Robocode
RoboCode is a game where teams use Java to program one or more robot tanks to battle in an arena against each other.The little graphical tanks need to be programmed to avoid being hit. They need to be smart enough to move around an arena without any kind of manual control. All of their intelligence is part of a single Java file. Unlike the real-life destruction possible with the Scorpion tank that posed menancingly outside the LIT Thurles venue, the RoboCode tanks depended on artificial intelligence and computer ammunition to maneuver, fire and hunt.
The little graphical tanks need to be programmed to avoid being hit. They need to be smart enough to move around an arena without any kind of manual control. All of their intelligence is part of a single Java file. During a short interview and inspection prior to the contest, judges ensure the contestants have created the RoboCode Java used in their submissions.
The arena is a large computer monitor that is projected onto a wall. Everyone can see the ruthless robots at work, including information about the energy level and radar scanning capability of each robot. Each RoboCode match normally lasts less than three minutes, until one robot tank is destroyed. Similar to a real land battle, all the work for RoboCode happens well before the robots are launched into battle. Like all complex machines, the magic is under the bonnet.
The competition is targeted at 1st year programming students. It is intended as an opportunity for fresher years to demonstrate their programming abilities and advance their knowledge of GUI programming, API usage and Artificial Intelligence.
The competition is a result of a review of 1st year programming syllabus delivery. The introduction of the programming competition complemented the syllabus delivery changes made. As every college and university is introducing initiatives for engaging students at all levels, this will be an ideal opportunity to encourage excellence and support the hard work of 1st year students and their programming lecturers.
