[Gabe Salas Jr.]

The Vertical Velocity Limit is implemented so that teams do not design a robot that may attempt to launch a teathered artillery grappling hook to the bar from a long distance off the field. Although it would be nicely done by triangulating your distance using the IR sensors, and making a program that automatically adjusts angle and power to the artillery cannon on your robot. So if for some reason you missed, it was the programmers fault. Just kidding.

...and it would not be a good idea if the robot went insane during the match, and aimed the cannon to the audience...

But really, it is just for the safety of the drivers/human player, the refs/judges, and more importantly, the audience.