Answered: Shedding Parts

[bradv]

During a competition, is a robot allowed to shed some of it components to make it lighter and thus more easily climb the ladder? Would the components it shed still be considered a part of that robot and (assuming they were laying on the mat) prevent it from being scored if it was hanging above one of the ladder rungs?

[Karthik]

@bradv

During a competition, is a robot allowed to shed some of it components to make it lighter and thus more easily climb the ladder? Would the components it shed still be considered a part of that robot and (assuming they were laying on the mat) prevent it from being scored if it was hanging above one of the ladder rungs?

By both <G10> and <R3c>, team are not allowed to intentionally detach any parts from their robot.

<G10> Robots may not intentionally detach parts during any match, or leave mechanisms on the field. If a detached component or mechanism prevents scoring the team will be disqualified. Multiple intentional infractions may result in disqualification for the entire competition.

<R3> The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed:
c. Those that pose an unnecessary risk of entanglement.