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Originally Posted by Jesse
Would a Plow shaped design be considedered a bumper addition to the robot as we are allowed to extend the starting position 4 inches for bumpers etc. Or would it be considered a functional part of the robot and not be allowed?
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A bumper is meant to cussion your robot (or to protect it) when it comes into contact with another robot or field structure (like the steps/goals/bars). It sounds to me like you want to use this extra 4" to help corral balls, which would serve a purpose other than protecting your robot. I would deem that a functional part of your robot, and not a bumper. Although, in past years teams have gotten away with having cutouts in their bumpers to match part of the shape of a goal or some other piece of the game. But, just because you can get away with things doesn't make it ethical to design your robot in such a way that you're clinging to technicalities. There are plenty of other ways to be innovative and otherwise creative while still being completely within the rules. I hope this helps.