YMTC: Redabot Loads Ten Tetras Without Moving

[ChrisH]

It all depends on which standard you are using, which no doubt is the point of this YMTC.

If you use the "touching" standard from Q&A and the Updates then obviously Redabot is acting in a legal manner.

But the intent of this rule is difficult to determine. As quoted above, rule <G14> specifically states the robot must move into the loading one. This implies that the loading zone is a three dimensional space because you cannot be both "touching" and "in" unless you are inside the triangle. If the triangle was composed of surfaces, like a cardboard box, you can be both simultaneously. But since the triangle in this case is only 1/4" high and is solid to boot, this is rather difficult.

The basic confusion has been due to the conflicting terminology used by FIRST in formulating the rules and in answering questions. In some places they use terminology that obviously can only apply to 3 dimensional space. Other places they use terminology that might apply to either 3 dimensional space or 2 dimensional space. The more they try and straighten this out, the more confused people get because they continue the mixing of terms.

My original interpretation of the rules, back when we all "knew" the loading zone was 3 dimensional, was that Redabot would have to move back a short distance and then re-enter the loading zone to pick up additional tetras. This may still be an operational requirement because the humans loading the autoload stations are not obligated to do so until they feel it is safe. I personally would not feel safe being within reach of an active robot. So if I was the loader I would probably wait until Redabot had backed off enough so it couldn't clobber me, regardless of the position of it's little foot.

So Lucien, don't worry about not being able to post a poll. Those of us who have been following this would probably answer both ways anyway.