2010 Autonomous Vehicle Competition is Here!
This is your go-to post for all the info about the 2010 SparkFun Autonomous Vehicle Competition!
Ok...it is definitely that time! The 2010 Autonomous Vehicle Competition is this very weekend! Excited? You bet your sweet britches we are. Well, don't bet your britches - we encourage only fully clothed individuals to attend the AVC.
If you haven't seen the official AVC 2010 Poster, check it out! If you want to download it, you can go to the "About Us" section and click on graphics downloads. We also have an AVC wallpaper on there for all your desktop background needs! Graphic Designer David also made the robots included in this post (plus some not shown here) that we'll be giving away in sticker form on the day of the race!
Alright, let's talk details! First off, here's what the schedule for the day's events looks like:
- 8 AM - Team Admission
- 9 AM - General Public Admission
- 9:30 AM - 1st Heat Start Time, Raffle at End of 1st Heat
- 12 PM - 2nd Heat Start Time, Raffle at End of 2nd Heat
- 2:30 PM - 3rd Heat Start Time, Raffle at End of 2nd Heat, and Free-For-All Race (mass start)
- 4:30 PM-ish - Awards
- 6 PM-ish - After party @ Dark Horse
If you'd like to print the official schedule out (plus a whole bunch of other handy info about the day and the area), click here to download a PDF of the competitor's handbook (ooooooooh!). If you plan on attending and haven't registered yet, please do so! We are still working on getting an accurate head count for the event.
If you can't make it, worry not! We will be comin' 'atcha from all sorts of multimedia angles. Our writer Chris will be "live blogging" the event via our Twitter account (the user name is SparkFun - cryptic, we know). If text doesn't cut it for you, check out our uStream Channels for some serious video action. We will have multiple cameras set up all over the course, including cameras rigged to servos on all four corner of the building. If all goes to plan, these cameras will keep a constant eye on the action so you won't miss a beat.
Speaking of technology, check out the scoreboard we are using this year! IT Brad has been using this in his office as a computer screen, but now its real purpose in life will be realized. Much better than last years chalk board, I'd say.
Up, up, and away!
Also noteworthy about the day (and a change from last year's competition) will be the presence of food vendors! We are going to have vendors for both breakfast and lunch, so you won't even have to travel offsite to grab a bite. Robotics and food - what else does mankind need!
This vehicle would definitely win the "Kill Switch" award.
Last, but definitely not least. The weather forecast is...not that great. We are looking at highs in the mid-50s and a decent chance of scattered thunderstorms, so be prepared for anything. With that said, this is Colorado and it could be 70 and sunny. But better safe than sorry, so you'd be wise to bring an umbrella and/or poncho and some warm clothes.
The "Tron" version of our friendly robot!
Any questions? Write them in the comments and we'll get back to you. Remember, this is an open, free event - everyone is welcome! Hope to see you Saturday!
