Preparation

The contest is held live in several rounds and evaluates the results of team efforts. Teams work on their own in a specially designated area within a specified time limit.

Round 1

Within 3 hours, each team is to assemble 3 models, each with a different movement principle. There are five such principles in total with their distribution among the age groups as follows:

9-11 y.o. age group:

• four-support step movement (king of animals);
• lower part oscillating movement (jumping rat);
• multiple supports movement (crack ant).

12-18 y.o. age group:

• four-support step movement (king of animals);
• rotating wheels movement (dragon bus);
• crawling movement (crawling larvae/bug).

The assembled models must include 2 parts:
1) electromechanical lower part which ensures the movement of the model (assembled during the first round from the distributed identical kit parts);
2) decorative upper part (made before the start of the competition).

The original design of the upper part and its logic in combination with the lower part are assessed by the judges conforming to the maximum contest weight and size standards: 700 grams; 35 cm high; 22 cm wide; 40 cm long.

Round 2

Assembled models compete in 3 tournaments: relay race, elimination and a tug-of-war.

During the relay race the 3 models sequentially activate each other using microswitches installed thereon. 32 teams with best results are admitted to the elimination, which is a relay race limited to 2 models: jumping rat and crack ant for 9-11 y.o. group; king of animals and dragon bus for 12-18 y.o. group. 8 teams with best results in the Elimination Races are admitted to the tug-of-war. During this tournament two models are fastened together with a rope and set to move in the opposing directions. The participating models are of the same lower part design: king of animals for 9-11 y.o. group and crawling larvae for 12-18 y.o. group. The model that pulls the other one wins. Based on the results of this tournament, three winning teams are determined.

Round 3

Models are assessed by the international jury based on the following criteria:

• exterior aesthetics;
• rationality of the used materials;
• materials choice and its adequacy in view of their properties;
• movement reproduction realism;
• smoothness of movement;
• assembly quality;
• uniqueness and distinguishing characteristics;
• additional functions capability.

Assembly kit consists of:
2 gearbox assembly kits
2 electric motors
1 set of screws and nuts
3 metal axles
2 plastic tubes
2 wires
2 battery compartments
2 thick plates
20 flat rounded sticks

Tool

The lower part is assembled only with mechanical tools; no electromechanical tools are allowed. Participants may use the following tools:

• hand-held mechanical drill;
• Phillips screwdriver;
• pliers;
• nippers;
• hacksaw;
• jigsaw;
• set of wood drills;
• file;
• fine and coarse sandpaper;
• glue gun (battery-powered);
• glue;
• set of clamps;
• ruler;
• pencil;
• workbench or flat board to prevent damaging the table.