Spy Box Human Player Driver

[AlanEsquivel]

There is a new rule in the update that refers to the human player in the spy box controlling the robot. This means the human player in the spy box can control the robot? Using a wireless controller?

[Chris is me]

There is a new rule in the update that refers to the human player in the spy box controlling the robot. This means the human player in the spy box can control the robot? Using a wireless controller?

No, wireless controllers still aren't permitted by other rules.

Think of it this way - say the robot's camera picked up the color of something a human player was holding, or used the human player as a reference for aiming. This would constitute the human player "controlling the robot", as their presence and position influence the actions of the robot. Without this update, this would be illegal. All other rules for controlling the robot (i.e. tethered controllers within the driver station) still apply.

[BenGuy]

Human players can't use any electronic devices to communicate, including game controllers.

"During a MATCH, DRIVE TEAMS may not use electronic devices which have the capability of
receiving communications from persons outside of the CASTLE (e.g. cell phones or wearable
technology)."

"do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios,
walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, Wi-Fi, etc.)"

[GeeTwo]

From T26-1, with emphasis on the portions applicable to the spy:

The only equipment, provided it does not block visibility for FIELD STEWARDS or audience members or jam or interfere with the remote sensing capabilities of another Team, including vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, infrared proximity detectors, etc. (e.g. including imagery that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the Vision Guides), that may be brought in to the CASTLE are as follows:

A. the OPERATOR CONSOLE,
B. non-powered signaling devices,
C. reasonable decorative items,
D. TEAM STANDARDS and devices, if needed, to assist placement in the Standard Holder,
E.special clothing and/or equipment required due to a disability
F. devices used solely for the purpose of planning or tracking strategy provided they meet all of the following conditions:
i. do not connect or attach to the OPERATOR CONSOLE
ii. do not connect or attach to the FIELD or ARENA
iii. do not connect or attach to another ALLIANCE member
iv. do not communicate with anything or anyone outside of the ARENA.
v. do not include any form of enabled wireless electronic communication (e.g. radios, walkie-talkies, cell phones, Bluetooth communications, Wi-Fi, etc.)
vi. do not in any way affect the outcome of a MATCH, other than by allowing PLAYERS to plan or track strategy for the purposes of communication of that strategy to other ALLIANCE members.


Items B, C, E and F also apply to the DRIVE TEAM Member in the SPY BOX.
Violation: MATCH will not start until situation remedied.

As I read it, you're pretty much limited to non-powered signaling devices (e.g. flags, signs, color cards) for this purpose.

[AlanEsquivel]

Thank you for all your answers!

[leaderbot]

So is it ok to bring props into the spy box area (ie: signage or flags)?

[Dustin B.]

In section 3 G9 it says the following "DRIVE TEAMS must be in their CASTLE and behind the STARTING LINE prior to the start of the MATCH, with the exception of one (1) DRIVER or HUMAN PLAYER per ALLIANCE who may elect to start in the SPY BOX"
Does this mean that the robot driver of one team can choose to control the robot from the spy box.

[CalTran]

So is it ok to bring props into the spy box area (ie: signage or flags)?

As long as it doesn't mimic any aspects of the field or intentionally designed to interfere with other vision systems (ie a flag with a retroreflective rectangle roughly the size of the goal), it's alright. The GDC suggests baguettes or legs of mutton (https://frc-qa.firstinspires.org/Question/674/would-a-flashlight-be-considered-a-powered-or-a-non-powered-signaling-device-under-5-5-9).

[Dezion]

In section 3 G9 it says the following "DRIVE TEAMS must be in their CASTLE and behind the STARTING LINE prior to the start of the MATCH, with the exception of one (1) DRIVER or HUMAN PLAYER per ALLIANCE who may elect to start in the SPY BOX"
Does this mean that the robot driver of one team can choose to control the robot from the spy box.

Depends on what you mean by control. The operator console must be in the driver station in the castle, however G35 may allow for some "control."


A ROBOT shall be operated solely by the DRIVERS and/or HUMAN PLAYERS of that Team, and/or an ALLIANCE partner within the SPY BOX.
Violation: Offending ROBOT will be DISABLED

[Dustin B.]

Would it be legal for the drivers station computer and operator to be in the castle but the actual driver has the controller with him/her in the spy box. We could run an extension from the computer to the spy box.

[GeeTwo]

In section 3 G9 it says the following "DRIVE TEAMS must be in their CASTLE and behind the STARTING LINE prior to the start of the MATCH, with the exception of one (1) DRIVER or HUMAN PLAYER per ALLIANCE who may elect to start in the SPY BOX"
Does this mean that the robot driver of one team can choose to control the robot from the spy box.

Depends on what you mean by control. The operator console must be in the driver station in the castle, however G35 may allow for some "control."

Agreed. No powered signal devices are allowed in the spy box, including either wired or wireless controllers. If you set up (for example) a Kinect type interface with the camera and control unit in the castle or on the robot, the spy could "drive" a robot using this interface in teleop (not auto).