Bumper Numbers Question

[MARS_James]

So after a discussion after our team meeting last night several of the students want to make our bumper numbers be Roman numerals (MDXXIII) after checking the rules, there is nothing against it.

So what is your opinion, will we pass inspection or not?

[Nirvash]

I wouldn't think so, as it would be hard to read.

[Hallry]

See part C of rule R31, and the blue box beneath it:

C. be positioned around the ROBOT such that an observer walking around the perimeter of the ROBOT can unambiguously tell the Team’s number from any point of view.

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.

Emphasis mine

[dcarr]

Originally Posted by MARS_James

So after a discussion after our team meeting last night several of the students want to make our bumper numbers be Roman numerals (MDXXIII) after checking the rules, there is nothing against it.

So what is your opinion, will we pass inspection or not?

Just wondering - do you have any interest whatsoever in making your team number recognizable to anyone? After a while you might stick as "the guys with the Roman numerals" but at least in the beginning, scouters, announcers, and observers will have quite a tough time trying to figure out what's going on...

At a minimum, even if you were to pass inspection, I'd expect it would prolong the process by a factor of ~10x...

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by MARS_James

So after a discussion after our team meeting last night several of the students want to make our bumper numbers be Roman numerals (MDXXIII) after checking the rules, there is nothing against it.

So what is your opinion, will we pass inspection or not?

My opinion is that my opinion is irrelevant. Ask in the Q&A, or risk not being able to play.

[Ankit S.]

Originally Posted by pfreivald

Ask in the Q&A, or risk not being able to play.

Even if the Q&A deems it legal, its probably a better idea to do without the Roman Numerals, as most people aren't fluent in that numbering system. It will distinguish the team's robot from the others, but onlookers will not be able to easily link that team's robot and that team's number when with said team.

[pfreivald]

Originally Posted by BeltSanderRocks

Even if the Q&A deems it legal, its probably a better idea to do without the Roman Numerals, as most people aren't fluent in that numbering system. It will distinguish the team's robot from the others, but onlookers will not be able to easily link that team's robot and that team's number when with said team.

I agree that it's unwise... The question was whether or not it would pass inspection. On that, our opinions collectively are irrelevant!

(Also, cheers! I used to teach at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont!)

[MARS_James]

Just as an fyi we wouldn't actually do this (at least not with current leadership) I was just curious as to opinions of this, and legality.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

My response is "you do want to play on Saturday afternoon don't you?" Everything you can do to get picked by being recognizable is in your best interest.

[Retired Starman]

Yea, and I guess you could use the Greek or Cerillic alphabets to put your team, school, and sponsor names on your robot, but I doubt if anyone but you would be impressed.

The purpose of the team number on your robot is to help everyone identify your robot. Think of the robot rules as specifications for your robot, not rules. If you are a robot company trying to sell your robot to customers, you want to do everything in your power to make the customer happy.

Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot. Every team builds a robot.

[Littleboy]

Scouting wouldn't be fun for the first few matches. I like to quickly figure our what team I am scouting. The first few matches, before I realize that yours is the Roman numerals, I wouldn't know who you are. You wouldn't like me giving another team credit for your work, would you?
I personally would suggest that if you do it, it is someplace else on the robot.