Answered: Starting size specification and field perimeter

[ravi7110]

Our robot has a swing-out arm that is tucked into the robot to meet the 18x18x18 size specification. Our question is, can the robot be positioned at start to touch the field wall in such a way that the swing out arm cannot deploy (thus meeting the size spec) until the robot starts and moves forward? Is that a legal starting configuration?

[Karthik]

@ravi7110

Our robot has a swing-out arm that is tucked into the robot to meet the 18x18x18 size specification. Our question is, can the robot be positioned at start to touch the field wall in such a way that the swing out arm cannot deploy (thus meeting the size spec) until the robot starts and moves forward? Is that a legal starting configuration?

Let’s take a look at the applicable rules here.

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<R4> At the beginning of any match, robots must be smaller than 18” x 18” x 18”.
a. During inspections, robots will be measured in one of two ways
i. Robots will be placed into a “sizing box” which has interior dimensions matching the above size constraints. To pass inspection, a robot must fit within the box without touching the box walls or ceiling.
ii. Robots will be sized using a VRC Robot Sizing Tool. Robots will be placed on a flat surface and must not touch the measurement slide as it is passed over the surface. Please see http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex/products/competition-products/vrc-products/276-2086.html for a visual reference

@VEX Skyrise Game Manual

<SG1> At the beginning of each Match, each Robot must be placed such that it is touching one of its colored Alliance Starting Tiles, not touching any Scoring Object other than those permitted by <SG2> and not touching any other foam field tiles, the Skyrise Base, any Post, or the Autoloader. No more than one Robot may start the match on any one Alliance Starting Tile. (See figures 16 & 17)

Robots are allowed to the field perimeter at the star of the match. However, the Robot cannot rely on touching the field perimeter to stay within the 18"x18"x18" starting requirement. A robot needs to be able to fit within the sizing requirement without touching the outer dimensions.