The world today stands face-to-face with the challenge of climate change, driven and worsened by factors contributing to Global Warming. To inspire a sense of responsibility and passion for sustainability, the Climate Action Challenge brings along 8 exciting challenges. All participants are encouraged to come up with innovative mechanisms for their robots to take part in the battle against climate change.

Climate Action Challenge invites all children from ages 7 to 18 years who love technology to use their skills in AI, Robotics, and Coding in addressing challenges outlined in the track 2 showdown where they save the city of Harborton, which is now suffering with the consequences of its industrial pursuits.

The activities in this competition are designed keeping the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in mind to ensure learning while having fun competing. Let us dive into how you will play a role in saving and reshaping the future with your skill and initiative:

1. Codeavour Track 2: Climate Action Challenge

The Codeavour 6.0 International, Track 2: Climate Action Challenge is a Robotics Competition held offline every year. The participants compete with their robots that are designed and built with Quarky. This year’s Codevour 6.0 International Track 2 competition contains 8 unique challenges in pursuit of preparing and battling against Climate change.  The quests must be completed promptly to secure a place in the Competition.

The 8 X 4 ft Arena models the city of Harborton where you’re entrusted to perform tasks that will save the city and steer it down a path of sustainability. These 8 challenges include: Protecting the Forest, Making Roof Gardens, Repurposing Tyres, Reusing Battery, Recycling Battery, Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency, Constructing Coastal Barriers, and Safeguarding Aquatic Life.

The criteria for evaluation is divided between the total time taken for task completion and the efficiency of the task executed. The next section provides a clear insight into the score-rewarding parameters, and pitfalls to avoid.  The participants have a choice between Manual and Autonomous robots. The track is designed with the motive to test each participant’s technical expertise and creative faculty. 

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1.1. Track 2 Challenges

Here’s an overview of the 8 challenges of the Climate Action Challenge:

1. Protecting the forest: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and forest fires worsen the problem by both preventing carbon absorption and releasing additional carbon dioxide. Your task is to deploy your robot to fight the fire in the forest.
   
2. Making Roof Gardens: Green roofs mitigate the urban heat island effect. Harborton plans to adopt this strategy to mitigate climate change. Your task is to send your robot to install plants on the buildings.
3. Repurposing Tyres: An effective solution to dealing with tyre waste is by repurposing them. The growing problem of tyre waste is resolved by making play equipment for kids in the park. Your task is to ferry these used tyres to the park.
4. Reusing Battery: Reusing batteries reduces the amount of e-waste generated globally. Renewable energy power plants  utilize these to store the excess power generated. Your task is to transport these batteries to the wind farm.
5. Recycling Battery: Recycling of batteries reduces the need for mining as the raw materials are recovered. This eliminates the alternative of carbon emissions during mining. Your task is to collect the battery waste from the wind farm and deposit it at the battery station.
6. Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency: Solar panels diminish our dependence on fossil fuels for generating power. This shift from burning fossil fuels reduces greenhouse emissions. Harborton wants to implement this strategy more efficiently and hence, your task is to change the angle of the panels to maximize energy absorption.
7. Constructing Coastal Barriers: Sediment bags safeguard the coastal ecosystems against rising sea levels. Coastal ecosystems play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide from air. Your task is to protect these microenvironments by laying sediment bags and completing the wall of defense.
8. Safeguarding Aquatic Life: Phytoplanktons and seagrass are the prime example of aquatic life  that support life on earth by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, Water pollutants make it difficult to achieve this. Your task will be to assist in cleaning up the sea with your robot.

1.2. Eligibility Criteria

• Team Composition-  You can participate individually or with a maximum of three members. You must have one mentor/coach/guardian for the team. The age groups  for track 2 are Elementary (7-10 years), Junior (11-14 years), and Senior (15-18 years).
• Registration-  Participants must register on the Codeavour 6.0 International website.
• Robot Specifications: The robot should be programmed using PictoBlox and built using Quarky or the creator’s kit for an upper hand. The mentor’s role is limited to guidance; direct involvement leads to disqualification.
• Before and During the Competition: Teams must prepare their robots in advance, adhering to strict guidelines and passing a verification process. During the competition, strategic use of special cards like Yellow (Foul Exemptions), Red (Teleportation), and Blue (Mode Switching) cards can dramatically alter the course of the challenge.

For more information, read our detailed Track 2 Rulebook.

1.3. Track 2 Evaluation Process

Submissions should align with the outlined guidelines; failing to do so may lead to disqualification. Each team must submit detailed information about their robot, including photos and videos, through the Codeavour 5.0 submission portal. During the competition, scoring is based on the criteria as follows:

• Full Points: You will get full points if the object is inside the placement area or positioned on the green line.
• Half Points: Only half points will be given if the object is touching the green outline of the placement area in any way.
• No Points: Zero points will be considered if the object is placed entirely outside the designated area.
• For each foul, -5 points will be deducted from the total score. A foul is called when:

1. The robot leaves the allocated track
2. Any portion of the robot is not on the black line of the white track.
3. A team member touches the robot directly during the challenge without instruction from the referee.

Note: Please refer to the Track 2 Rulebook. for a detailed understanding.

1.4. Robot Verification Process

The robots must be assembled well in advance before the start of any round, and participants must get their codes for Quarky and Pictoblox verified by the Codeavour designated robot verification team. You may be asked to disassemble while inspection.

Please ensure the batteries of your robot are charged. Participants will be informed of their time slot and game field table before the competition round.

1.5. How to Prepare for Codeavour Track 2

Here are a few important tips for Track 2 Codeavour:

• To excel in Codeavour Track 2, teams should thoroughly understand the competition rules and objectives. 
• Focus on building and programming your robot using PictoBlox and Quarky, ensuring it meets the specified criteria. 
• Practice solving the outlined urban challenges, such as waste management and renewable energy tasks. 
• Regularly test and refine your robot’s performance. 
• Leverage the guidance of mentors while maintaining adherence to the rule of limited mentor involvement.

1.6. In a Nutshell

The future of our world lies in the hands of today’s innovators like you. The Codeavour 6.0  International provides a space for young minds to explore innovative solutions and contribute to a more sustainable urban landscape. So, step up to the challenge, let your creativity soar, and be the change you want to see in the world.