Test Tournament in Mannheim

And once again, our team is continuing at high speed this year! Hardly have our guests from Uruguay returned to their home country, and we’re already moving forward in with a test tournament hosted by the world champion TIGERs Mannheim and their Dual University Baden-Württemberg as part of the Bundesgartenshow 2023 in Mannheim.

And so it’s already 07:54 AM for us at Erlangen Central Station, as we’re off to Baden-Württemberg, this time only using regional trains and the Germany Ticket for cost reasons. Surprisingly, there are no train delays, and by 1:00 PM, we can enter the sacred halls of the BuGa.

As with all our other trips, the first order of business in Mannheim is: Arrive, unpack, and start. It doesn’t take half an hour before the entire space provided to us is occupied with various equipment, chargers, and soldering irons.

Soon, the field for testing should be available, allowing us to make our robots operational. But first, it’s about being patient and settling in: Welcome to BuGa 2023 Mannheim!

PS: A fun fact on the side: We’re accommodated on the BuGa premises in the hall for “Beneficial Organisms and Pests.” No, we’re not pests; instead, they’re referring to the wall’s artwork. There simply wasn’t space for us in other halls.

RoboCup: Final Report

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

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: ZJUNlict vs. TIGERs Mannheim

Directly following our match, one of the most exciting games of the entire tournament is coming up: TIGERs versus ZJUNlict. Although both teams are likely to face each other again, we can expect a game of very high quality.

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 starts at 17:08 with a 7-minute delay. TIGERs in blue, ZJUNlict in yellow.
04:14 Immediate intense situation in front of ZJUNlict’s goal. Great move by Mannheim, but ZJUNlict’s keeper clears with a very strong chip kick.
02:52 Currently, the game is mainly taking place in ZJUNlict’s half, but that doesn’t mean ZJUNlict is weaker: the defense is leaving little room for creative attacks, and the passes are spot on.
02:35 The game is as exciting as expected.
01:52 Extremely long and intense game, which is mostly in ZJUNlict’s half.
01:26 Another very heated attack by TIGERs, which has been the stronger team so far. The ball ends up out of the field and into my hands, but somehow the ref doesn’t seem to notice it’s missing…
01:14 With this pressing, it was bound to happen eventually: GOAL for Mannheim, 1:0!
TIGERs Mannheim 1 : 0 ZJUNlict
00:05 First an attack on TIGERs’ goal, which could have been dangerous, but TIGERs simply bombards the opponent with a swarm of robots, leaving them no chance. ZJUNlict’s keeper barely manages to save TIGERs’ counter. He kicks it away again with questionable distance, they might want to check if that exceeds the maximum ball speed.
00:00 After just 11 minutes, the first half is already over, and the five-minute halftime break is due. The short playing time shows the high quality of this match.

Second Half

05:00 The halftime break is over, and the second half begins. Let’s see how the second half unfolds. We can hardly wait!
05:00 TIGERs continues in blue, ZJUNlict in yellow, but the teams switch halves of the field.
05:00 Timeout for ZJUNlict. Let’s see what they’ve got up their sleeves!
04:45 Once again, the ball was kicked out, likely by ZJUNlict. As this was recognized as a foul by TIGERs, not by ZJUNlict, TIGERs are questioning it. Reason: TIGERs had already committed 2 fouls, and the 3rd foul results in a yellow card, which means a robot has to leave the field. It would be quite something if the yellow card ends up not being attributed to TIGERs at all.
03:40 ZJUNlict was close, but he took too much time in front of the penalty area, allowing the “mob of TIGERs” to be in position and successfully thwart him.
03:08 TIGERs have to make a substitution.
03:08 Another timeout for ZJUNlict, looks like some code changes are happening again.
02:47 After a prolonged duel, the ball chips into the goal, but it’s clearly too high, so the goal doesn’t count.
01:36 Interesting battle in ZJUNlict’s half, but the ball eventually goes out.
01:31 ZJUNlict has to make a substitution after some of their robots make mistakes. They use their third timeout for this.
01:13 Initially, the ball is in TIGERs Mannheim’s half, but their robot successfully prevails against two bots from ZJUNlict. The ensuing intense counterattack by TIGERs, with many close ball exchanges, is spectacularly converted, and it’s now a well-deserved 2:0 lead for TIGERs Mannheim.
TIGERs Mannheim 2 : 0 ZJUNlict
00:18 The only truly dangerous situation for TIGERs in this game: ZJUNlict’s robot takes a shot at the goal, but luckily, the ball bounces off TIGERs’ keeper and is cleared to the side.
-00:57 The overtime is ended when the ball naturally goes out. An overtime of 57 seconds shows just how incredibly fluid this game was. But everything has an end, and not only is a wheel distributed on the field, which would have led to the final whistle, but the ball also goes out of play.
00:00 Thus, a beautiful game has come to an end. Looking back, TIGERs clearly dominated, yet ZJUNlict was no less dangerous. We’re already looking forward to the next encounter, as we currently expect ZJUNlict, who now drops to the Lower Bracket, to mow down every team there, and thus, just like TIGERs, advance to the finals.

