Robots perform 20 minute search and rescue missions in a test arena measuring approximately 10m by 6m, which features a number of obstacle zones designed to challenge autonomous operation, mobility during tele-operation, and object manipulation.
Successful teams at these competitions can qualify to attend the RoboCup world championships, which is held in a different location every year.
At tournaments, a number of preliminary rounds are run in which every team attending performs a 20-minute mission; the highest scoring teams then take part in a final round to determine an overall winner.
Test arenas vary between competitions, though they are composed of obstacles designed to allow for repeatable results.
Points are also allocated for robots which construct an accurate map of the arena with victims marked on it.