Answered: Robot placement in game

[HM_Engineering]

I have a question concerning how our robot can be placed in the beginning of the game. I know that they must meet the 18"x18"x18" dimensions and that they start within the “5 point zones”. I was at a local unofficial scrimmage yesterday where the other class instructors were unsure of how the robots should start inside that “starting zone”. I read the rules but did not see anything regarding how the robots start.

Does anyone have any clarification on this? This would also greatly help with my kids programming for the autonomous portion.

[VEX_GDC]

This is answered by rules <SG1> and <SG2>, quoted here for reference. The Robot starting position is based on the Starting Bar, not on the 5 Point Zone - a subtle but important difference.

<SG1> At the beginning of each Match, each Robot must be placed such that it is touching the Alliance’s Starting Bar, not touching any Scoring Object other than those permitted by <SG2> and not touching another Robot.

<SG2> Prior to the start of each Match, each Robot must use its one (1) Cone available as a Preload. A Cone is considered to be legally preloaded if it is touching the Robot, not touching another Robot, and is fully within the field perimeter. If a Robot is not present for their Match, their Cone will be placed randomly such that it is touching the Alliance Starting Bar.