Static on the HDPE

[petek]

Wiping down the HDPE with a wet cloth could dissipate the charge on the surface - the water and the wiper (you) complete a circuit to ground (assuming the person is grounded). I'd think it might help if FIRST did that between matches. Might also improve traction since dust & stuff would get wiped off. I don't think FIRST would go for anti-static sprays, since they would leave a residue which might affect traction.

A ground strap attached to the robot which dragged on the ramp mesh would bleed the charge off the robot, again assuming the mesh is grounded. Even if the mesh isn't grounded, I don't think you'd get zapped, since you'd be standing on the mesh when you touched the robot.

Like Dick said, an art. Or magic... Which makes me wonder: we all know that electronics works because of smoke (let the smoke out and they stop working). So where does static electricity fit in? I haven't seen any smoke, but the discharges are audible. Does that mean that static electricty works on noise?