Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorZ
Each module could be more robust and heavy because it isn't sharing space/weight with 2 or more other systems.
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Long ago there was no explicit rule about modular robots—the
de facto standard was that whatever was on the field had to meet the rules. But for the past several years (perhaps around 2004 or so, if I had to guess), the requirement has been that every module intended for use on the robot (this year's standard is "all additional Mechanisms that might be used in different configurations of the Robot")
must be counted toward the weight, whether or not it is currently attached. The rule is similar for cost accounting.
This has led to some interesting questions of exactly when the intent/capability to use a module is formed (at design-time, at inspection-time, at match-time, etc.), but that aspect of the rule hasn't been thoroughly explored in terms of pre-prepared modules. One way this has been explored, however, is the
replacement of modules with COTS items.
Another peril of modular robots is the question of
when a module becomes too much like a robot for the officials'/GDC's liking. According to that ruling, there is some ill-defined line between a complex module and a second robot, irrespective of whether the entire system meets the modularity rules.
Also note that those are based on old rules which have not necessarily been retained verbatim in this year's rulebook. You should probably ask this year's Q&A (or at least the officials at your event) if you want to try something like this.