Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuttyman54
I would say yes, it is a violation. I think it's clear that by parking your robot in such a position, you have demonstrated that you intend to deflect balls, which you can consistently do in a controlled manner with the sloped feature on the robot. The rule update, however, does not mention intent at all, so even just having a sloped part that looks like it may have been designed to do such a thing is iffy (and an inspector's call).
My feeling is that if you can demonstrate that it fits around other robot geometry and is simply to keep the balls from getting stuck on top, they will accept it. A random wedge with no other visible purpose or necessity will probably invite serious scrutiny, and probably deemed illegal if it is used as such in any match.
This is simply how I have interpreted the update, but by no means am I a certified robot inspector or a member of the GDC, so my opinion is only that.
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Evan,
I disagree with you. Look carefully at G45 in update 2:
Quote:
<G45> Active BALL control - ROBOTS may not control BALL direction with active MECHANISMS above the BUMPER ZONE. Violation: PENALTY.
MECHANISMS are considered "active" if they are in motion relative to the ROBOT while in contact with the BALL. Resetting or moving MECHANISMS while not in contact with a BALL is permitted as the MECHANISMS are not considered "active."
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The key phrase is "relative" to the robot. So, as long as the slope is not changing relative to the robot when the ball makes contaact, it is legal. The robot is allowed to drive around all you want to influence the direction of the balls. The intent is to stop us from creating a slapper or kicker above the bumpers.