The ChampBot Challenge returns to the 4th annual Champlain Mini Maker Faire at the Shelburne Farms Coach Barn on September 26 and 27. Registration is now open.

ChampBot

What is the ChampBot Challenge

Build or modify an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) using ‘Champ’ as the theme. The visible portion of your ChampBot, (the part above the water), must bear some resemblance to Champ. Since few people have seen Champ, this is fairly open to interpretation. Champ may be scary, humorous, stylish or all of the above.

ChampBots must be between 3’ and 6’ in length, move under their own power, and cannot present any unsafe conditions for the course monitors should they be required to handle it. Building a ChampBot is your opportunity to show off your technical skills and creativity by creating or modifying a remote controlled robot that represents your interpretation of Champ.

The challenge is to navigate a series of buoys and obstacles on the shoreline of Lake Champlain to earn points and impress the crowd. The organizers encourage entrants to use sound effects, lighting, pyrotechnics and/or visual wizardry to put on a show.

Points will be awarded for design and completion of the course and obstacles. The winner of the $2,500 grand prize will be the bot with the highest total score. Prizes will also be awarded for second and third place, as well as several honorable mention categories.

New this year:

Project Development Awards up to $500 are available for materials based on need and the strength of proposal. Proposals must be submitted by May 24, funds will be awarded by June 16.

“The ChampBot Challenge was a completely new endeavor last year, and it was a lot of fun. We’re excited to see what folks come up with this year, so start working on your bots!” ~ Executive Event Producer Doug Webster.

‘Robots for Kids Too’ were the winners of the first-ever ChampBot Challenge in 2014. Seven teams created homemade ChampBots to navigate the series of nautical obstacles and challenges.

For more information, to register and to apply for funds, visit champlainmakerfaire.com/champbot/.