Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Why do we need a European "Grand Challenge"?

The DARPA Grand Challenge is open for US lead teams only.

What is the difference between the DARPA GrandChallenge and ELROB?

ELROB is a trial!
It allows participants to demonstrate the capabilities of their UGV (UAV) inrealistic scenarios and terrains.

Why is there no prize money?

;-) Well there is a prize money at C-ELROB!

Discussion about the level of difficulty compared to the Grand Challenge?

This is a trial; we are not the European version of the DARPA GC.
Statement:
The objectives of ELROB and DGC are different.
It is like comparing apples and oranges.
Darpa GC was designed for long term autonomy and to push (somewhat blue sky) research.
ELROB is designed to assess current technology to solve problems at hand, using whatever strategy to achieve it.
ELROB is closer to the typical deployment scenario for today, where as Darpa is looking more towards the future scenario.
We see them as being complementary not competing.
However, what the DARPA Grand Challenge did achieve was to paint vision of what the future could be.
We believe that we are all committed to demonstrating at ELROB is presenting cutting edge robotics technology, applied to real world applications, that can save lives now and shape the direction of research for the short and medium term.
ELROB will enable Europe to re-engage in the benefits robotics can deliver now and the future.

What kind of spectators will attend ELROB? What is the audience like?

Representatives of security domains, fire brigades, civil protection and disaster control agencies from the major European countries will attend.

Who, when and how are people invited?

If you need further information please contact the POC.

Organisational Questions

Do I have to book the flight / hotel / etc. myself?

Yes, please see the "Links" for travel support information.

We are from Russia / Switzerland / Norway, can we participate?

Yes.  -  European citizenship refers to the continent not to the E.C./E.U.

Questions regarding the Application Process

Can I apply only to the trials?

Yes.

Can I apply to the exhibition and the trials?

Yes.

Do we receive a confirmation that our team has been selected for the trials?

Yes.  -  Notification will be at 01.Dec 2006

What are the registration fees?

There is a registration fee of 100 Euros for participants and university exhibitors!
For companies, industry and other exhibitors there will be a 20Euro/sqm fee
Use the ExhibitionSpecificationSheet from the download section.

Will I get a refund of the registration fee when I withdraw?

No! - There will be NO refund of the registration fee

Technical Questions about Vehicles

Must the UGV/UAV be fully autonomous?

No.
But this might lead to penalty points.

Are fully remote controlled UGVs allowed?

Yes.
But this might lead to penalty points.
Also keep in mind that you have to explain to a interested party how this matches with the secnario.

Will the autonomous and remote controlled vehicles get the same tasks?

Yes!

What is the permitted maximum height of the individual antennas?

There will be no limit this time.
But keep in mind that you have to explain to a interested party how your particular antenna hight matches with the secnario.

Will the vehicle be accompanied by the judges on route?

Yes!  -  But not necessarily all the time

Is there time to recover unforeseen problems (between training and event)?

Yes.  -  Please read the rules carefully.

Technical Questions about Track / Scenarios

How will the scenarios look like?

Please see the "Scenarios" link.

What is the steepest slope in the non-urban scenario?

We simply do not know! :-)

What if we can not deal with obstacle XY or a slope of 40 degree?

There will be alternatives in the route layout.
So if a door is to narrow or a slope to steep you can bypass it.
This of course might look at bit wimpy if done often. :-)

Have the routes/scenarios been tested?

All routes/scenarios have been tested with commercial of the shelf equipment.
The dimensions of the robot were 90x65x95 (LxWxH in cm) and weight 65Kg.

Will there be always line of sight between the UGV and the operator station?

No.  -  Buildings as well as terrain and foliage will obstruct line of sight and radio communication.

Will the scenario be specified in more detail?

Yes!  -  In January we will publish more detailed information.

When will it be possible to inspect the route?

On the briefing day.

Will the spectators be able to see the whole route?

Almost!  -  For those parts where direct sight is not possible a live video link is available.

What happens if it starts raining?

Since ELROB is a realistic outdoor trial it will continue even when it is raining.
The Chief Judge Team might interrupt the trials if it is pouring.

Communications

Can we use relays for the communication/video link?

Yes, there are two mutually exclusive ways for doing so:
You may deploy one stationary relay manually before the trial.
OR
You may deploy up to 10 stationary relays from the vehicle during the trial.

Would the use of a blimp in approx. 250m be allowed?

Did you read the rules?

Presentation / Display Session

Will the teams be allowed to describe the specified scenarios themselves, depending on the functionality to be shown?

There will be a Display Session where the teams may show whatever they want.
On all other days (urban, non-urban and combination trials), the requirements are to be met.

Is the exhibition planned as a "static" presentation or is it possible to present some functionality of the vehicles (mission modules) "dynamically"?

You will have a booth and there will be possibilities use parts of the proving ground / houses.

Is there a video presentation for the spectators?

Yes!

What possibilities are there to present the solutions to the spectators?

The presenter of the team is free to use a provided microphone and comment what is happening.

Has the moderator to be a team member.?

Yes!

Additional Information...

I am a journalist where can I get additional information on ELROB?

You will find most of the information regarding the event on the web site.
Please read the documents (e.g. the rules) carefully.
If you use the documents or parts of them or pictures from the web site please cite correctly!
You might want to read the statements under the link "Contact".
If you have any further questions feel free to use the provided contact.

Will I get further / more detailed information when I apply for the trials?

No, all information that is available will be published on the web site.
There is no need for fictitious applications.

Will it be possible to get more information on the route (e.g. GPS data) before the event?

No.
Also it is not possible and not allowed to get on the trial site before the event.
Any violation (even the attempted) will be published and result in exclusion from the event.
However on the first day there is a inspection of the tracks (all participants; by foot only, no robots or vehicles) where you can use cameras, GPS, etc. to gather data.

Is it possible to get a plan of site and floor plans, scale and GPS reference, or a Orthophoto?

No!  -  Please remember that the trial should be as close as possible to real scenarios.

Is it possible to get additional, not yet mentioned, information, if this is required for functionality?

No!  -  Please remember that the trial should be as close as possible to real scenarios.

For a successful demonstration, a realistic training is a prerequisite, when can we do this?

Training is in the responsibility of the teams alone.
There will be no training possible on the site before the first (preparation) day.

Will there be Internet access?

Yes.
There might be an access charge.
However the organisers are in no way related to or responsible for that offer.
Please see >Downloads< for more information.