Automated Loader without being in loading zone

[geeknerd99]

The rules dictate that in order to use to manual loader, you have to be in the loading zone, etc, but the way the rules of the autoloader are written, it makes it sound like you don't have to be in the loading zone to pluck a tetra from the side.

We were toying with the idea of using a sort of arm to grab the tetra with the bot outside the automatic loading zone, and then use it like a crane to quickly cap a goal. The rules never actually say that we have to be in the loading zone to get a tetra. Also, since we're outside the loading zone, we're still exposed to other robotcs without penalty.

Just curious, as the manual was unclear about it.

[AmyPrib]

Well, they do sorta state that you have to be in the loading zone.

In rule G12, it says Robots may retrieve additional tetras at the loading zones and introduce them into the game. Robots may retrieve tetras from the automaticed LOADING ZONE at any time during the match. Robots may recieve tetras from the HP in the manual LOADING ZONE at any time after the auto mode finishes.
Also keep in mind that when you're in the loading zone, nobody else can interfere with you getting it.

Plus, G17 says, a robot that has received a tetra may not collect another tetra until it leaves and then re-enters the loading zone. So you have to enter it to get it in the first place. In G14 it says that a field attendant will not refill the station until the robot has left the loading zone.

So I'm thinking, you must go inside the loading zone to get a tetra.

[Joe Ross]

Does being inside mean touching ground inside or just breaking the plane?

[AmyPrib]

Does being inside mean touching ground inside or just breaking the plane?

It's a good question, because in the "no interfering" rule G15, it says that if a robot is inside, or touching any part of the loading zone, then another bot cannot interfere with them retrieving their tetra.

Soo.. that leads me to believe that you wouldn't have to be fully contained inside the loading zone to get it. You'd have to at least be partially inside the loading zone to get it.