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{{short description|FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition}}
{{ infobox FTC game
{{other uses of|Block Party}}
{{Infobox FIRST Tech Challenge game
| game_title = Block Party!
| game_title = Block Party!
| logo = [[File:FTC_Block_Party!_logo.png|200px]]
| logo = FTC Block Party! logo.png
| year = 2013 - 2014
| year = 2013–2014
| number_teams =
| number_teams =
| number_qual_tournaments =
| number_qual_tournaments =
| number_champ_tournaments =
| number_champ_tournaments =
| championship_location =
| championship_location = St. Louis, Missouri
| inspire_winner =
| inspire_winner = {{plainlist|
*{{flagicon|MEX}} 1st place - 3141: Bears {{small|Mexico City, Mexico}}
| think_winner =
*{{flagicon|USA}} 2nd place- 5421: RM'd and Dangerous {{small|Rockville, Maryland}}
| innovate_winner =
*{{flagicon|USA}} 3rd place- 4982: Cafe Bot {{small|St. Louis, Missouri}}
| motivate_winner =
}}
| connect_winner =
| design_winner =
| think_winner = 5972: Patronum Bots {{small|East Troy, Wisconsin}}
| champions =
| innovate_winner = 3595: Schrödinger’s Hat {{small|Fairbanks, Alaska}}
| motivate_winner = {{flagicon|NLD}} 3954: Watt’s Up! {{small|The Hague, The Netherlands}}
| connect_winner = 4140: Fish in the Boat {{small|Lakeview, Minnesota}}
| design_winner = 3486: Techno Warriors Advanced {{small|Brandon, Mississippi}}
| control_winner = 4092: Nanites, {{small|Portland, Oregon}}
| promote_winner = 3595: Schrödinger’s Hat {{small|Fairbanks, Alaska}}
| champions = {{plainlist|
*{{flagicon|USA}} 7013: Hot Wired Robotics
*{{flagicon|USA}} 5257: Eagles Robotics Xperience
*{{flagicon|USA}} 4240: Techno Clovers
}}
| homepage =
| homepage =
| altlogo =
| altlogo =
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| below =
| below =
| prevseason = [[Ring It Up!]]
| prevseason = [[Ring It Up!]]
| nextseason =
| nextseason = [[Cascade Effect]]
}}
}}
'''Block Party!''', released on September 7, 2013, is the 2013–2014 robotics competition for [[FIRST Tech Challenge]]. In the competition, two alliances, each consisting of two teams of high school students, compete to score blocks in plastic crates atop alliance-colored pendulums.<ref name="Game Manual 2">[http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Game_Manual_Part_2.pdf FTC 2013-2014 Game Manual Part 2]. USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.</ref> Block Party! is the ninth FTC challenge.
'''Block Party!''', released on September 7, 2013, is the 2013–2014 robotics competition for [[FIRST Tech Challenge]]. In the competition, two alliances, each consisting of two teams, compete to score blocks in plastic crates atop alliance-colored pendulums.<ref name="Game Manual 2">[http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Game_Manual_Part_2.pdf FTC 2013-2014 Game Manual Part 2] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401193116/http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Game_Manual_Part_2.pdf |date=April 1, 2014 }}. USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.</ref> Block Party! is the ninth FTC challenge.


