Thursday, November 7, 2013

APEC Research

The different types of Micromouse competitions: http://micromouseusa.com/?page_id=23

Link to confirm the region we are in http://sites.ieee.org/local-sections-chapters/region-5/
Main website for Region 5 (which doesn't seem to be very informative about the competitions): http://ieeer5.org/

Link to the APEC Micromouse Contest (Which is the highest level in America) http://www.apec-conf.org/conference/participating-in-micromouse/

"APEC 2014 will be hosting its Twenty-Eighth annual Micromouse contest in Fort Worth, Texas. The contest will take place on the evening of Monday, March 17 starting at approximately 8:00 PM. It is not necessary for contestants to register for the conference in order to compete."

"The rules for the contest use a scoring system with a penalty for the time taken to map and run the maze, and a bonus for not touching the mouse ... The time for each contestant has also been reduced from 15 to 7 minutes. Within this time limit, the Micromouse may make up to 7 runs. Only one mouse per handler will be allowed this year." More specifically: http://www.apec-conf.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Micromouse_Rules.pdf

Other goodies on the APEC Micromouse Contest website
Hotels: http://www.apec-conf.org/conference/hotel-travel/hotel-reservations/ Special rates for students if apec@courtesyassoc.com is contacted


After signing in with my IEEE member code, it showed three options 

Full Conference: $800
This registration category includes the following:
  • Technical sessions
  • Proceedings on USB
  • Educational seminars
  • Seminar workbook on USB
  • Exhibition
  • Social Event

Technical Session Only: $500
This registration category includes the following:
  • Technical Seminars
  • Proceedings on USB
  • Exhibition
  • Social Event

Educational Seminars Only: $400 
This registration category includes the following:
  • Educational Seminars
  • Seminar workbook on USB
  • Exhibition

I have a feeling that we'll  be choosing the "exhibits only" option but it isn't available to click on until February 21, 2014. I will email apec@apec-conf.org and ask for more information.

5 comments:

  1. When I went to APEC, I didn't have to pay to watch the Micromouse competition. Regardless if you're watching or competing, you shouldn't have to pay.

    Best part about APEC is that 1) it's close to TAMU this year, and 2) you don't have to have an excellent robot to compete. When I went (2011) there was a high school student who competed with a simple robot that only made it through half of the maze. The Micromouse atmosphere at APEC is incredible for Micromouse teams at all levels, and most of the competitors are just hobbyists who come year to year for fun.

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    Replies
    1. Did you compete in 2011, or just watch?

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    2. I just watched. It was definitely worth it! Enjeti was already going to the conference (the whole thing) so I just went up the day of for the competition and met some of the participants.

      My pictures:
      https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150119475954901.295073.266586489900&type=3

      David Otten is also very nice! Found this video of his mouse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzeC_Flj6b0

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  2. It's free to participate and watch. Just Email David Otten Ahead of time(worst case 1 week before the competition) to show your will and he will help you for registration purpose. Since he needs to prepare the certification for all team, you'd better contact him as early as possible.
    March is usually too early for student to participate since most of the mouse are still unfinished by the time. But it still worth you go there even just watch because you will be able to talk with other micromouse player all around the world to have a very close peek on their designs, and get some info they didn't share online. And this year APEC is so close to your school, I wish I can make it this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I'll contact him once we are more certain that we'll have a proper mouse in time.

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