Answered: Power Switch Accessiblity

[Bigyo]

Can our micro controller be located on the bottom of our robot if it is only accessible from the bottom? The lights would still be visible, but the robot must be lifted or turned on its side to turn on/ off and switch batteries.

[Karthik]

@Bigyo

Can our micro controller be located on the bottom of our robot if it is only accessible from the bottom? The lights would still be visible, but the robot must be lifted or turned on its side to turn on/ off and switch batteries.

Let’s take a look at <R16> which deals with Microcontroller placement.

<R16> The Robot on/off switch must be accessible without moving or lifting the robot. The Robot Microcontroller lights should also be visible by competition personnel to assist in diagnosing robot problems.

If the Microcontroller is only accessible from the bottom as you described, the on/off switch would not be accessible without lifting the robot. As such your described placement would be illegal.