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RTC Cup (Robotics, Technologies, Competencies)

Main Idea: This is «extreme» robotics in action. The «RTC Cup» is one of the most complex engineering competitions, simulating real, not «laboratory,» conditions.

What makes it special? Instead of a clean race track or a sumo ring, the «RTC» testing ground is an obstacle course simulating a disaster zone: a destroyed city, a smoke-filled labyrinth, or an industrial facility after an accident. This brings participants as close as possible to the tasks faced by real rescuers.

What are the robot’s tasks? Robots (both autonomous and teleoperated, i.e., controlled by an operator) must perform applied tasks encountered by emergency services or engineers in hazardous zones:

• Navigation: Moving over rough terrain, overcoming debris, stairs, and narrow passages.
• Manipulation: Using a manipulator arm to open doors, shut off valves, grab and carry objects (for example, «radioactive» containers).
• Reconnaissance: Searching for «victims» (special beacons or dummies), identifying hazardous substances, and mapping the area in real-time.

Who participates? The competition primarily attracts university students and high school students with serious skills in design, electronics, and programming (often using ROS — Robot Operating System).

Goal: To prepare engineers capable of creating robotics for the real world — machines that can one day work in mines, at disaster sites, and even in space, saving human lives.