==Announcement==
==Announcement==
The contest rules were announced at the headquarters of [[PTC (software company)|PTC]] in Needham, Massachusetts on September 7, 2013. A live audience of about 200 high schooler and their mentors watched the unveiling by David Price (Regional Director of [[For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology|FIRST]]), Loretta Bessette (MIT Lincoln Labs and FIRST’s FTC game design team), Don Bossi (President of FIRST), John Stuart (PTC SVP of Global Academic Programs), and Lisa Freed (iRobot STEM Outreach Coordinator). The event was also live streamed.<ref>{{Cite web
The contest rules were announced at the headquarters of [[PTC (software company)|PTC]] in Needham, Massachusetts on September 7, 2013. A live audience of about 200 high schoolers and their mentors watched the unveiling by David Price (Regional Director of [[For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology|FIRST]]), Loretta Bessette (MIT Lincoln Labs and FIRST’s FTC game design team), Don Bossi (President of FIRST), John Stuart (PTC SVP of Global Academic Programs), and Lisa Freed (iRobot STEM Outreach Coordinator). The event was also live streamed.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://communities.ptc.com/community/academic-program/first/blog/2013/09/09/first-ftc-kickoff-block-party-ptc
| url = http://communities.ptc.com/community/academic-program/first/blog/2013/09/09/first-ftc-kickoff-block-party-ptc
| title = FIRST FTC Kickoff "Block Party" @ PTC
| title = FIRST FTC Kickoff "Block Party" @ PTC
Line 31: Line 43:
| accessdate = September 9, 2013
| accessdate = September 9, 2013
| work = PTC Community
| work = PTC Community
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106024949/http://communities.ptc.com/community/academic-program/first/blog/2013/09/09/first-ftc-kickoff-block-party-ptc
⚫
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| archive-date = January 6, 2014
⚫
| url = http://massftc.org/09/ftc-kickoff/
| title = FTC Kickoff
| url-status = dead
⚫
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
⚫
| author = lab
⚫
|url = http://massftc.org/09/ftc-kickoff/
⚫
| date = September 4, 2013
|title = FTC Kickoff
⚫
| accessdate = September 9, 2013
⚫
|author = lab
⚫
| work = Massachusetts FTC
⚫
|date = September 4, 2013
⚫
|accessdate = September 9, 2013
⚫
|work = Massachusetts FTC
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140111053754/http://massftc.org/09/ftc-kickoff/#
|archive-date = 2014-01-11
|url-status = dead
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


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==Field==
==Field==
The field for the competition is a square measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, which can be constructed by teams for practising prior to competitions.<ref name="Build Guide">[http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Playing_Field_Build_Guide.pdf]. USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.</ref> In the centre of the field there is a wooden "bridge" with a metal pipe that robots will hang on. On each side of the bridge, there are pendulums with crates. Under the pendulums, there are floor goals that are alliance-specific. On two of the corners, there are flags on PVC poles. In the other two corners, there are trapezoidal areas with plastic cube scoring objects. The field is also divided into two trangular halves, one red and one blue.
The field for the competition is a square measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, which can be constructed by teams for practising prior to competitions.<ref name="Build Guide">{{cite web|url=http://www.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Playing_Field_Build_Guide.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-09-07 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401210858/http://www3.usfirst.org/sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/Robotics_Programs/FTC/Game_Info/2013/FTC-2013-2014_Playing_Field_Build_Guide.pdf |archivedate=2014-04-01 }}. USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.</ref> In the centre of the field there is a wooden "bridge" with a metal pipe that robots will hang on. On each side of the bridge, there are pendulums with crates. Under the pendulums, there are floor goals that are alliance-specific. On two of the corners, there are flags on PVC poles. In the other two corners, there are trapezoidal areas with plastic cube scoring objects. The field is also divided into two triangular halves, one red and one blue.


==Scoring==
==Scoring==
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;Autonomous Period
;Autonomous Period
In the Autonomous Period, robots run [[Autonomy|autonomously]] for thirty seconds. [[Infrared]] beacons are placed randomly under a crate on the pendulum prior to the start of the match, but after autonomous programs have been selected. Each robot is allowed to begin with one specially-marked autonomous block. Unscored blocks are removed by [[referee]]s after the Autonomous Period ends.<ref name="Game Manual 2" /> An infrared sensor is available to aid in autonomously locating the IR beacon. Robots can also earn points by being either partially or fully on the bridge in the center of the field.
In the Autonomous Period, robots run [[Autonomy|autonomously]] for thirty seconds. [[Infrared]] beacons are placed randomly under a crate on the pendulum prior to the start of the match, but after autonomous programs have been selected. Each robot is allowed to begin with one preloaded block. Unscored blocks are left in the robot after the Autonomous Period ends.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/showthread.php?1924-Game-Rules-and-Game-Play-Answer-Thread&p=8523&viewfull=1#post8523|title = Forums}}</ref> An infrared sensor is available to aid in autonomously locating the IR beacon. Robots can also earn points by being either partially or fully on the bridge in the center of the field.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Method !! Points
! Method !! Points
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| Being partially on the bridge||10 points
| Being partially on the bridge||10 points
|-
|-
| Being fully on the bridge||5 points
| Being fully on the bridge||20 points
|}
|}


