Multiple Minibots?

[Joe Schornak]

I know FIRST's rules regarding the sharing of minibots, but what about sharing deployment systems? Since it's unlikely that you'll find another team with a deployment system exactly matched to your minibot, it could be advantageous to have a simple attachable deployment system associated with it.

If I were to manufacture a number of simple mechanical devices before an event and distribute them to other teams at the event, how would they fit into the rules? Would they be considered COTS, despite not being widely available or commercially sold? Would it be illegal as a game-specific component, as per the text after Section 4.1? Would there devices be considered upgrade parts? How would it fit into the common FRC practice of helping other teams improve the functionality of their robots?