Answered: Use of Bar for Starting Size

[robotguy]

Karthik,
I have scoured the Manual and cannot find any reference of this. I was wondering if we can use the field perimeter to keep our bot withing the starting requirement? ex: If I have hinged forks that extend out of the back of my bot, and they have rubber bands pulling down on them; can I hinge them up(against the force of the rubber bands)and set it against the starting bar/10 pt. bar. In this scenario the bar keeps them up and within the 18x18x18 and when my autonomous starts and drives away from the bar they will immediately flip down. Is this legal?

[Karthik]

I have scoured the Manual and cannot find any reference of this. I was wondering if we can use the field perimeter to keep our bot withing the starting requirement?

No, this is not legal.

Let’s take a look at <R4> from the VEX Robotics Competition In the Zone Game Manual, which deals with the sizing inspection process. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis:

<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 VEX Robotics Competition 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.
b. Robots may expand beyond their starting size constraints after the start of a match.
c. Any restraints used to maintain starting size (i.e. zip ties, rubber bands, etc.) MUST remain attached to the robot for the duration of the match.

Since you cannot rely on the walls of sizing box or tool to restrain your Robot, similarly you cannot rely on any field elements or the field perimeter (excluding the floor) to restrain your robot into its starting configuration.