Teams were tasked with choosing an ocean activity or resource and research its impact on ocean health and productivity.[5][6] From this, they would create an innovative solution to problems they encounter with the ocean. At competition, teams presented their research and solution to judges.[4]
The table performance portion of Ocean Odyssey is played on a 4 ft by 8 ft field rimmed by wood boards. At competition, two of these fields are placed together to form an 8 ft square. In each 2+1⁄2-minute match, a team competes on each field with their robot to earn up to 400 points manipulating the mission models.
One of the mission models, Release the Dolphin, straddles both fields in the center. This model earns points for the team that releases the dolphin first.[7]
The touch penalty objects are shipping crate models.[7] All 8 are worth up to 5 points each depending on their location on the field, but are removed from play every time the robot is touched outside of base.
