[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by jalmos

A little late in the season to ask this.....

Our teams robot has a swinging hammer that hits the ball to launch it. Works pretty well but we are wondering about rules/safety.

Our arm is all within the frame except when it swings to hit the ball near the back of the robot. When it swings down it is outside the frame, but still within the 20" rule. I am concerned about the rules and safety. Seems a little dangerous but from what we have read it is within the rules. I am wondering what an inspector will think....

The arm on comes out in a small slot on the back of the robot and the sides are guarded but the back isn't guarded. If we were to guard the back of the swinging are it would be greater than the 20" rule. Do you think this will still be ok, legal, and allowed.

I could see it being considered in violation of the following rules:

Originally Posted by GDC

G3 ROBOTS whose operation or design is unsafe are not permitted.

Violation: FOUL & DISABLED. If the issue is due to design: Re-Inspection.

An example of unsafe operation would be uncontrolled motion that cannot be stopped by the DRIVERS.

R9: Protrusions from the ROBOT and exposed surfaces on the ROBOT shall not pose hazards to the ARENA elements (including the BALLS) or people.

I think that design is up to the whims of the inspectors and referees at your events. I would consider an unguarded hammer swinging out of the frame dangerous and capable of damaging the field, other robots or people. Not all people will see it that way though.