Position of Eye Bolt

[Cal578]

I agree that the eyebolts should be above the center of gravity, which leads to the question of orientation. We're concerned about how inspectors will interpret this.

R10
Teams must supply at least two (2) attachment points for the belaying device (see Section 2.2.5) to mount to their ROBOTS. Attachment points must be:
A. easily accessible after the ROBOT has CLIMBED the PYRAMID,
B. on opposite sides of the ROBOT,
C. located near the ROBOT’S balance point, and
D. made from exposed structural members that will allow a rope to be wrapped around it or two eyelets (McMaster PN3014T45 or similar) mounted to the frame. Opening of the eyelets must be at least ¾ in. in diameter.

(emphasis mine)

Our robot climbs the outside of the pyramid corner on its belly. We put the eyebolts near the front corners of the chassis, so that if the robot were to slip and be supported by the belay ropes, it would pretty much stay safely in place.

One interpretation of "near the balance point" might lead us to put the bolts on the sides around the geometric center of the robot. In that case, if the robot were to slip, it would suddenly try to level itself. It would swing down, past level, and oscillate until something dampens the oscillation. That something might be a body part near that height, such as a head.

So, I think we're following a safer interpretation of the rule. Do you think inspectors will see it that way?