O.R.E. - Nerfbots

Nerfbots

Building on the lessons learned from SplatBot, the world's only paintball firing robots, ORE then worked on the next competition, NERFBots. Armed with a NERF cannon, these intrepid robots navigate through the unknown, track the enemy and fire a Nerf gun. All without user intervention. Of course, the hunter can easily become the hunted.

The 2nd technical demo - Feb. 21, 2004

The game is simple: In an enclosed arena, about 30 by 50 feet with obstacles; up to four robots at a time will face off against each other. Armed with up to six NERF darts or similar type weapons each, and a enemy detection system, the robots will stalk each other until they can locate and shoot the 'enemy'. The Rules are minimal, and are only aimed at providing a level playing field

The use of Nerf guns means that there is no chance of damage in any but the most fragile of places, the weapons are relatively low cost, and safety issues do not outweigh the fun. On the downside, using a Nerf gun also means that the enemy does not get "painted".

As we all know, building anything new requires lots of testing, and that is the best part: it can be tested on the kids, the cats and/or the dog. Just don't try it against your spouse.

How the robots are constructed

The Competitors

click on any picture for a larger version

	owner: Stephane laser height: ? gun height: ?
	owner: Albert laser height: ? gun height: ?
	owner: Ken laser height: 8" gun height: 16"
	owner: Paul laser height: 6" gun height: 11" video clips (mpeg) 1 (2M), 2 (1.5M), 3 (1.8M), 4 (2M), 5 (1.5M), 6 (4.5M) 7 (4.9M) 1-5: Video clips from February ORE meeting. Robot perspective. 6-7: Video clips of the same robot roaming/targeting action from two different perspectives (robot perspective and external third party perspective).
	owner: Ron H. laser height: 13.25" gun height: 9"
	"ONYX" owner: Stephane laser height: 16.5" gun height: 13" (the covers and targets have yet to be installed) [info]
	owner: Nick won't be competing because he moved out of town :(

The Results

"The March event saw the showdown of 3 nerf gladiators. The air was filled with the whirring of the bot's motors as they roved the arena seeking each other. The whirring was punctured frequently with the blast of a nerf gun and occasional 'machine gun' fire. The evening was a great success and the bots performed much better than the previous event. The last couple of months has definately seen an improvement in the fitness level of the bots.

There was a general feeling among the contestents that some of the spectators were really undercover nerbot developers spying on the competition, including some demo's of the up and comers.

There was even an arms show were some of the newest nerf weapons modules were "demonstrated". It wasn't until the real kids got hold of them that a proper demonstation was given...."

RonH

Pictures and movies from the Nerfbot competitions

Mar2005_Nerf_Fest_042.mov (2.7 Megs)

Pictures and movies from the Nerfbot trials

1b.avi (2 Megs)

Sat. April 30, 2005 from 6:30 to 9pm, the assembly hall at Dovercourt.