Author Archives: Mike Schmidt

Carpet Installation 2023

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Unfortunately, in December of last year, we fell victim to water damage, which turned our basement into a construction site for a while. However, thanks to the strong support from the university, we not only managed to navigate the problem skillfully, but we also found a sustainable solution. A big thank you to FAPS, who offered us a replacement field with camera and tinkering corner within 24 hours of our request (!), and to the Department of Computer Science, who put all their energy into restoring the room.

However, our old carpet did not escape the water damage completely. Additionally, it had already seen better days, so shortly after RoboCup 2023, it was time for a new carpet. First, we had to make space for it in the basement.

Only together were we able to bring the heavy, over five-meter-long carpet roll from FAPS to the basement. Once again, many heartfelt thanks for accepting and storing it during RoboCup. We had to navigate it through some tight corners and over high steps.

After safely getting the carpet roll onto the playing field, a significant advantage of our new carpet became evident. Unlike our previous one, this time we only had a single roll, so we didn’t need to worry about aligning two separate sections while unrolling.

As the final step before setting up the vision system, we needed to stick the field lines to the carpet. Teamwork was crucial once again, as it was the only way to ensure the lines were straight when applied to the carpet.

A special thanks goes to the company Kibek, with their branch in Fürth, which provided us with very competent advice and significant price support when obtaining the carpet.

In the past, we have been able to rely on the honest and knowledgeable advice from the employees in Fürth, and we will gladly do so again in the future!

RoboCup: Final Report

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Now that the RoboCup is already a few days behind us, we’d like to take the opportunity to review the tournament.

Overall, our team was very well prepared, having all the electronic and mechanical components with us, allowing us to respond adequately to every situation with our equipment.

While it’s unfortunate that we ultimately lost due to our radio communication, everyone is already looking forward: Our sponsors Gerhard Schubert and HBC-radiomatic are already offering to address the existing issues with the radio system, so we can soon showcase our full potential.

We’re also looking ahead: Not only are we preparing for the arrival of a team from Uruguay at FAU at the end of July for a joint workshop, but we’re also planning improvements. While nothing works without radio communication, our motor boards have also posed problems. A robust solution needs to be in place by Christmas.

There was a small moment of joy at the end of the tournament: We quickly had the opportunity to take a photo with our friends from TIGERs Mannheim to compensate for the missing match against them.

In the end, we’re happy that the vacation, apart from the unfortunate theft of personal belongings, went very well, and everyone enjoyed it. The wine museum in Bordeaux, the beach holiday on the Atlantic Ocean, or the French National Day in Paris: Many beautiful moments will remain in our team’s memory, making our time together truly unforgettable.

So, there’s only one thing left to say: See you all in Eindhoven 2024!

RoboCup: TIGERs Mannheim vs. ZJUNlict

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And thus, the grand finale is upon us: TIGERs Mannheim and ZJUNlict face each other in the final match!

You can find the link to the live ticker as always on Twente’s YouTube platform or at this link.

First Half

05:00 And thus, the game starts almost punctually. TIGERs is playing in yellow this time, ZJUNlict in blue.
04:17 First observation: The game between these two teams yesterday was better. However, there’s live commentary in French for the spectators on-site this time, which is a big gain and a result of the Open OC/TC Meetings held yesterday. On that day, the commentary and the tournament in Crailsheim were explicitly praised as a prime example of spectator-friendly tournaments.
03:15 Very good shot opportunity for ZJUNlict! The keeper made the save, though. Nevertheless, ZJUNlict managed to break through the defense, which is worrying.
02:10 The game doesn’t look as nice as yesterday: The ball is frequently out of bounds, causing unnecessary interruptions.
01:12 Two consecutive attacks on ZJUNlict’s goal, but both times it’s defused or the ball rolls past the goal.
00:51 Another hot shot on ZJUNlict’s goal. If this continues, TIGERs will eventually score a goal.
00:51 ZJUNlict seems to have realized this, hence they called a timeout.
00:51 During the timeout, both TIGERs and ZJUNlict form shapes: TIGERs’ bots in the shape of a “T,” ZJUNlict’s bots in the shape of a “Z.”
00:32 Indeed, TIGERs seems to have a problem with one of their robots, so they have to take one off the field.
00:27 And the ball goes out of bounds again, free-kick for ZJUNlict.
-00:04 With one final attack on ZJUNlict’s goal, the first half comes to an end. Overall, the game is quite balanced. TIGERs is more dominant, but it’s possible that both teams will score a goal.

