about roborodentia
Roborodentia is an annual autonomous robotics competition at Cal Poly held during Cal Poly Open House in April. The event draws over 1000+ spectators and over 15 robot entries and teams on a yearly basis. Because of its unique challenges, this event attracts roboticists from a variety of communities–Cal Poly students, industry members, alumni, and other universities.
Professor Joe Grimes (Computer engineering program director, 1997-2000) established the competition in 1996 and remained the contest’s advisor for 10 years. Computer engineering majors Dennis Burke and Chris Callanan and electrical engineering major Tom Geiger, all 1996 graduates, were among other early organizers of the event.
In 2004, John Seng (computer science and computer engineering faculty) took the reins as facilitator and has continued the tradition ever since. Each year, under Seng’s guidance, the planning committee designs a unique set of objectives for the competition. Since its inception, Roborodentia has been one of the most highly anticipated open house events.
The Evolution of Roborodentia
2017: Robots pick up colored rings from horizontal supply stations and raise 1.5x Flag in the center to score.
2016: Robots pick up colored rings from vertical supply stations and hook them onto different pegs.
2015: Robots pick up colored rings and hook them onto pegs of varying heights to score points.
2014: Robots collect and roll gold balls into pool table-style pockets.
2012-2013: Robots locate and stack different colored cat food cans.
2008-2011: Robots shoot ping pong balls into a small soccer-style goal.
2005-2007: Robots shoot small squash balls onto the opponent’s side of the field.
1995-2004: Robots pick up racquetballs, navigate a maze and drop the balls in a specified location.
