Mandatory Registration at: techfest.org/competitions/thetashift ThetaShift is a high-octane robotics challenge held as part of Techfest 2026-27 . Participants must design and construct a manually controlled, wireless spherical robot built to navigate dynamic terrain, clear precision-based obstacles, and handle surprise course features . The top 5 teams from the Zonals round will qualify for the Grand Finale at the IIT Bombay campus from December 16–18, 2026 Key Rules &
Bot Dimensions & Drive: Must be a wireless spherical bot with a diameter between 4 and 10 inches .
Control Mechanism: Controlled manually via a joystick/remote or a mobile phone using 2.4GHz WiFi or Bluetooth . SSID format must follow TeamName_TF .
Power Constraints: Onboard power supply only (≤ 24V DC for electric setups) . A physical power-disconnect switch is mandatory .
Build Constraints: No ready-made Lego parts (ready-made gear assemblies permitted) . Spikes, abrasive materials, or adhesives damaging the track cause immediate disqualification .
Arena & Challenge Breakdown: The 3x3m arena features 12 distinct terrain obstacles designed to test control, traction, and task execution :
Terra Firma: Rock and sand path (50
Points) The Slalom Ridge: Triangular zig-zag barriers (30
Points) Sawtooth Ridge: Contiguous triangular speed bumps (30
Points) Infinity Circuit: Figure-8 path (60
Points) Domino Planks: Unevenly spaced rectangular planks (40
Points) Incline Overdrive: 10-degree incline ramp (40
Points) The Razor’s Edge: Elevated 7-inch wide track without side barriers (60
Points) Freefall Hairpin: Downhill slope ending in an immediate 90-degree turn (70
Points) The Gridlock: Alternating block grid path (30
Points) The U-Turn: Strict U-turn maneuver (20
Points) Bulldozer Drive: Pushing a block across a line and exiting in reverse (50
Points) Surprise Obstacles: Confidential obstacles introduced during the Grand Finale . Gameplay, Scoring &
Time Limit: 6 minutes (360 seconds) per run . Each team gets 1 run .
Scoring Formula: $\text{Total Score} = A + T - P$ A: Task Points earned (Max 480
Points) T: Time Bonus = 240 - Time in seconds (for runs under 4 minutes; Max 100
Points) P: Penalties (10 points per arena violation or extra pause time)
Venue
IIT Bombay
Mumbai, India
Pauses & Resets: Two 45-second and one 30-second technical pauses allowed . Off-track bots reset to the start of the current obstacle with a 10-point penalty .
Grand Finale: December 16–18, 2026 at IIT Bombay Campus .
Certificates: Certificates of Excellence for the top 5 teams per zonal city and top 3 finale winners . Participation E-Certificates for teams crossing the benchmark score .