Best Bumper Rules EVER!

[dtengineering]

Okay... it's an awesome game.

But even more important than that... finally... bumper rules that achieve the goal without being needlessly restrictive. Chamfer the corner? Mitre the corner? Who cares?

Round noodles, star noodles, solid or hollow? Doesn't matter.

"1346" or "13 46"... doesn't matter so long as it's clear what your team number is!

3/4" Plywood, or a nice solid piece of maple as your bumper backing? Doesn't matter. (Just avoid particle board and such that won't take the impact... and no, I'd never waste a nice solid piece of maple as bumper backing.)

Thank you, GDC. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Jason

P.S. Okay... maybe the bumper rules aren't actually "more important" than the fact that it's an awesome game... but they make me happy.

[iPenguin]

There is no prohibition against splitting Team numbers onto different sections of BUMPER. The intent is that the Team’s number is clearly visible and unambiguous so that Judges, Referees, Announcers, and other Teams can easily identify competing ROBOTS.

That was my biggest gripe last year. So glad they corrected it. And now there is more tolerance with wood and numbers and stuff. Thanks GDC!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

You're Welcome.
The Bumper Design Committee

[RoboDawg]

Thank you Big AL and all involved in the B.D.C.

[Phyrxes]

Thank you B.D.C.!

[Bill_B]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

You're Welcome.
The Bumper Design Committee

Knowing this may make some wonder why the new bumper rules don't include some electronic provisions.

[Ed Sparks]

Smile and wave boys ....... smile and wave .......

We'll eventually nudge the GDC into practicality ......

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Bill_B

Knowing this may make some wonder why the new bumper rules don't include some electronic provisions.

??????

[CalTran]

Y'know, like super LED lights instead of fabric This way, alliance color changes aren't that big of a deal.

[dtengineering]

I didn't even know there was a bumper design comittee! (Although I probably should have known...)

Let me modify my comments to:

"Thank you BDC! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!"

and thank you to FRC and the GDC for engaging the advice of experienced mentors and tech inspectors to make life easier for all of us!

Jason

[Nemo]

I notice that the bumpers are now exempt from the withholding allowance (30 lbs of fabricated parts we can bring into the event venue).

That is also a great change. Now we don't have to stick the second set of bumpers into the bag before we seal it.

[Recla1mer 329]

i agree that the bumper rules are great this year. it gives us alot of room to do just about anything with the robots and how to grab the frisbees

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

I didn't even know there was a bumper design comittee! (Although I probably should have known...)
Jason

The small committee consisted of experienced team members, rookies and inspectors led and coordinated by First staff. We made a suggested list of items for GDC review and approval. So thanks to the GDC and First staff for taking action on the list provided.

[dtengineering]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

The small committee consisted of experienced team members, rookies and inspectors led and coordinated by First staff. We made a suggested list of items for GDC review and approval. So thanks to the GDC and First staff for taking action on the list provided.

Did you have any input on the new robot size rule? While I didn't have a problem with the old 28"x38" rule, I can see a certain elegance in having a perimeter based rule.

I wonder if the perimeter was reduced slightly to ensure that no one accidentally built a robot too big to fit through a standard door? Or perhaps just to give teams a reason to do a bit of redesign on previous years' and off-season drive trains? I like it when long-established rules are tweaked slightly... it is a very practical reminder that just because something was a rule for over a decade doesn't mean it will be a rule in future years!

Anyway, the bumper changes are great. I still have to read the rest of the rule book, though... now I'll be looking for other clever changes!

Jason

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jason,
I did not have any input on the size. I believe that the GDC decided this on game primarily. Changing aspect ratio allows teams to design stability for climbing the tower and for other parts of the game. As a result, shipping has been been reduced, in both weight and volume. I like the sizing box because all teams get to see that a robot fits or does not as does the scale. It takes the ambiguity out of that part of inspection. However, as we take a more active role in training inspectors and improving communication among key volunteers and officials, teams have come to trust that the rules of the competition are explicitly followed on and off the field. I hope!