Entry Rules and Procedures

Q: Can I submit my work directly without registering?

Answer: No, you cannot. Participants must first complete the registration to obtain a unique identification number, which will be used for submitting their work, verifying their identity, and distributing prizes in subsequent stages.

Q: If I’ve forgotten my registration number, how can I look it up?

Answer: Please contact the staff in the official event community and provide the name and mobile phone number you used when registering. We’ll assist you in checking your registration number.
 

Q: Can the theme of the work be chosen freely? Are there any officially recommended directions?

Answer: Participants are free to define the theme of their submissions, and we encourage creative expression. Please note that all entries will be evaluated according to a unified scoring criteria; for detailed criteria, please refer to the competition guidelines.
 

Q: Is team participation allowed? Is there a limit on the number of participants?

Answer: This competition evaluates entries on a per-work basis, without distinguishing between individual participants and teams. If entering as a team, please designate one person to complete the registration.

Evaluation Criteria and Rights Explanation

Q: What are the main dimensions assessed during the review? What is the recommended video length?

Answer: The review will place primary emphasis on the mastery and application of STEPStudio software features (with a core weighting), while also assessing the innovation of the proposed solution, its engineering completeness, and its practical benefits. The video is recommended to be no longer than 3 minutes and should clearly demonstrate the core processes and highlights of the work.
 

Q: If there’s a lack of practical factory experience and the design proposal tends to be overly idealistic, will this affect the scoring?

Answer: The idealized solution also holds significant value for cutting-edge exploration. We recommend placing particular emphasis on showcasing its software functionality, innovative ideas, and optimized logical approaches to highlight its technological potential.

Q: Do winners have the opportunity to receive an internship or interview opportunity at STEP?

Answer: We welcome all contestants to visit the STEP factory for exchanges and learning. Winners will be given priority consideration for internships and job opportunities in fields such as artificial intelligence, mechanical design, and industrial software.

Q: What are the copyright ownership rights for the submitted entries? Is there a possibility of implementing the winning designs?

Answer: The copyright of the works always remains with the creators. For award-winning proposals with commercial potential, STEP will assess their feasibility for implementation and may contact the creators to discuss prototype testing or collaborative development opportunities.
 

Q: Can the “economic benefits” data in the plan be estimated independently?

Answer: Participants are required to clearly articulate the advantages of their proposed solution in terms of rhythm, cost, efficiency, and other relevant aspects. Based on their many years of experience in industrial automation, the review experts will comprehensively assess the authenticity and reasonableness of the benefits described.

Software Learning and Configuration Guide

Q: As a beginner, if I start learning STEPStudio now, can I complete my project before the competition? How much study time will I need?

Answer: With systematic study, beginners can completely finish their work before the competition. An effective daily study time of just one hour can enable you to master the basics in one week and complete complex projects within one month. The results are even better when combined with official training resources.
 

Q: What are the computer specifications required to run STEPStudio?

Answer: The recommended configuration includes Windows 10/11, an i5 or higher processor, 16 GB of memory, and a mainstream dedicated graphics card to ensure smooth operation of large-scale workstation simulations.
 

Q: Does the competition provide standard digital models?

Answer: This competition does not provide a standard model and places no restrictions on the use case. We encourage participants to fully unleash their creativity and imagination.

Q: If I’ve already used the standard version of STEPStudio, do I have to use the competition version? What are the differences between the two?

Answer: You can use the original Standard Edition works. The Competition Edition offers higher compatibility, requires no registration, and unlocks all advanced features.

Software Function and Technical Analysis

Q: What 3D CAD file formats does the software support importing?

Answer: The competition version supports .step, .stl, and .brep formats. We recommend prioritizing the .step format to ensure optimal compatibility.

Q: What are the advantages of offline programming compared to online teach-in programming?

Answer: Offline programming can improve equipment utilization, ensure operational safety, and optimize production processes, enabling a seamless transition from virtual to real-world environments.
 

Q: Does the virtual teach pendant built into the software replicate the real device?

Answer: The virtual teach pendant perfectly replicates the real physical teach pendant in terms of interface, button layout, and core operational logic—100%.

Q: Can the robot program created in simulation be directly imported and run on a real robot?

Answer: The simulation program can be directly imported into the actual device for execution and supports online transmission, allowing you to send the program without needing a USB drive.
 

Q: Which robot brands does the software support?

Answer: The software comes with a comprehensive library of precise models for the entire STEP robot series, and also integrates robot models from the ADTECH (Zhongweixing) brand.

Q: Can we simulate complex peripheral equipment such as positioners and guide rails?

Answer: We fully support creating motion models for equipment such as positioners and guideways, enabling complete simulation of the complex motions of the entire work cell.

Q: Can the robot’s operation process be recorded and played back?

Answer: It provides simulation recording and playback functionality, enabling complete documentation of the work process for easy troubleshooting, post-event review of solutions, and presentation of finished works.

Email:
market@stepelectric.com

Address:
No. 1560, Siyi Road, Jiading District, Shanghai Municipality