Jousting in Japan [Robot Grand Prix]

Abstract

At the Japan Robot Grand Prix, held in Tokyo, the team of students and faculty from the University of Maryland, the only non-Japanese entry, defied the odds. Against a field of dozens of students and engineers from across Japan who often compete in events of this sort, they were undoubtedly a long shot. To hedge their bets, they built three robots with different designs. They hoped that at least one would make a respectable showing. Instead, one finished in first place and another ranked among the top 10 finalists. For everyone on the team, the victory was as gratifying as it was shocking.