<SG14> As per <G3>, at the beginning of a Match, each Robot must be smaller than a volume of 18” (457.2 mm) long by 18” (457.2 mm) wide by 18” (45.72 mm) tall. Once the Match begins, Robots may expand up to an area of 48” (1.21 m) long by 48” (1.21 m) wide and may not exceed this limit for the duration of the Match.
Does this mean that robots may expand to be greater than 48" in one direction and less than 48" in another direction so long as the entire robot could still fit within a 48" square box.
For example,
<SG14> was revised in the June 15th manual update and now hopefully clarifies this distinction better. The new rule is quoted below:
<SG14> As per <G3>, at the beginning of a Match, each Robot must be smaller than a volume of 18” (457.2 mm) long by 18” (457.2 mm) wide by 18” (457.2 mm) tall. Once the Match begins, Robots may expand, but must remain within a vertical cylinder with a diameter of 36” (914.4 mm) and infinite height. The Robot may not exceed this limit for the duration of the Match.
Minor violations of this rule that do not affect the Match will result in a warning. Match Affecting offenses will result in a Disqualification. Teams that receive multiple warnings may also receive a Disqualification at the Head Referee’s discretion.
a. There is no height limit on Robot expansion.
