Minibot Rules

[Dr.Ward]

Just a question about the minibots....

1) Is it allowed to be a two aprt machine.. ie something attaches to the base and another launches off that via surgical tubing or something?

2) Are we even allowed to "kinetically" launch the minibots.. as in have them fired up the pole no motors or anything?

[StevenB]

1) No, see <G42>.
2) Not clear, although there has been much discussion of this. We'll have to wait for team update #1.

[joeduderey]

Are VEX kits included in part of the TETRIX kit?

[JB987]

Originally Posted by joeduderey

Are VEX kits included in part of the TETRIX kit?

Much to the chagrin of many, VEX parts are not allowed on the minibot...

[Dr.Ward]

As for the G42 rule im talking about kinetially shooting the minibot up the pole once the mechanism has attached to the pole itself... like launching it using the polea s a guide to hit the top/....

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Dr.,
Please be patient...

[EricH]

Al, I think I understand what he's asking: When the minibot is deployed, it's in two parts. One part is a launcher for the other, and both contact the pole.

If they were one unit, I don't think there would be a problem. However, in the case of there being two units, <G42> applies, as the minibot is intentionally detaching a part. Or, the launcher could be part of the hostbot.

Caveat: If the GDC decides that launched minibots of any form are not legal, disregard this.

[professorX]

Originally Posted by StevenB

1) No, see <G42>.

That rule exempts mini-bot deployment so detaching a part to launch a mini-robot is legal.

(with the exception of appropriate DEPLOYMENT of the MINIBOT)

The word that sets me off a little is "appropriate". What do they consider appropriate?

[Leav]

Originally Posted by Dr.Ward

J

1) Is it allowed to be a two aprt machine.. ie something attaches to the base and another launches off that via surgical tubing or something?

The problem I see with this is that anything defined as being part of the minibot must stay within a 12" x 12" x 12" box.

if the launcher is part of the robot (which we are not sure is legal) it would be ok, but if it's part of the minibot then leaving part of the minibot behind while the other part is shot up the tower would be illegal since the two parts would be seperated by more than sqrt(3)*12" (longest straight line in a 12" cube).

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I believe Leav has the correct response. G42 adds to that, no parts left behind.
Although there has been little discussion thus far, teams should keep in mind that they need to get the minibot down at the end of the match. If you don't, the field reset people will. Can you say hardhat area?

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Although there has been little discussion thus far, teams should keep in mind that they need to get the minibot down at the end of the match. If you don't, the field reset people will. Can you say hardhat area?

Nothing says the minibot has to stay at the top once it has triggered the target.
(slightly) Off topic, but am I correct in thinking the minibot's power is completely separated from the field? i.e. after the game, when all robots power down, the minibot is still running unless manually stopped, right?

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by Taylor

(slightly) Off topic, but am I correct in thinking the minibot's power is completely separated from the field? i.e. after the game, when all robots power down, the minibot is still running unless manually stopped, right?

Unless the GDC tells us otherwise, that is correct. I have seen nothing that indicates the MINIBOT will be under any kind of field control. And it has to be autonomous, so it can't be under the control of the team.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Yes, you are correct. There is no connection to field management and no connection to the robot. It is a completely autonomous device.

MINIBOT – an autonomous vehicle designed and built to perform specific tasks when competing in the 2011 competition LogoMotion. The MINIBOT must obviously follow a design approach intended to play the 2011 FRC END GAME and must be compliant with all MINIBOT rules defined in Section 4.3.14.
Emphasis mine for correction of the reference to robot rules.

[Dmiller28]

AnotherQuestion:

does the robot need to be self proppelled up the post?

does a minibot have to remain in the 12x12x12 size once deployed?

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by Dmiller28

does the robot need to be self proppelled up the post?

We don't know; I'm sure it will be asked when Q&A opens.

does a minibot have to remain in the 12x12x12 size once deployed?

No, it could get smaller. But it can't expand.

<R91> The MINIBOT may not exceed a 12” x 12” x 12” volume and weigh no more than 15 lbs.

- no time provision; it applies the entire match.