But there are clear differences between the two. RoboCon is based on mechanics, whereas RoboCup is more electrical, being mainly to do with communications and software. Also RoboCup robots are completely autonomous. They are remote controlled. With RoboCon, the machines are semi-autonomous.
Control is divided between a computer on the machine and a human operator.
According to Lucas, the semi-autonomy and division of responsibility produces a better machine. We're talking about the moving models you see in museums such as the dinosaurs and the special effects in animal-based films like Babe . Essentially lightweight aluminum cages on wheels, the Roobots gather a soccer ball by gripping it between pneumatic clamps. The ball is raised 60 centimeters, then booted towards the goal by a piston-powered leg with a lump of metal shaped like a foot on the end of it. All the other teams used electrically-driven wheels to pick up and kick.