ExpressLane — CSE non-technical event at Invente '26CSE (SNUC)

ExpressLane


A high-energy reflex challenge where your face is the controller. A webcam reads your facial expressions in real time — smile, frown, look shocked, or hold a poker face — and each expression steers your bot through a maze or race track on screen. Sounds simple, but pulling the right expression on command, fast enough, under pressure and an audience, is trickier than it looks. No coding, no controllers — just quick reflexes, an expressive face and our bots.

Date & TimeDay 1 & 2, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
VenueTBD
Team SizeIndividual

Secure Your Spot

Limited seats available. Registrations open soon.

1st Prize
TBD
2nd Prize
TBD
3rd Prize

Event Round Details

Description

The participant faces the camera; system calls out expressions one at a time (e.g. "Happy", "Surprised", "Angry"). Correctly matching the expression moves the bot one step forward on a straight track. Fastest bot to the finish line advances. Time frame: 2–3 min per participant.

Rules
  • One facial expression prompt is shown at a time. Prompt order is randomized per participant.
  • Each prompt allows exactly one attempt — no retries or re-dos.
  • A fixed number of prompts per participant; each correct, clearly-detected match earns one point.
  • Time limit per prompt: 5 seconds.
  • Top-scoring participants (or those above the qualifying accuracy threshold) advance to Round 2.
Tie Breaker

Sudden-death, single expression call, fastest correct match wins.

Description

Participant's bot starts at a fixed point on a maze grid displayed on screen. Each detected expression triggers the corresponding move. Participant must chain expressions in the right sequence to navigate walls and reach the finish tile fastest. If no one finishes within the time cap, furthest distance from start wins/first bot to reach wins.

Rules
  • Each facial expression maps to one fixed directional action for the bot.
  • A move is only registered when the expression is held clearly and detected with confidence; brief or accidental expressions do not trigger movement.
  • Moving into a wall results in no movement; that turn is forfeited.
  • First bot to reach the finish tile within the time cap wins.
  • If no participant finishes, the bot with the greatest distance covered from the start tile wins.
  • Backward movement is not permitted in this round.
Tie Breaker

Longest distance covered within the time cap; if still tied, sudden-death with first correct expression wins.

Event Heads

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