General Robot Rules

[Billie Jean]

Answers to questions about General Robot Rules.

[Broadway Joe]

Launching Distance

Rule <RG08> in Game Manual Part 1 states that “Teams must only launch the elements with enough velocity to score”, and that if a robot is deemed to be launching with too much velocity, they should be re-inspected and that “Robots must then show that a launched scoring element cannot travel in the air more than a 16 ft. (4.88 m) distance or more than 5 ft. (1.52 m) in elevation”. Noting that this game requires the rings to be launched in the launch zone, this means that some positions on the field, when being shot from, will be in violation of the 16ft rule (as shown in https://www.reddit.com/r/FTC/comment...me_renders_of/).

Q1: Noting that this game requires rings to be launched with high velocity and spin, does the rule limit the construction of the robot so that it could not possibly launch further than 16 feet?

Q2: In addition, with many teams competing in remote events, where inspection will be just an honesty check, to what extent will <RG08> be enforced this season?

A1: If a Referee feels the Robot is Launching rings in excess of the requirement, then Teams must demonstrate that the Robot as configured, cannot Launch Rings exceeding the limits imposed by <RG08>.

A2: There will be no checks of Robots that compete in Remote events. We are relying on Teams to be honest and to follow all the Rules. At traditional events, Rule <RG08>, along with all the other rules will be strictly enforced.

[Broadway Joe]

Maximum Ring Launching Distance

Q:

In rule <RG08> it says that “Robots must then show that a launched scoring element cannot travel in the air more than a 16 ft. (4.88 m) distance or more than 5 ft. (1.52 m) in elevation.” does this refer the maximum distance/height the launcher can launch or does it include software limitations such as slowing down the motor/s?

A: A software limit is acceptable.