Answered: Human Interaction w/ Robot - Hovering Hand

[Xavier_Aisek]

Because the the Programming Skills Challenge states that there is “limited human interaction” but doesn’t elaborate on the specifications and the Game Rules state that “Drive Team Members are prohibited from making intentional contact with any…Robot during a Match, with the exception of the contact specified in <SG5> [Attend the robot if it hasn’t moved] and <SG6> [To gently load Driver Control Loads while in the Loading Zone to the Robot or the Loading Zone’s area],” is it prohibited (in the Programming Skills Challenge and competition) to utilize a sensor like the Ultrasonic Range Finder to hover your hand over the robot to modify the PWM signals of motors for a mechanism (flywheel launcher)? I argue this because it excludes actual contact with the robot and will be done while inputting the loads, which I believe, fit within the rules of the competition.

[Karthik]

We ask you to please thoroughly read the VEX Robotics Comeptition Nothing But Net Game Manual and to please review the Q&A Usage Guidelines before posting in this forum. Specifically, please quote the rule or definition that your question is referring to.

@Xavier Aisek

is it prohibited (in the Programming Skills Challenge and competition) to utilize a sensor like the Ultrasonic Range Finder to hover your hand over the robot to modify the PWM signals of motors for a mechanism (flywheel launcher)? I argue this because it excludes actual contact with the robot and will be done while inputting the loads, which I believe, fit within the rules of the competition.

Rule <G8> argues that this is specifically illegal. Rule <G8> is correct. See the bolded text in the below quoted rule.

@VEX Robotics Competition Nothing But Net Game Manual

<G8> During a Match, Robots may be operated only by the Student Drive Team Members and/or by software running in the on-board control system. During the Autonomous Period Drive Team Members are not permitted to interact with the Robot, the controls on their VEXnet Joysticks, or to unplug from the field, in any way, directly, or indirectly. (e.g. Triggering sensors without touching the Robot is still illegal) Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the match will result in a warning. Egregious (match affecting) offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the head referee’s discretion.