Robots that fall off the ramp during game play

Drift · August 3, 2015, 11:44am

Hi…If a robot falls off the side of the ramp and lands on its side, what would be the proper steps to correct this by the drivers? Do they just stand up their robot and leave it to continue play there? Or stand it up and place it next to the nearest wall? Or should it be placed back into the starting position?

Also, the same question if the robot go of the back(top end) of the ramp?

Thank you!

Karthik · August 4, 2015, 9:25am

This situation is covered by <G14> of the VEX IQ Challenge Bank Shot Game Manual. Let’s see what it says; I’ve bolded some text for emphasis.

VEX IQ Challenge Bank Shot Game Manual:

<G14> If a Robot goes completely out-of-bounds (outside the playing field), gets stuck, tips over, or otherwise is in need of assistance, the Drivers may retrieve and reset the robot. In the process they must move the Robot such that it is touching the field perimeter and not in the Scoring Zone. Before retrieving its Robot, the team must signal the referee by placing its controller down such that it is not in the hands of either driver. Any Balls in possession of the Robot while being handled must be removed from the Robot and taken out of play for the remainder of the Match.
This rule is intended to help teams keep their robots functional during the match. It is intended so teams can fix damaged robots, or help get their robots “out of trouble.” It is not intended for teams to use as part of a strategy to gain an advantage in a match. If referees see teams intentionally or repeatedly doing this, they may be disqualified from said match.

So if your Robot gets tipped over or falls outside of the field, you may retrieve it and stand it back up, as long you place it such that it is touching the field perimeter and not in the Scoring Zone.