Minibot Rules
 

Just a question about the minibots....

1) Is it allowed to be a two aprt machine.. ie something attaches to the base and another launches off that via surgical tubing or something?

2) Are we even allowed to "kinetically" launch the minibots.. as in have them fired up the pole no motors or anything?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

1) No, see <G42>.
2) Not clear, although there has been much discussion of this. We'll have to wait for team update #1.

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Are VEX kits included in part of the TETRIX kit?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Much to the chagrin of many, VEX parts are not allowed on the minibot...

Re: Minibot Rules
 

As for the G42 rule im talking about kinetially shooting the minibot up the pole once the mechanism has attached to the pole itself... like launching it using the polea s a guide to hit the top/....

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Dr.,
Please be patient...

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Al, I think I understand what he's asking: When the minibot is deployed, it's in two parts. One part is a launcher for the other, and both contact the pole.

If they were one unit, I don't think there would be a problem. However, in the case of there being two units, <G42> applies, as the minibot is intentionally detaching a part. Or, the launcher could be part of the hostbot.

Caveat: If the GDC decides that launched minibots of any form are not legal, disregard this.

Re: Minibot Rules
 

That rule exempts mini-bot deployment so detaching a part to launch a mini-robot is legal.

The word that sets me off a little is "appropriate". What do they consider appropriate?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

The problem I see with this is that anything defined as being part of the minibot must stay within a 12" x 12" x 12" box.

if the launcher is part of the robot (which we are not sure is legal) it would be ok, but if it's part of the minibot then leaving part of the minibot behind while the other part is shot up the tower would be illegal since the two parts would be seperated by more than sqrt(3)*12" (longest straight line in a 12" cube).

Re: Minibot Rules
 

I believe Leav has the correct response. G42 adds to that, no parts left behind.
Although there has been little discussion thus far, teams should keep in mind that they need to get the minibot down at the end of the match. If you don't, the field reset people will. Can you say hardhat area?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Nothing says the minibot has to stay at the top once it has triggered the target.
(slightly) Off topic, but am I correct in thinking the minibot's power is completely separated from the field? i.e. after the game, when all robots power down, the minibot is still running unless manually stopped, right?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Unless the GDC tells us otherwise, that is correct. I have seen nothing that indicates the MINIBOT will be under any kind of field control. And it has to be autonomous, so it can't be under the control of the team.

Re: Minibot Rules
 

Yes, you are correct. There is no connection to field management and no connection to the robot. It is a completely autonomous device.

MINIBOT – an autonomous vehicle designed and built to perform specific tasks when competing in the 2011 competition LogoMotion. The MINIBOT must obviously follow a design approach intended to play the 2011 FRC END GAME and must be compliant with all MINIBOT rules defined in Section 4.3.14.
Emphasis mine for correction of the reference to robot rules.

Re: Minibot Rules
 

AnotherQuestion:

does the robot need to be self proppelled up the post?

does a minibot have to remain in the 12x12x12 size once deployed?

Re: Minibot Rules
 

We don't know; I'm sure it will be asked when Q&A opens.

No, it could get smaller. ;) But it can't expand.
- no time provision; it applies the entire match.