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==Advancement Criteria==
==Advancement Criteria==
During tournaments and championships, match wins are not the largest part of the advancement criteria. For example, the winner of the top judged award (the ''Inspire Award'') ranks higher than the winner of the competition-based component (''Winning Alliance Captain'').<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/tournament-information#Criteria | title = Tournament Information: Advancement Criteria| accessdate = 2013-9-7| publisher = FIRST}}</ref> Winning lesser judged awards (''Think Award'', ''Connect Award'', etc.) also plays a part in the advancement order.
During tournaments and championships, match wins are not the largest part of the advancement criteria. For example, the winner of the top judged award (the ''Inspire Award'') ranks higher than the winner of the competition-based component (''Winning Alliance Captain'').<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/tournament-information#Criteria| title = Tournament Information: Advancement Criteria| accessdate = 2013-09-07| publisher = FIRST| archive-date = 2013-09-20| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130920155325/http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/tournament-information#Criteria| url-status = dead}}</ref> Winning lesser judged awards (''Think Award'', ''Connect Award'', etc.) also plays a part in the advancement order.


For the Block Party challenge, a type of qualifying competition has been introduced in the United States. After qualifying at a regional competition, teams advance to a "Super-Regional", consisting of teams from many different states. There are four regions in the United States, and each region has a "Host Location" where the actual competition will be held.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/super-regionals | title = Super-Regional Championship Tournaments added to FTC Advancement Structure| accessdate = 2013-9-7| publisher = FIRST}}</ref>
For the Block Party challenge, a type of qualifying competition has been introduced in the United States. After qualifying at a regional competition, teams advance to a "Super-Regional", consisting of teams from many different states. There are four regions in the United States, and each region has a "Host Location" where the actual competition will be held.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/super-regionals | title = Super-Regional Championship Tournaments added to FTC Advancement Structure| accessdate = 2013-09-07| publisher = FIRST}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==

Latest revision as of 09:15, 16 October 2023

For other uses of "Block Party", see Block Party (disambiguation).
Block Party!
Season Information
Year2013–2014
Championship locationSt. Louis, Missouri
Awards
Inspire Award winner
  • Mexico 1st place - 3141: Bears Mexico City, Mexico
  • United States 2nd place- 5421: RM'd and Dangerous Rockville, Maryland
  • United States 3rd place- 4982: Cafe Bot St. Louis, Missouri
Think Award winner5972: Patronum Bots East Troy, Wisconsin
Rockwell Collins Innovate Award winner3595: Schrödinger’s Hat Fairbanks, Alaska
Motivate Award winnerNetherlands 3954: Watt’s Up! The Hague, The Netherlands
Connect Award Winner4140: Fish in the Boat Lakeview, Minnesota
PTC Design Award Winner3486: Techno Warriors Advanced Brandon, Mississippi
Control Award Winner4092: Nanites, Portland, Oregon
Promote Award Winner3595: Schrödinger’s Hat Fairbanks, Alaska
Champions
  • United States 7013: Hot Wired Robotics
  • United States 5257: Eagles Robotics Xperience
  • United States 4240: Techno Clovers

Block Party!, released on September 7, 2013, is the 2013–2014 robotics competition for FIRST Tech Challenge. In the competition, two alliances, each consisting of two teams, compete to score blocks in plastic crates atop alliance-colored pendulums.[1] Block Party! is the ninth FTC challenge.

