Design and construct a self-contained robot, which, upon command, leaves and re-joins a convoy of similar robots, marching in single file.

As a default, all robots are lined up behind a path-setting robot, in single file, with a reasonable (*) distance between them. Upon command, the designated robot will get out of the line, and re-join the convoy as the last one in the line.

All robots must carry identical marks or signals as agreed upon (*), to make themselves “visible” to the others. Direct communication between the robots is not allowed.

A robot must signal in accordance with accepted standards (*),

while leaving the line, and

as long as it is the last one in the line.

All signals/markers must be given in two conceptually different ways (based on different sensor types) commonly agreed upon (*). Robots must be able to process and interpret both of these signals.

“Leave-the-line” command will be remotely conveyed to the robot by a member of the team, in accordance with the designer’s choice.

The robot must fit inside an up-right cylinder of 30 cm in diameter. No hardwiring is allowed between the robot and the external world.

Teams must provide a lead robot mock-up for demonstration purposes.

Possible extra features:

Different (unconventional) means of conveying the command to the robot (vocal, hand clapping, etc.)

(*) Common standards to be satisfied to make cooperation possible, such as nominal distance between the robots, marks or signals to be carried, the signals related to leaving the convoy and being the last one in the line, etc. are to be decided upon by a joint standards committee, composed of representatives of teams undertaking the project.