Answered: Using Zipties for Functional Purposes

[evan10s]

At a recent tournament, a question came up about the legality of using zip ties for functional purposes other than securing wires. In this case, the zip ties were being used on a flywheel to aid in launching game objects.

Looking at the rules, it sounds like this is illegal per rule <R7>.l:

<R7> Robots are allowed the following additional “non-VEX” components:
. . .
l. Commercially available items used solely for the purpose of bundling or wrapping of 2-wire, 3-
wire, 4-wire cables, and pneumatic tubing, for the purposes of protection, organization, or
management are allowed. This includes but is not limited to electrical tape, cable carrier, cable
track, etc. Note: it is up to inspectors to determine whether a component is serving a function
beyond protecting and managing cables.

Based on this, is it legal to use zip ties to aid in the handling of game object? Or are zip ties only legal for cable management?

[Karthik]

We ask you to please thoroughly read the VEX Robotics Comeptition Nothing But Net Game Manual and to please review the Q&A Usage Guidelines before posting in this forum. Specifically, please quote the rule or definition that your question is referring to.

Let’s take a look at <R5> from the VEX Robotics Comeptition Nothing But Net Game Manual. I’ve bolded some text for emphasis:

@VEX Robotics Competition Nothing But Net Game Manual

<R5> Robots may be built ONLY from Official Robot Components from the VEX Robotics Design System unless otherwise specifically noted within these rules.

Since there are VEX EDR zipties, using these in any manner for robot construction would be legal.