> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/introduction-and-table-of-contents.md).
# Introduction & Table of Contents
## Welcome to the frontlines of innovation at the 2026 RoboBoat Competition!
This Team Handbook contains information that teams need to compete at the 2026 RoboBoat Competition. It includes task descriptions, rules and requirements, and other guidance and specifications. Teams are encouraged to read this document for a thorough understanding of what is necessary to compete effectively.
### What is RoboBoat?
RoboBoat is an international student program established to generate, cultivate, and enhance a community of innovators capable of making substantive contributions to the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) domain. The vision is achieved by providing a venue and mechanism, whereby practitioners of robotics and maritime autonomy come together at RoboBoat to share knowledge, innovate, and collaboratively advance the technology of ASV systems. Teams must also document their designs as described in this Team Handbook.
### Why RoboBoat?
The objective of RoboBoat is to build an international community of innovators – ranging from high school to higher education, capable of making substantive contributions to the maritime field and pushing development of small-scale (X-Class) ASV. The competition has been held annually since 2008.
### Why compete in RoboBoat?
Participants of RoboBoat may expect to:
* Increase technical proficiency;
* Establish valuable professional connections; and
* Enjoy the satisfaction of learning and collaborating while advancing the technology of ASV systems.
The nominal winners are those teams that have scored the most points. The real winners are all those participants who have learned something lasting about working together to create an autonomous system that accomplished a challenging mission in a complex environment.
*Maritime autonomous technology is critical to monitoring and healing our oceans. Developing the human resource to expand this effort is even more essential.*
## Table of Contents
Section 1: Competition Overview
[**1.1 Dates and Venue**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.1-dates-and-venue)
[**1.2 Competition Structure**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.2-competition-structure)
[**1.3 Eligibility**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.3-eligibility)
[**1.4 Competition Schedule and Timeline**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.4-competition-schedule-and-timeline)
[**1.5 Points of Contact**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.4-points-of-contact)
[**1.6 RoboNation Code of Conduct**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/SPn1n0KVYJasHRyd1enj#id-1.6-robonation-code-of-conduct)
Section 2: Design Documentation
[**2.1 Technical Design Report**](/roboboat-resources/section-2-design-documentation/2.1-technical-design-report.md)
[**2.2 Team Website**](/roboboat-resources/section-2-design-documentation/2.2-team-website.md)
[**2.3 Team Introduction Video**](/roboboat-resources/section-2-design-documentation/2.3-team-introduction-video.md)
[**2.4 Design Strategy Presentation**](/roboboat-resources/section-2-design-documentation/2.4-design-strategy-presentation.md)
[**2.5 System Assessment**](/roboboat-resources/section-2-design-documentation/2.5-system-assessment.md)
Section 3: Autonomy Challenge
[**3.1 Mandatory Activities**](/roboboat-resources/section-3-autonomy-challenge/3.1-mandatory-activities.md)
[**3.2 Task Descriptions**](/roboboat-resources/section-3-autonomy-challenge/3.2-task-descriptions.md)
**3.3 Communications Protocol** (will be released at a later date)
[**3.4 Qualifying Round**](/roboboat-resources/section-3-autonomy-challenge/3.4-qualifying-round.md)
[**3.5 Semi-Finals/Finals Round**](/roboboat-resources/section-3-autonomy-challenge/3.5-semi-finals-finals-round.md)
Section 4: Scoring & Awards
[**4.1 Design Documentation Scoring**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/g4l6e9L89D2RGNwRFLMd#id-4.1-design-documentation-scoring)
[**4.2 Autonomy Challenge Scoring**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/g4l6e9L89D2RGNwRFLMd#id-4.2-autonomy-challenge-scoring)
[**4.3 Awards**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/g4l6e9L89D2RGNwRFLMd#id-4.2-awards)
Section 5: Rules & Requirements
[**5.1 Rules**](/roboboat-resources/section-5-rules-and-requirements/5.1-rules.md)
[**5.2 Safety**](/roboboat-resources/section-5-rules-and-requirements/5.2-safety-requirements.md)
[**5.3 Vehicle Requirements**](/roboboat-resources/section-5-rules-and-requirements/5.3-vehicle-requirements.md)
[**5.4 Obstacle Avoidance**](/roboboat-resources/section-5-rules-and-requirements/5.4-obstacle-avoidance.md)
Section 6: How to Compete
[**6.1 Register to Compete**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.1-register-to-compete)
[**6.2 Pre-Competition Requirements**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.2_pre-competition_requirements)
[**6.3 Timeline**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.3_timeline)
[**6.4 Logistics**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.4_logistics)
[**6.5 Communications**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.5-communications)
[**6.6 Data Sharing**](https://robonation.gitbook.io/roboboat-resources/pages/uNZz1J3Dufdr0MQLEzNi#id-5.6_data_sharing)
Section 7: Glossary & Acronyms
[**7. Glossary & Acronyms**](/roboboat-resources/section-7-glossary-and-acronyms.md#toc136509514)
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