In a thrilling display of technical prowess and innovative robot development, the Tech United team from the Eindhoven University of Technology has once again claimed the title of world champions at the RoboCup in the Middle Size League. The team’s autonomous EtherCAT-based soccer robots, known as “TURTLE” (Tech United RoboCup Team: Limited Edition), secured a resounding victory of 6-2 against the Falcons from Veldhoven in an electrifying local derby final.
Comprising 46 talented individuals, including former students, PhD students, and university employees with expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer algorithms, Tech United’s multidisciplinary approach has been instrumental in solving complex problems in the realm of robotics. The team’s home base, the RoboCup stadium on the Eindhoven University campus, has become a hub for their relentless pursuit of excellence in robot development.
The RoboCup is an annual open-source world championship that challenges robotic teams to communicate and adapt to dynamic environments. Emphasizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing, teams worldwide exchange valuable insights gained from each tournament, fostering continuous improvement and innovation.
The TURTLE robots, representing the fifth generation of Tech United’s soccer robots, broke new ground by forgoing omnidirectional wheels in favour of newly developed drives with swivel axles. This innovation allowed the orientation of each wheel to be controlled individually, vastly improving traction and accelerating the robots significantly. The decision to rely on EtherCAT for communication technology, which Tech United has embraced since its inaugural generation in 2005, further enhanced the team’s performance.
The software that controls the robots comprises four critical modules: Vision, World Model, Strategy, and Motion. The Vision module processes data from vision sensors, such as OmniVision images, to determine the positions of the ball, opponents, and the robot itself. These essential data points are then fed into the World Model, where image data from all team members is amalgamated to create a unified representation of the environment. The Strategy module makes informed decisions based on this comprehensive world model, while the Motion module translates these strategic instructions into precise low-level control commands for the robot’s actuators.
The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), a leading organization consisting of key user companies from diverse industries and automation suppliers, has played a pivotal role in supporting, promoting, and advancing the EtherCAT technology. Since its introduction in 2003, EtherCAT has become an international IEC standard and a SEMI standard since 2007, providing a high-performance, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution with flexible topology for industrial Ethernet.
Tech United’s sixth victory at the RoboCup reaffirms their status as one of the most formidable forces in robot soccer, showcasing their dedication to pushing the boundaries of robotics technology. As the team continues to participate in tournaments worldwide, their exceptional performance serves as an inspiration for the global robotics community.
With their triumph at the RoboCup 2023, Tech United has proven that innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence remain the keys to success in the ever-evolving world of robot soccer. As the world celebrates their achievement, the team remains committed to driving advancements in robotics and solidifying their legacy as pioneers in the field.