6.4 Event Expectations
6.4.1 Travel + Lodging
Teams are responsible for coordinating their own lodging and travel plans.
Lodging—Event Hotel
RoboNation has contracted with a local hotel to provide a special rate for RoboBoat teams. Teams are responsible for booking their own lodging for the event. More information to be released at a later date.
Travel Considerations
VISA Process – It is recommended for international students to acquire a B-1 Visitor VISA to attend the competition. However, if the student has plans for any other activities besides the competition, they may choose to investigate other types of visas. Explore the different types of visas: travel.state.gov.
Invitation Letter – Once a team is officially registered and the registration fee is paid, they are eligible to request invitation letters. During the Team Member Registration, each team member are given the opportunity to request an invitation letter issued by RoboNation. Contact support@robonation.org with any questions.
6.4.2 Shipping
Teams are responsible for coordinating the necessary shipping to ensure arrival of vehicle and equipment. Any shipping questions can be directed to Cheri Koch at ckoch@robonation.org / 850.642.0536. More shipping instructions to be released at a later date.
6.4.3 Event Logistics
Team Village
Each team is provided with a 10’ x 10’ working area in a tent that includes two tables / seven chairs, one electrical outlet (120V 60 Hz 15A), and a wireless internet connection. The Team Village is a tent with sidewalls that resides on a flat grassy field surface. Although the covered workspace is weather resistant, teams are discouraged from leaving sensitive electronics/equipment exposed in the tent.
Teams should conduct development, maintenance, and repair of their systems in their designated area in Team Village. Batteries may be charged during the day at the Team Village but may not be left charging overnight.
Team Course Operating Areas (Shoreline)
Teams are provided with an area along the shoreline near the course areas where they are able to set up their shore equipment. Each course has a 10’ x 10’ tent-covered area with a single table per tent, 120V 60Hz 15A power, and a hard-wired Ethernet connection to the Technical Director network. The power provided is for Operator Control Station (OCS) use only and shall not be extended to any platforms on the beach. This space is shared between all teams utilizing the course.
Power
The United States uses a 120V 60Hz 15A electrical outlet plug. Usually three pins, two parallel blades (one wider than the other), and an offset semi-round pin. The wider blade is Neutral, the shorter blade is Hot/Line and the third pin is Ground. Teams will only get one 15A service and should not connect more load than that.
Vehicle Deployment and Recovery
Vehicles are deployed and recovered in the water on the required cart provided by each team, using a portable rollout mat. The temporary walkway is similar to the Mobi-mat, available at shop.mobi-mat.com. The cart will get wet as it’s submerged during deployment and recovery. RoboBoat staff are responsible for recovering any lost vehicles. All reasonable efforts to recover a lost vehicle will be made, but the recovery of a lost vehicle cannot be guaranteed. All teams recognize by entering the competition, they risk damage to, or the loss of, their vehicle.
Open to the Public
This event is open to the public. Consider the possible attendance from future employers or sponsors.
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