I've been thinking of a better way to phrase this whole bumper rule thing so that it would serve the purpose and intent of the rule, be easy to test, unambiguous and yet simply and clearly stated.
I would suggest that the GDC could simplify this whole bumper thing by stating:
"When a robot, with trailer attached, approaches a wall, the first part of the robot or trailer to contact the wall shall be a bumper. This may be tested by pushing a 2x4 (representing a long wall) edgewise along the ground towards the robot. If the edge of the 2x4 touches any part of the robot, the robot is not protected."
But... there might be weaknesses in that rule that could lead to ambiguity when inspected by 1300+ teams. I don't envy the GDC their job and support/understand/appreciate their rulings 99.9% of the time. The other .1% of the time, I simply accept the ruling. Like I have a choice!
Jason
Jason