Kyushu University and Fukuoka University Joint Team Wins First Prize at RoboCup-2003

RoboCup-2003 Padua, the 7th RoboCup International Competitions and Conferences, were held in Padua, Italy. On the last day of the competitions “Fusion,” the joint team of Kyushu University and Fukuoka University, clinched its first overall win by defeating Kanazawa Institute of Technology in the final game of the RoboCupSoccer Middle-size Robot League.

Fusion’s Performance in Padua
Fusion’s robots were made by hand on probably the lowest budget of all the 24 participating teams. The number of members who flew to the competition was also the smallest. The robots, produced by the hard work of three graduate students, were unspectacular in their appearance, but were equipped with software which optimized their mechanical performance. In addition, thanks to the students, the robots were kept in peak condition up to the end. The keeper and two defenders successfully defended the goal, while the fielder having moved away from the battle for the ball, secured a goal with incredibly quick movements and stunning dribbling.

RoboCupSoccer Middle-size Robot League is held on a field of 10m by 7m. A team consists of four robots, each of which is up to 50cm in width and length and up to 85cm in height. All the robots used in the league are not remote controlled but fully autonomous, and installed with computers and visual sensors. Each robot has to decide its own movement using information obtained through a visual sensor, which locates the position of the ball and of other robots on both teams. The robots are the culmination of highly advanced technical research. After clearing the 1st and 2nd preliminaries, Fusion defeated its rival, Keio University at the semi-final to reach the final.

The Way to Padua
Fusion’s first robot was produced in February 2001. Each year, two official RoboCup competitions take place; the Japan Open is held in spring, while RoboCup International Competitions are held in summer.

At the 2002 Japan Open held in Tokyo, Fusion lost the game against Keio University, failing to score a single goal. Ever since then, Keio University Team has been regarded as Fusion’s main rival.

The 2002 International Competitions was held in Fukuoka, the team’s hometown. It was tough to clear the preliminary tournament, with adjustment difficulties arising from poor lighting. Fusion managed to advance to the final tournament but lost against Keio University, the champion of the year at the first game. The student members in the team were deeply disappointed. The initial plan was just to compete at RoboCup-2002 Fukuoka/Busan. However, the students insisted on participating in the competitions once again, as they were far from satisfied with their performance. The team decided to continue the project.

In the 2003 Japan Open held in Niigata, Fusion unexpectedly lost in the preliminary because the goalkeeper became immobile. The student members, however, were not discouraged by this setback. They found the bug in the goalkeeper robot’s program, and devoted themselves to improving the robots’ performance towards the 2003 International Competitions.

What’s Next?
Fusion’s achievement in RoboCup-2003 Padua made known to the world the advanced robotic technology which has been developed in Kyushu University and Fukuoka University. Details of the accomplishment can be found at http://fortune.is.kyushu-u.ac.jp/index-j.html. R&D for the middle-size soccer robot is currently suspended for several reasons: all the student members in the project are due to graduate, there is no space to set a game field for robotic soccer on campus, and the costs for development and competition entry are difficult to cover. In the future, the R&D focus will be shifted to advanced humanoid soccer robot.

Voice from the Students
“I am very happy that our endeavors bore fruit and we finally became champions of RoboCup-2003. I believe that continuous efforts can bring excellent results, providing us with the energy to meet new challenges. I will keep looking for new challenges.”

“Our victory is the natural outcome of our continuous efforts. I have devoted most of my time to preparation for the RoboCup competitions since December of my senior year. I am amazed myself that I was able to cope with the strain. I did what I wanted to do, so I have no regrets whatsoever now.”