Second Half

05:00 And thus, the second half begins. Neither team color nor sides are swapped. ZJUNlict has the kickoff.
04:56 The game continues with the fast pace it ended: TIGERs with a quick shot, unfortunately out of bounds.
04:32 After a few ball exchanges, the ball unintentionally rolls towards ZJUNlict’s goal, but one of their defenders can clear it towards the sidelines. Overall, TIGERs is playing significantly worse than yesterday. Additionally, ZJUNlict is substituting one of their players.
03:53 Another very intense attack by TIGERs Mannheim on ZJUNlict’s goal. Still the stronger team.
03:16 OK, that was close: Intense battle in TIGERs’ half, the goalkeeper seems unable to shoot, nerves are frayed. The situation is cleared towards the corner, but that could have been the deciding goal! The hottest situation so far!
03:16 Another robot change for ZJUNlict.
03:16 Apparently, there’s a discussion about whether the yellow card that ZJUNlict should receive is legitimate. The tension is high; after all, two evenly matched opponents are playing for the title.
02:43 Another very intense situation in front of Mannheim’s goal. A long battle involving dozens of robots, but in the end, TIGERs manages to clear the ball.
02:23 Almost a goal against TIGERs! We’re getting really anxious here that our favorite might lose!
02:23 More discussions in front of the screens, no idea what it could be about this time.
02:07 Another ball goes out of bounds; being a commentator during such games is truly risky business.
01:28 TIGERs is wasting far too many opportunities. They’re too slow in turning in the opponent’s half, allowing the opponent to catch up.
00:00 The second half ends with very nerve-wracking battles across the field, and the game goes into overtime for the first and only time in this tournament!

Overtime: First Half

02:30 Thus begins the first half of the second overtime.
01:50 The ball is in both halves at times, and it’s hotly contested.
01:00 The game offers no respite: One moment follows the next, a goal could happen anytime.
01:00 Timeout for ZJUNlict.
00:50 GOAL for TIGERs, everyone’s celebrating, but: No goal, because it was too high.
00:19 Directly the next thrilling moment: Battle in front of TIGERs’ goal, the ball remains there

for a long time, but the TIGERs’ keeper manages a clearance.
00:00 And thus, the next nerve-wracking half ends. It’s a pity the goal didn’t count; I screamed “yes” at the top of my lungs for no reason. Of course, we’re completely neutral here.

Overtime: Second Half

02:30 Thus begins the second half of the overtime. If this one ends without goals as well, it will go into a penalty shootout, which virtually no team has properly implemented.
02:10 Again, TIGERs in front of ZJUNlict’s goal, but they’re just too slow when it really counts, and so, unfortunately, there’s no goal again.
01:54 A robot from TIGERs is being substituted.
00:52 The ball is currently bouncing around a bit; one has to be careful as a commentator during such games.
00:25 Only 25 seconds left; will there be another goal?
00:09 Again, an attack on ZJUNlict’s goal, but unfortunately, again wide. Probably the last attack.
00:00 And thus, the second half of the overtime ends as well. Penalty shootout time!

