Hybrid Micro Mouse Challenge

Overview

The Hybrid Micro Mouse Challenge 2026, hosted by Alliance University as part of Alliance ONE, invites students to build, program, and test autonomous robots. This competition is designed to challenge participants' robotics, programming, and engineering skills through a two-stage course that requires continuous operation from a single robot. The first stage involves line tracking on a black line over a white surface, while the second stage requires the robot to navigate a walled maze autonomously using its own sensors, control logic, and navigation strategies to reach a goal without a guiding line. This event serves as a practical assessment of various engineering disciplines, including sensor integration, embedded systems, autonomous decision-making, algorithm design, and the seamless integration of hardware and software. The competition emphasizes not just speed but also reliable navigation and accurate execution, as scores are calculated based on run time in seconds plus any applicable penalties. Participants will have the opportunity to turn theoretical engineering concepts into tangible, working solutions. The challenge is structured with qualifier runs, leading to a final round for the top-performing teams. A new course layout is introduced for the final. Eligibility is divided into School Edition (Grades 9–12) and College Edition (currently enrolled university students), with specific requirements outlined on the registration page. On-campus accommodation and transport assistance are available for registered participants traveling from outside the university's local area. Beyond the competition, this event offers a platform for students to refine their algorithms, calibrate sensors, and apply their knowledge in electronics, embedded programming, or algorithmic problem-solving. It's an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to build, program, and conquer a complex robotics challenge with complete autonomy.

What to build

An autonomous robot capable of completing both line tracking and maze solving in a single continuous run. The robot must be able to follow a 3 cm-wide black line on a white surface, integrate sensors and motor-control logic for reliable path tracking, and recover independently if it moves off the line. For the maze-solving component, the robot must navigate a walled maze without a guiding line, implement a maze exploration and navigation algorithm, and optionally retain learned map information between runs to improve performance. The robot must adhere to specific technical requirements: maximum dimensions of 15 cm wide × 18 cm long, maximum weight of 1,000 g, use of Arduino, ESP32, or a similar microcontroller, permitted sensors (IR, ultrasonic, wheel encoders), an onboard battery complying with safety rules, and one start button/switch with at least a three-second delay before movement. Pre-built robots and ready-made kits are allowed if participants write or configure the program; hard-coded line paths and maze layouts are prohibited.

Prizes

Key dates

• DeadlineOct 29, 2026 @ 4:00pm IST

Eligibility

Participants must be students. Companies/professional organizations are excluded. The competition is open to participants aged 13+. Only specific countries/territories are included (details not provided in the text). There are two editions: School Edition: Students in Grades 9–12. College Edition: Students currently enrolled in a recognized college or university. Please refer to the registration page for edition-specific eligibility requirements.

How to enter

1. Complete official registration via the provided Google Form and follow payment instructions to confirm participation. Retain registration and payment confirmation for reference.
2. Build or configure one autonomous robot capable of completing both line tracking and maze solving in a single continuous run, adhering to technical requirements.
3. Prepare a one-page design note showing the robot's main components, sensors, hardware layout, and a brief explanation of its line-following and maze-solving methods.
4. Be prepared to explain the robot's programming/configuration, sensor integration, line-following logic, maze exploration/navigation strategy, and autonomous operation.
5. Bring the functional robot for technical inspection and competition demonstration.

Submission requirements

• Functional Robot: Bring one working robot that satisfies the applicable edition's specifications and can demonstrate both line tracking and maze solving stages.
• Program and Technical Explanation: Be prepared to explain the programming or configuration used to control the robot, sensor integration and line-following logic, maze exploration and navigation strategy, and how the robot operates autonomously.
• One-Page Design Note: Prepare a one-page design note showing the robot's main components, sensors, hardware layout, and a brief explanation of how it follows the line and solves the maze. A neat hand-drawn page is acceptable.
• Technical Inspection: The robot will be inspected for size, weight, battery safety, and prohibited equipment. Two student team members must answer two or three short technical questions from a judge.
• Competition Demonstration: Each team receives three timed qualifier runs. The top six teams advance to the final, with three runs on a new course layout.

Judging criteria

• Navigation Performance: The robot's ability to complete the line-following track and navigate the walled maze autonomously. Evaluated according to official course requirements and run rules.
• Completion Time: The time taken by the robot to complete the challenge. Official scoring uses elapsed time in seconds, with applicable penalties added to determine the score.
• Rule Compliance and Safety: Compliance with the robot's specified dimensions, weight, power and battery requirements, start procedure, and competition safety rules. Rule violations may result in penalties or disqualification.
• Autonomous Operation and Recovery: The robot's ability to follow the line, navigate the maze, and recover from navigation errors according to official rules. Handling penalties and line-loss recovery rules will apply.
• Design Explanation: Participants must be able to explain their robot's design and program to the judges and respond to questions specified in the official rulebook. The design note must also be provided as required.

Resources

• Official Registration & Payment Form