RoboCup: TIGERs Mannheim vs. Immortals

And so the third game of the day begins: TIGERs Mannheim vs. Immortals. While Immortals are doing very well this year, their opponent is TIGERs Mannheim. Therefore, we expect a very one-sided game.

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 starts with a 5-minute delay. TIGERs play in blue, Immortals in yellow.
04:27 Already 30 seconds into the game, and no goal has been scored by TIGERs. Seems to be a tougher opponent.
04:02 Hot situation in the Immortals’ penalty area. TIGERs manage to kick the ball there, but Immortals can stop it just before it rolls into the goal.
03:52 Would have been surprising if the goal had waited much longer: TIGERs take a shot and score the first goal of the game!
TIGERs Mannheim 1 : 0 Immortals
03:38 And another goal for TIGERs, now they are really stepping up.
TIGERs Mannheim 2 : 0 Immortals
02:58 Immortals isn’t playing poorly, at least: They can hold their own very well against TIGERs, as evidenced by the defended goal. Even under pressure, the formation doesn’t collapse.
02:27 It doesn’t seem like Immortals are really attacking, but their defense is excellent: Playing 11 vs. 5 against a team that is not only a multiple-time world champion but has also swept aside every other team so far is absolutely remarkable!
01:47 Still, it’s only a matter of time until TIGERs score the next goal: 3-0 for TIGERs Mannheim
TIGERs Mannheim 3 : 0 Immortals
00:34 And another goal for TIGERs Mannheim, they’re now up to 4 goals.
TIGERs Mannheim 4 : 0 Immortals
-00:37 Impossible!!! After many battles in the midfield, Immortals achieve the impossible: They score a goal against TIGERs Mannheim. It’s now 1-4.
TIGERs Mannheim 4 : 1 Immortals

Second Half

05:00 And so the game continues. The teams have now switched sides, but TIGERs continue to play in blue, Immortals in yellow.
04:37 No matter how the game unfolds, the ball placement strategy of the Iranian team, “Cola Kisses Orange,” is simply a visual delight every time.
04:21 Even though Immortals are the moral winners for a long time, we must still admit that this is another goal for TIGERs. The score is now 5:1 for TIGERs Mannheim.
TIGERs Mannheim 5 : 1 Immortals
03:56 Once again, very good defense by Immortals: You almost thought you’d see the 6th goal, but the Immortals defense forced TIGERs to play a poorly planned pass that flew past its target and rolled out of bounds.
03:50 Timeout for Immortals. We hope they’ll get better and the game will heat up, but at their current performance, this seems unlikely.
03:30 Unfortunately, the timeout doesn’t seem to have changed anything fundamental, as TIGERs takes another shot at the goal. The Immortals keeper missed it a bit, but he could have managed it.
TIGERs Mannheim 6 : 1 Immortals
02:43 And another goal for TIGERs, making it 7:1.
TIGERs Mannheim 7 : 1 Immortals
02:17 Too bad, now the goals are raining for Immortals. The keeper defended well for a long time, but eventually he was a bit off, allowing the ball to zip past him and roll into the goal.
TIGERs Mannheim 8 : 1 Immortals
01:49 And once again, the keeper is slightly off, he even almost dodged, which leads to another goal. Perhaps they should fine-tune this to get even closer to the perfect defense.
TIGERs Mannheim 9 : 1 Immortals
01:23 That’s it. The keeper is off again, and the game ends prematurely at 10:1.
TIGERs Mannheim 10 : 1 Immortals
00:00 A beautiful game. It was truly great to see, probably also for all the team members of TIGERs, that the Mannheim robots were given a serious opponent. And with only 5 robots! That’s what this tournament is for. Absolute viewing factor!
01:06 We’re postponing the conclusion and the final goal a little bit, because the goal DID NOT count, Immortals is still in the running!
TIGERs Mannheim 9 : 1 Immortals
00:47 Just barely: Immortals managed to prevent TIGERs’ shot at goal, and so the game continues. Currently, everyone hopes that Immortals will survive the remaining game time. They’ve earned it.
00:18 Too bad, there were only a few seconds left they had to hold out. But that’s how it is: TIGERs Mannheim scores the last goal, the game is officially over, this time for real.
TIGERs Mannheim 10 : 1 Immortals