Penalty Shootout

Since we’ve never had to tick a penalty shootout, there’s no format for it yet. However, I can say this much: No team has really implemented the Penalty Shootout, at least not ours, so one can assume that both TIGERs and ZJUNlict won’t shine too much. It just doesn’t happen frequently enough to invest a lot of time into it.
TIGERs TIGERs approaches the ball slowly and deliberately, but they actually score a goal!
TIGERs Mannheim 1 : 0 ZJUNlict
ZJUNlict ZJUNlict approaches slowly, but messes up the shot, their robot just stops. No goal.
TIGERs Another goal for TIGERs, also not very spectacular.
TIGERs Mannheim 2 : 0 ZJUNlict
ZJUNlict Again messed up by ZJUNlict, which puts TIGERs two ahead.
TIGERs Another goal by TIGERs, making it 3-0. TIGERs has just implemented the basic shootout strategy, so they don’t commit any fouls, but that’s about it. However, it seems to be enough. If ZJUNlict doesn’t score now, TIGERs has won and becomes world champion for the third time!
TIGERs Mannheim 3 : 0 ZJUNlict
ZJUNlict And ZJUNlict messes up again. It’s official now: TIGERs is the world champion for the third time in a row!!! Congratulations to the entire TIGERs team for this outstanding performance and the excellent games in the past days! It’s safe to say that this year, no team deserves to be world champion more than TIGERs Mannheim. And it’s officially the Hattrick!

RoboCup: Immortals vs. ZJUNlict

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Sunday starts with the match for the 3rd place between the German-Iranian team Immortals and the Chinese team ZJUNlict. Whoever wins this game will advance to the final and face the already qualified German team TIGERs Mannheim at 1:00 pm.

You can find the link to the live ticker as always on Twente’s YouTube platform or at this link.

First Half

05:00 The game is kicked off. Immortals is playing in yellow jerseys, ZJUNlict in blue.
04:46 And the first goal already falls: After a chip pass by ZJUNlict, a second robot takes a shot, and the ball rolls into the net: 0:1 for ZJUNlict.
Immortals 0 : 1 ZJUNlict
04:06 Dangerous situation in Immortals’ penalty area: ZJUNlict takes another shot on goal, but the Iranian goalkeeper is there to clear it out for a corner kick.
02:59 Currently, the game is clearly dominated by ZJUNlict, as expected.
01:53 Currently, nothing interesting is happening; the game is meandering a bit. A shot on Immortals’ goal, but the ball misses.
01:36 Attack by Immortals on ZJUNlict’s goal, but the bots can’t get through the wall of robots.
01:36 Timeout for ZJUNlict.
00:22 Strong attack by ZJUNlict, but the Immortals’ keeper holds it.
00:00 Thus ends a moderately interesting first half. ZJUNlict is leading, but the team’s performance hasn’t been outstanding.

Second Half

05:00 The second half begins, no sides or colors are swapped.
04:46 The game continues as it ended before halftime: ZJUNlict taking shots on goal, but they lack precision. Perhaps Immortals doesn’t want to reveal all their strategies, so they’re intentionally playing worse, or they’re heavily trained against TIGERs Mannheim. In any case, their play is not as strong as in previous matches.
04:16 And now it’s 2:0 for ZJUNlict. Triggered again by a pass, the goal scorer can comfortably turn in front of Immortals’ goal, and the defense closes the gaps too late.
Immortals 0 : 2 ZJUNlict
04:16 Immortals utilizes their power play of 11 to 10 to launch an attack on ZJUNlict’s goal, yet they still can’t break through the Chinese defense.
04:14 Currently, the second goal is being discussed, as it seems to be a chip kick. In my opinion, the chip kick is under 15 cm and thus valid, but the final decision lies with the referee.
03:11 And another goal for ZJUNlict. But the ball seems to have been too fast, so the goal doesn’t count. It remains 0:2 for ZJUNlict.
02:41 But now: Directly from the center, one of the ZJUNlict bots shoots towards Immortals’ goal, and the keeper can’t hold it: 0:3 for ZJUNlict.
Immortals 0 : 3 ZJUNlict
02:16 Lots of shots on goal, but again off target. As mentioned before, ZJUNlict’s performance in this match is not at its peak.
02:04 And another goal: ZJUNlict is solidifying its lead.
Immortals 0 : 4 ZJUNlict
02:04 Timeout, this time for Immortals. Personally, I don’t believe they can make a significant comeback against ZJUNlict.
01:45 No, the timeout didn’t change much: 0:5 for ZJUNlict.
Immortals 0 : 5 ZJUNlict
01:35 After the kickoff, a direct attack on ZJUNlict’s goal, but they manage to clear the ball out of Immortals’ goal area.
00:18 Only a few seconds left on the clock. But that doesn’t stop ZJUNlict from scoring another goal, making it 0:6!
Immortals 0 : 6 ZJUNlict
00:00 And thus, the game ends with a clear lead for ZJUNlict. Although the Chinese team is very strong, they objectively haven’t impressed much: they’re likely holding back for the match against TIGERs Mannheim and want to keep their strategy secret?

