[Tuba4]

This YMTC is a two edged sword. According to the following answers from the Q & A, Redabot is legally "leaving" the loading zone by raising it's foot:

ID: 978 Section 4.3.3 Status:Answered Date Answered:1/11/2005

Q: Regarding <G17>: What are the parameters for being "in" a loading zone? (i.e., must some part of the robot be touching the yellow triangle, et cetera)

A: There are no yellow triangles in the loading zones. The robot base and / or drive train must be touching the loading zone. The intent of this rule is that you must be in the loading zone. By making it blatantly obvious that you are in the loading zone, you will draw far less attention from the referees.


ID: 1393 Section: 4.3 Status: Answered Date Answered: 2/8/2005

Q: As I read the clarifications so far, a robot can be straddling a loading zone triangle with the triangle extending nearly two feet under the robot, but the robot is not "in" the loading zone. Am I interpreting the rule correctly?

A: See #978. It is very clear.

The Q & A answers clearly make this a two dimensional situation. Touching the zone is all important.

Now the question becomes does the field attendant understand that Redabot has "left" the loading zone? And is it "safe" to reload?

I realize safety is extremely important. While it may in fact be stated somewhere, I do not remember reading any safety statement in any of the loading zone rules like the following statement regarding the placement of bonus tetras:

<G10> "All bonus tetras will be stacked on the goals by field attendants at the earliest safe opportunity after the end of the autonomous period."

Bottom line for me is while Redabot is in fact making a legal play, if it is left to the discretion of the field attendant as to when to reload, it may not have a big impact.

And don't forget: 10 tetras at 9 pounds each on the end of a 12 foot arm! That would be a great feat indeed!!!