Event Description: A high-speed, head-to-head robotics competition where custom-built robots face off in a 1v1 mechanical soccer match. Teams design, build, and pilot their manual bots in a purpose-built arena to outmaneuver opponents, defend their penalty zones, and score goals using a mini football.
Date: 21st November (Tech Inspection & Pool Stage) / 22nd November (Knockouts & Finals)
Registration Fee: ₹800- per Team
Registration Process: Participants will have to register on the official Saturnalia registration platform before the deadline mentioned on the platform. Participation may be subject to shortlisting in case of an overwhelming response. Only shortlisted participants, if applicable, will be notified about the further process. Participants must provide the required details and complete all necessary registration formalities within the specified deadline. Participation is exclusively open to college students possessing valid college ID cards for the current academic year. Participants must carry their valid college ID card during the event. The registration fee, if applicable, will be communicated through the official registration platform.
Rules & Regulations: Event Overview &
Arena Specifications: Mayhem is the premier combat robotics tournament of Saturnalia. Engineering teams design and build wireless combat machines that can deliver active kinetic strikes while withstanding hostile impacts. A robot wins by disabling its opponent through a Technical Knockout (TKO), or by scoring the most points for Aggression, Control and Damage.
Enclosure Footprint: 16 ft × 16 ft × 7 ft fully enclosed steel frame High-impact, shatter-resistant polycarbonate safety walls Reinforced perimeter base guards Active Floor
Hazard Pit: A 3 ft × 3 ft automated floor pit opens during the final 60 seconds of every match round. Forcing an opposing robot completely into the pit is an instant TKO.
Safety & Containment Systems: Dual hard-wired emergency arena kill switches Optical containment screens Active smoke and exhaust ventilation for battery safety Weight Classes,
Roster & Eligibility: Every machine must pass formal technical inspection before competing. Weight limits are strictly enforced, with a maximum tolerance of 1%.
Featherweight: up to 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs)
Middleweight: up to 15.0 kg (33.0 lbs)
Heavyweight: up to 30.0 kg (66.0 lbs) Roster &
Team Roster: 2 to 6 registered members per team. Teams may include members from more than one college, provided everyone’s student credentials are verified.
Venue
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology
Patiala, India
Dimensions: there is no limit on overall dimensions. The fully assembled robot must fit through the 4 ft × 4 ft arena access hatch without disassembly.
Walker Bonus: robots using true non-wheeled linear walking mechanisms get an extra 10% weight allowance above their class limit.
Cluster Bots: a team may deploy multiple sub-units under one entry. The combined mass and dimensions of all active sub-units must stay within the class limits. Technical, Power &
Radio Protocol: 2.4 GHz digital spread-spectrum systems with frequency-hopping channels.
Prohibited Control: tethered remote connections and fully autonomous robots are strictly prohibited.
Fail-Safe Requirement: all drive systems and weapon throttles must return to neutral/zero power immediately if the transmitter signal is lost or interrupted. Electrical Power &
Voltage Cap: electric drive systems only. The potential between any two electrical points must not exceed 36 V DC.
Engines: internal combustion engines (ICE) are banned.
Battery Containment: every LiPo, LiFe or gel battery cell must be fully enclosed in a rigid enclosure of at least 2 mm steel or aluminium plate, to contain thermal runaway.
Allowed Mobility: Wheels Treads Walking mechanisms Controlled hopping assemblies (maximum height clearance of 6 ft)
Prohibited Mobility: Vacuum pads Magnetic locks onto the arena floor Sticky treads Chemical adhesives Flight components
Permitted Weapons: Vertical and horizontal kinetic spinners and drums Pneumatic flippers Overhead hammers Lifters Hydraulic clamps Low-pressure regulated flamethrowers
Banned Weapons: Liquid sprayers High-voltage tasers Untethered projectiles Entangling nets or ropes Radio signal jammers Explosive charges
Weapon Spin-Down: every high-kinetic-energy spinning weapon must come to a complete stop within 60 seconds of signal cut-off or activation of the emergency stop switch. Tournament Structure &
Phase 1: Tech Check &
Safety Verification: a robot is cleared to fight only after a mandatory check of: Fail-safe operation Battery containment Wire gauge and insulation Structural integrity
Official Weigh-In: robots are weighed on certified event scales. A robot over the tolerance must be modified immediately and re-tested.
Pit Setup: each team gets a dedicated pit stati