Perimeter

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by gpetilli

They talk about rapping a string around the robot at its widest point(s) and then measuring the length of the string as <120". This method is used to allow concave shapes. A simpler way to think about it might be: what size shipping box would I need to put the robot in and then what is the perimeter of the box. I assume you want your wheels included in the shipping box.

BTW: in the old days before switching to "perimeter", they actually had an inspection box you rolled your robot into and you had to be able to closed the door.

To clarify the part of your post I highlighted: Yes, wrapping a string (tightly) around the ROBOT defines the FRAME PERIMETER. It does allow concave shapes. But the key point is that the FRAME PERIMETER does not follow the concavity; rather it skips over the concave part following the string. The points where the string touches the ROBOT structure again are not corners and they don't specifically require BUMPERS. But if there is a corner less than 8 inches from the point where the string touches the structure, you would not be able to properly install a BUMPER protecting that corner, and it wouldn't be legal.