[Eugenia Gabrielov]

This is a really interesting concept. I have a few considerations.

Are we looking at a normal light plastic hula hoop? Those break easily. A robot would have to manipulate it with some kind of small arm structure in this case. If the hula hoop is in the ground, the arm would have to be able to reach down and grab it as such. If it's hanging, that's a lot more like this year's system and just grabbing it and locking it. I think a robot arm like 234 (for those who saw their efficient lock system) would be excellent if the hula hoop was hanging. Such an arm could be manipulated to reach down and clasp the hoop off the ground if it fell.

If the hula hoop is more sturdy, that gives a bit more leeway as to the power of the arm and the manipulation of the hoop. Also, what is the size parameter? Hula hoops are actually kinda big, and while light, a robot lifting many of them would have to plan out how to not let them get caught on things.

Just some thoughts, sorry for the lack of mechanical technicalities.