[dtengineering]

I was going to cross-reference this to the rules prior to posting, to see if "limit switch" had been given a specific definition in the rules (I don't remember seeing it yesterday when I read through them) but the FIRST site is responding slowly.

In the generic definition of "limit switch", the term limit describes a function, rather than a form. In other words, any switch could be a limit switch, so long as it's function is to limit the action or range of motion of a system.

Unless there is further guidance from Q&A, or something that I missed in the rules, I would think that you could use just about any type of switch to stop your motors once they hit the top of the pole, as that would be a "limiting" function.

I don't recall, however, seeing anything saying that minibot motors have to be stopped at the beginning or end of the match... so you could also build a mechanical system to release your climbing system from the pole once you have hit the top, and the motors could keep turning until you recover the mini-bot and unplug the battery.

I think it would be really interesting, however, to see a minibot built without batteries or a motor... not quite sure how I'd store the energy for the climb just yet, but there are plenty of "generic" materials choices available that might make it possible. If only "mousetraps" were on the approved materials list!

Jason