DPRG’s RoboColumbus Outdoor Rover competition for 2025 was held on November 22. The competition was hosted by the Edward’s family, which is greatly appreciated by DPRG. The morning started out with the course layout. Donuts and coffee were provided for the judges and competitors. While the course details were finalized and the cone waypoints handed out, competitors made final checks on their robots and used the practice cones to set up vision systems. At midday, pizza was served, then the competition started. Each competing robot was allowed 3 runs. Winners were based on the best runs of each robot. Everyone had a good time.
Congratulations to Scott Gibson, who achieved a Perfect Score in a Human-Planned run (unlimited waypoints) and a 6 in the 3-waypoint challenge.
Results:
| Competitor / Robot | Run 1 | Run 2 | Run 3 |
| Scott Gibson / B.E.L.C.H 1st place – Perfect Score | ⭐9⭐ (5:37 + 2min penalty) | 3 (3-wpt Challenge) | 6 (3-wpt Challenge) |
| Scott Gibson / T.U.R.D 2nd place | 3 | ||
| Steve Edwards / Yarbo Mower Tractor — Demo Run — | 7 | ||
| Mike Williamson / RC25 | – |
Robot Interviews:
Scott Gibson – B.E.L.C.H: Belch Interview
Scott Gibson – T.U.R.D: T.U.R.D. Interview
Mike Williamson – RC25: RC25 Interview
Run Videos:
Scott Gibson’s B.E.L.C.H. robot: run-1 – run-2 – run-3
Scott Gibson’s T.U.R.D. robot:
Steve Edward’s Mower robot (demo): run-1
Robot run videos are very helpful in showing the unexpected tribulations that the robots endure while attempting the tasks of the competition. Even runs that did not go well often have lessons.
