, it is allowed.
Supporting Our Robotics Community
We would again like to thank the robotics and maker community for the incredible ideas, open-source projects, and technologies being created and shared. These rule decisions are not intended to discourage innovation. They are designed to keep the competition:
- fair;
- student-focused; and
- centred on problem-solving, coding, and algorithm development.
These rules will be established as part of the 2027 General rules and, we will continue to support third-party sensors that are supported in the leagues through our Store.
Questions?
If you are unsure whether a particular sensor is permitted, please contact your local RoboCupJunior committee or challenge chair before the competition or via the Contact Us page