RoboCup: Immortals vs. KIKS

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Now we have the last game of the day between KIKS and Immortals. After their outstanding performance against TIGERs Mannheim, many teams seem to be cheering for Immortals. We also hope that Immortals will win.

You can find the link to the live ticker as always on Twente’s YouTube platform or at this link.

First Half

05:00 The game is kicked off. Immortals in yellow, KIKS in blue.
04:35 Immortals waste no time: Right after the kickoff, they rush forward towards the opponent’s goal. Then the shot on goal, which counts. It’s already 1:0 for Immortals after just 25 seconds.
Immortals 1 : 0 KIKS
04:27 KIKS gets the ball from the kickoff, but Immortals gets to it quicker than KIKS would’ve liked. And even worse: the ball is in the net faster than the opponent intended. It’s now 2:0 for Immortals.
Immortals 2 : 0 KIKS
04:08 Now a bit of play in Immortals’ half, but it doesn’t get really dangerous; the shots lack spice.
03:51 Another shot by Immortals on goal, but the ball lands just inches outside. Immortals is clearly dominating the game.
03:51 Timeout for KIKS.
03:22 Bold shot by Immortals towards KIKS, but of course, such a lackluster shot is blocked by KIKS.
03:10 Currently, Immortals is building a solid lead. After some passes, another goal for Immortals: It’s now 3:0.
Immortals 3 : 0 KIKS
02:18 Another good attack by Immortals, but this time without a proper finish: It remains 3:0.
01:32 Another attack on KIKS’ goal, but this time the keeper holds it.
01:07 Another goal by Immortals! After KIKS lost the ball in a duel, Immortals passes it to one of their attackers, who successfully finds the gap between the KIKS defenders.
Immortals 4 : 0 KIKS
00:54 Another timeout for KIKS.
-00:07 After some more ball exchanges, it’s halftime with several shots on goal and a score of 4:0 for Immortals.

Second Half

05:00 And the second half continues.
04:35 The second half continues much like the first ended: Goal for Immortals, it’s now 5:0.
Immortals 5 : 0 KIKS
03:51 Another goal, but this time different: After Immortals attacked KIKS’ goal, the ball rolls into the opponent’s penalty area. Instead of safely clearing it from there, the KIKS goalkeeper, on the other hand, scores an own goal: 5:0 for Immortals.
Immortals 6 : 0 KIKS
03:15 This time KIKS managed to defuse the situation: After a corner kick for Immortals, KIKS clears it out of bounds.
01:26 After the game was meandering a bit, another goal by Immortals eventually. Apparently, this goal doesn’t count, likely because the ball was shot too fast.
01:03 But this time it counts: After the shot from one side of the goal was not possible, the Immortals bot simply passes the ball to his teammate, who then takes a shot and increases the score to 7:0.
Immortals 7 : 0 KIKS
00:17 One last timeout by KIKS, although I doubt it will help them much at this point.
00:00 With this goal, the game essentially ends, and Immortals moves forward. Their next game will be against ZJUNlict, which is a very tough opponent.