The Middle Size League (MSL) is an official RoboCup league. Two teams with 5 completely autonomous robots, whose dimensions range up to 80 cm in height, 52 cm in diameter and 40 kg in weight, face off on a field similar to that of human 11-a-side football, but with a smaller size (18 m x 12 m).

The robots have several sensors (cameras, gyroscopes, sonar, etc.) and actuators (motors, kicking device, etc.) that allow them to play completely autonomously, i.e., without any human intervention. These also have a wireless connection to be able to communicate with each other, with the coach (external computer) and with the referee (via another external computer).

There are usually two referees: one that regulates the game and another that interacts with a graphical interface. From this interface, the robots are aware of all fouls, cards, etc., that occur during the game.

This modality is one that attracts more attention due to its high multidisciplinarity. The development of a team of robots with these dimensions poses challenges in terms of mechanics, electronics, programming and their integration. On the other hand, the restriction of autonomy poses challenges in terms of signal processing, control and artificial intelligence. The competition scenario is regularly reviewed in order to provide an adequate challenge to the state of technology.

Official page of the Middle Size Robotic Soccer league, here !

RoboCupSoccer MSL competition rules: here.

Coordinating Team

• Luís Almeida – Instituto Politécnico de Tomar | laa@ipt.pt
• Gabriel Pires – Instituto Politécnico de Tomar | gppires@ipt.pt
• Emanuel Viana (ISEP)