Competition Overview: The Shaastra Aerial Robotics Challenge (SARC) is an exciting drone competition that brings together aspiring engineers, robotics enthusiasts, and innovators to test their drone-building skills, flying precision, and technical knowledge. Participants will navigate challenging obstacle courses, perform precise aerial manoeuvres, and compete in time-based challenges that test their control, stability, accuracy, and problem-solving abilities
Preliminary Submission: Teams must submit a flight demonstration video and a technical PDF for initial evaluation.
The video must demonstrate: Smooth take-off and stable hovering. Stable flight while carrying a 50 g payload. Navigation through at least one hoop-shaped obstacle without contact. A precise 90° turn. Safe landing at the designated point. The technical PDF must include drone dimensions, total weight, power source specifications, manual control system details, safety mechanisms, and other relevant technical information. Selected teams will advance to Round 1.
Round 1: Obstacle Course Challenge Qualified teams must navigate a specially designed obstacle course while maintaining stable, low-altitude flight.
The course includes: Semicircular and quarter hoops. Diagonal split rectangular hoops. Sharp 90° turns. Double quarter hoops. Crossover and split semicircular hoops. Triangular and freely hanging circular hoops. T-rod obstacles. Teams must complete the obstacle sequence, cross the finish line, and land at the designated point. Scoring is based on course completion, time bonuses, and penalties for rule violations.
Round 2: Checkpoints Challenge The top-performing teams from Round 1 will qualify for this timed challenge. Reach as many checkpoints as possible within the allotted time. Follow the obstacle-course rules applicable to Round 1. Earn 10 points for each successful checkpoint. Avoid unnecessary contacts and unsafe manoeuvres. The number of qualifying teams will be determined by the organisers based on participation.
Round 3: Payload Delivery Challenge Teams will carry an organiser-provided payload through the obstacle course and release it onto a marked target area. Scoring would consider course completion, delivery accuracy, time bonuses, and penalties.
Drone type: Only multirotor drones, such as quadcopters and hexacopters, are permitted.
Control system: Drones must be operated manually using a remote controller. Autonomous flight is not permitted.3.
Dimensions: The drone must not exceed 1 metre and must not be smaller than 0.3 metre in any direction.
Flight altitude: Drones must not exceed a height of 1.5 metres and must follow the prescribed arena boundaries and safety-net restrictions.
Venue
SAC,IIT MADRAS
Chennai, India
Flight performance: Drones must demonstrate stable hovering, precise low-altitude flight, and controlled manoeuvrability.
Obstacle contact: Contact with hoops, rods, will attract penalties.
Ground contact: Touching the ground during the course will attract penalties.
Arena boundaries: Exiting the arena boundaries may result in disqualification.
Unsafe contacts: Exceeding the permitted number of unsafe contacts may result in disqualification.
Drone crashes: A crash that prevents continuation may result in disqualification.
FPV camera: An FPV camera is optional and is not mandatory.
Arena dimensions: 8 m × 11 m × 1.25 m. Clearly marked start and finish points will be provided. Obstacle dimensions and placements will have a tolerance of ±5%.
Eligibility: Students, robotics enthusiasts, and teams interested in drone technology, aerial robotics, and engineering innovation are encouraged to participate, subject to the final eligibility criteria announced by the organisers. Participants must ensure that their drones comply with the technical specifications and safety requirements.
Scoring and Evaluation: Round 1 awards 100 base points for course completion, with time bonuses and penalties. Round 2 awards 10 points per successful checkpoint, subject to applicable penalties. Round 3 awards 80 base points for course completion, with time bonuses and penalties. The detailed scoring criteria and final competition format will be governed by the official rulebook. Only winners will receive hard-copy certificates, while participation and finalist certificates will be provided in soft-copy format.