Does the MiniBot need to be a "bot"

[BumbleB3339]

Does the MiniBot have to be a "Bot" can it just be a block that hits the light and sets it off?

Cause what it really needs to do it hit the button at the top of the pole to set the light off. Does it need all the requirements of a robot can't it just be an object like a computer mouse that sets it off.

[StevenB]

There is a specific definition of MINIBOT, including the parts it must be made out of. It does not have to meet the size/weight requirements for the ROBOT; it has it's own set of rules. See section 4.3.14 of the manual for rules on the MINIBOT and section 1.6 for definitions.

There is currently a debate about whether it is permissible to launch a passive MINIBOT to hit the target, which will hopefully be resolved in a Team Update or Q&A response within a couple of days.

[Team 2811]

Originally Posted by StevenB

There is currently a debate about whether it is permissible to launch a passive MINIBOT to hit the target, which will hopefully be resolved in a Team Update or Q&A response within a couple of days.

I am pretty sure that the rules say that you must have the minibot attach to the tower below the deployment line. As long as you do not launch the Minibot above the deployment line then you can launch a minibot away from your hostbot.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Team 2811

I am pretty sure that the rules say that you must have the minibot attach to the tower below the deployment line. As long as you do not launch the Minibot above the deployment line then you can launch a minibot away from your hostbot.

They say it must be deployed below the line. <G20>, <G22>. But the definition of deployment is sufficiently vague to be possibly construed as allowing launching and not contacting the post at all.

However, launching something that is not attached to the pole will be frowned upon under the Safety rules.

P.S. "Pretty sure" doesn't cut it. It is best to cite the rule. For example, last year a team was "pretty sure" that their relief valve could be located off the compressor. The inspector at a preseason said it was good... Then the LRI agreed with me that it wasn't at the official event.

[Mongai]

In the manual, it specifies that you need at least ONE battery on the minibot. However, that doesn't mean you have to hook it up to anything.

[Rion Atkinson]

Originally Posted by Mongai

In the manual, it specifies that you need at least ONE battery on the minibot. However, that doesn't mean you have to hook it up to anything.

Could you quote that rule please? I can't seem to find it...

[ATannahill]

Originally Posted by Mongai

In the manual, it specifies that you need at least ONE battery on the minibot. However, that doesn't mean you have to hook it up to anything.

Please show me where it says you need that.

Prize: 1 cookie.

[EricH]

Some folks say <R92> says that.

I say that it doesn't, and I also think the GDC has enough common sense not to force us to use a battery.

But even <R92> bars more than one battery.

[Mongai]

Originally Posted by rtfgnow

Please show me where it says you need that.

Prize: 1 cookie.

<R92> The following items are the only permitted materials for use on the MINIBOTS:
C. exactly one 12V rechargeable NiMH battery pack identical to those supplied in the FTC kit of parts (PN W739057)

After seeing EricH's post, though, I'm starting to question this statement.

[ATannahill]

I was more refering to the 'at least' part.

[JuniorGS]

I agree that a battery isn't required, it is just stated that the 12v is allowed. According to what I've read, I don't feel that the MiniBot needs to remain atop the tower once the pressure sensors have been triggered.

[Nathan Streeter]

<R92> begins with: "The following items are the only permitted materials for use on the MINIBOTS:" The list following is only a list of the items that can be used... a team isn't required to use all of them or any specific ones, as long as no unlisted components are used.

This seems like the most reasonable interpretation, I suppose the question should be asked of the GDC, though...

[EricH]

I'm >< to calling the GDC politicians instead of geniuses.

From Team Update #1:

<G19> After DEPLOYMENT, MINIBOTS must remain completely autonomous and move up the POST solely through electric energy provided after DEPLOYMENT by the permitted, unaltered battery and converted to mechanical energy by the permitted unaltered motors (and associated, appropriate circuitry). Violation: The TOWER on which the MINIBOT is DEPLOYED is disabled. If the MINIBOT is not deployed DEPLOYED on something other than a TOWER, then the ALLIANCE’Ss TOWER upon which the highest RACE SCORE was earned will be discounted.[bluebox]<G19> means that HOSTBOTS are not allowed to launch the MINIBOT up the pole at the TARGET, or otherwise contribute to the vertical movement of the MINIBOT. Energy for vertical movement may not be stored in the MINIBOT before DEPLOYMENT (except that which is contained within the battery and excluding incidental kinetic energy stored in the motors or wheels, but NOT, for example, in a flywheel).[/bluebox]

In other words, you must use the FTC battery.

[Goosier]

i just read rule G19. all it says is: "After deployment, minirobots must remain completely autonomous."

[Ricky Q.]

Originally Posted by EricH

I'm >< to calling the GDC politicians instead of geniuses.

From Team Update #1:

In other words, you must use the FTC battery.

Sigh. Glad they announced this after FIRST Choice orders could started to be placed.

I highly doubt this was a decision made after 3 days of the game being out.