[Billfred]

Originally Posted by JB987

Great looking robot. Am I off base however by asking how this robot and others like it is legal per R9, specifically parts A and C ?

Examples of items that will violate R9 include (but are not limited to): A. Shields, curtains, or any other devices or materials designed or used to obstruct or limit the vision of any DRIVERS and/or COACHES and/ or interfere with their ability to safely control their ROBOT B. Speakers, sirens, air horns, or other audio devices that generate sound at a level sufficient to be a distraction C. Any devices or decorations specifically intended to jam or interfere with the remote sensing capabilities of another ROBOT, including vision systems, acoustic range finders, sonars, infrared proximity detectors, etc. (e.g. including imagery on your ROBOT that, to a reasonably astute observer, mimics the retro-reflective features of the TOWER described in Section 2.3.1.3 TOWER)

Originally Posted by KMeyers

I would assume it is legal because the shield/curtain was designed and is being used to block boulders, not to interfere with vision. Were they to park it in front of an opponents drive station, then it would likely constitute a violation of R9.

I've been next to the robot, and given the height limitations this year it comes up to about mid-torso on me. Being a defending robot, it would be in the courtyard nearest the opposing drivers--and it just can't get tall enough or big enough to block vision. (Even if your short robot was over on the far end of the field, a coach could take a couple steps left or right and be fine.) If it's doing anything resembling standard defensive tactics, you'd have a hard time selling me on an R9 violation.

That said: Fantastic driving last weekend!