question about rules (size/orientation)

[Bochek]

i was fairly sure that i read somewhere that when in the starting position, if your robot has anything that folds from the horizontal position to the vertical position it must have it in the vertical position for measuring the size of the dimensions.

can anyone confirm this? or is it just me?

- Bochek

[Setsanto]

Not quite. The actual rule specifies that a robot must be taller vertically than horizontally, and must not exceed the 6-foot footprint. Other than that, you're good to go.

[Steve W]

The robot must start with a foot print of no larger than 28 x 38. The height depends on weight or vice versa. 6 ft = 100 lb. 5 ft = 110 lb. 4 ft = 120 lb.

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Setsanto

The actual rule specifies that a robot must be taller vertically than horizontally

Oh really? I think not. There are no minimum dimensions for the robot.

[DonRotolo]

No, there are no minimums specified (although there is a practical minimum), but there is one rule relevant:

<G29> ROBOT orientation - ROBOTS must start the match with their long (maximum) dimension in a vertical orientation. After the start of the match, ROBOTS may change their orientation such that the long dimension is either vertical or horizontal. Refer to Rule <R37> in Section 8 to determine how this affects the use of bumpers.

To me that means that a robot must have its longest dimension in the vertical plane. This may affect low rolling "bricks", but can be easily cured with a tall, thin and flexible 'antenna' (maybe a flag holder?) that is taller than any other robot dimension.

Don

[Setsanto]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

No, there are no minimums specified (although there is a practical minimum), but there is one rule relevant:

To me that means that a robot must have its longest dimension in the vertical plane. This may affect low rolling "bricks", but can be easily cured with a tall, thin and flexible 'antenna' (maybe a flag holder?) that is taller than any other robot dimension.

Don

Explained quite alot better than how i did.

[Steve W]

This rule is for robots that flop down. You can have a robot with a 50" wheel base if it is orientated vertically to start the game then flops down to be horizontal.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Steve W

This rule is for robots that flop down. You can have a robot with a 50" wheel base if it is orientated vertically to start the game then flops down to be horizontal.

Yes, but a 38 x 28 x 12 'rampbot' would need to start vertically.

[Bochek]

so if i make a 48" long arm lay down on a 52 degree angle so that it only takes up 32" of vertical space is that allowed?

- Bochek

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

Yes, but a 38 x 28 x 12 'rampbot' would need to start vertically.

What you are reading is poorly written. The reasoning behind the rule is for flop down robots. FIRST does not intend for teams to have to "stand on their heads" to start the game. If all 4 wheels are on the floor and you fit into the foot print then you are OK. If you are uncertain please post the question in the Q&A forum on the FIRST website.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Steve W

If all 4 wheels are on the floor and you fit into the foot print then you are OK.

<G29> ROBOT orientation - ROBOTS must start the match with their long (maximum) dimension in a vertical orientation.
<snip>

I dunno, seems pretty clear to me.

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Steve W

The reasoning behind the rule is for flop down robots. FIRST does not intend for teams to have to "stand on their heads" to start the game.

How do you know that?

.

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by dlavery

How do you know that?

.

I am not 100% sure that is why I mentioned to ask on the Q&A for an official answer.

[EricLeifermann]

The rule IS for flop down robots and always has been. In 2002 my previous team, Team 93, had a robot that was the max 28 X 38 though i think it was a little bit different dimensions that year but it was only like 15 inches tall, it did not have to stand on its side and then fall to its wheels. it for if your robots wheel base is like 28x60 then you must start with the 60 in direction vertical and fall down.