Announcement

[edit]

The contest rules were announced at the headquarters of PTC in Needham, Massachusetts on September 7, 2013. A live audience of about 200 high schoolers and their mentors watched the unveiling by David Price (Regional Director of FIRST), Loretta Bessette (MIT Lincoln Labs and FIRST’s FTC game design team), Don Bossi (President of FIRST), John Stuart (PTC SVP of Global Academic Programs), and Lisa Freed (iRobot STEM Outreach Coordinator). The event was also live streamed.[2][3]

Alliances

[edit]

In each match, the four teams competing are organized into red and blue alliances. The members of an alliance compete together to earn points. Alliances are selected randomly prior to the start of each competition.[1]

Field

[edit]

The field for the competition is a square measuring 12 feet by 12 feet, which can be constructed by teams for practising prior to competitions.[4] In the centre of the field there is a wooden "bridge" with a metal pipe that robots will hang on. On each side of the bridge, there are pendulums with crates. Under the pendulums, there are floor goals that are alliance-specific. On two of the corners, there are flags on PVC poles. In the other two corners, there are trapezoidal areas with plastic cube scoring objects. The field is also divided into two triangular halves, one red and one blue.

Scoring

[edit]

There are three sections to the game: the Autonomous Period, the Driver-Controlled (or Tele-Operated) Period, and the End Game. The criteria for scoring is different during each segment.

Autonomous Period

In the Autonomous Period, robots run autonomously for thirty seconds. Infrared beacons are placed randomly under a crate on the pendulum prior to the start of the match, but after autonomous programs have been selected. Each robot is allowed to begin with one preloaded block. Unscored blocks are left in the robot after the Autonomous Period ends.[5] An infrared sensor is available to aid in autonomously locating the IR beacon. Robots can also earn points by being either partially or fully on the bridge in the center of the field.

Method Points
Scoring autonomous block in the crate above the IR beacon 40 points each
Scoring autonomous block in any crate 20 points each
Scoring autonomous block in a floor goal 5 points each
Being partially on the bridge 10 points
Being fully on the bridge 20 points
Driver-Controlled Period

During the two-minute Driver-Controlled Period, teams can use standard gamepad controllers, each with two joysticks to operate their robots.[1]

Method Points
Scoring a block on the floor goals 1 point each
Scoring a block in one of the inner crates 2 points each
Scoring a block in one of the outer crates 3 points each
End Game

The final thirty seconds of the Driver-Controlled Period are referred to as the End Game. During End Game, teams are permitted to attempt to score points for special tasks, but these tasks must not begin before the start of End Game.[1]

Method Points
Raising the alliance flag in the corner of the field 20 points in the "low" position, 35 points in the "high" position
Hanging on the metal bar in the center of the field 50 points
Balancing the pendulum 50% increase in points scored from blocks

Advancement Criteria

[edit]

During tournaments and championships, match wins are not the largest part of the advancement criteria. For example, the winner of the top judged award (the Inspire Award) ranks higher than the winner of the competition-based component (Winning Alliance Captain).[6] Winning lesser judged awards (Think Award, Connect Award, etc.) also plays a part in the advancement order.

For the Block Party challenge, a type of qualifying competition has been introduced in the United States. After qualifying at a regional competition, teams advance to a "Super-Regional", consisting of teams from many different states. There are four regions in the United States, and each region has a "Host Location" where the actual competition will be held.[7]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d FTC 2013-2014 Game Manual Part 2 Archived April 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.
  2. ^ sm (September 9, 2013). "FIRST FTC Kickoff "Block Party" @ PTC". PTC Community. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  3. ^ lab (September 4, 2013). "FTC Kickoff". Massachusetts FTC. Archived from the original on 2014-01-11. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  4. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-01. Retrieved 2013-09-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link). USFIRST.org. Retrieved 2013-9-7.
  5. ^ "Forums".
  6. ^ "Tournament Information: Advancement Criteria". FIRST. Archived from the original on 2013-09-20. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
  7. ^ "Super-Regional Championship Tournaments added to FTC Advancement Structure". FIRST. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
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