<G18> - Maximum dimension

[StevenB]

<G18> ROBOT Orientation - ROBOTS must start the MATCH with their long (maximum) dimension
in a vertical orientation. After the start of the MATCH, ROBOTS may change their orientation
such that the long dimension is either vertical or horizontal. Refer to Rule <R08> and Rule
<R17> to determine how this affects the use of STANDARD BUMPERS and FLAGS.

The way I read this, if you built your robot to be 28"x38"x12", you would be required to stand your robot up so the 38" dimension is vertical.
I don't think this is what FIRST meant at all, but that's the way I read it. Thoughts?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by StevenB

The way I read this, if you built your robot to be 28"x38"x12", you would be required to stand your robot up so the 38" dimension is vertical.
I don't think this is what FIRST meant at all, but that's the way I read it. Thoughts?

That is what is meant. This rule was in effect and clarified this way last year. Now, there is an easy way around this: plan a flag holder somewhere on the robot that sticks the official flag holder at the required height. Presto! One robot that doesn't have to tip over at the beginning of the match.

[ALIBI]

Seems as though R17 will make all robots start with 28x38 on the ground with the top of the flag holder at 51 inches above the floor, what else could you do? The question that I have is whether or not the flag holder must stay at 51 inches at all times? I do not know if it is possible to have a 28x38x60 tip over to say a 38x60x28 and maintain a flag holder at 51 inches before, during and after the fall. There seems to be some variations when looking at STARTING CONFIGURATION vs. PLAYING CONFIGURATION. Does the flag holder need to be at 51 inches for both and STARTING and PLAYING CONFIGURATIONS? That may not be possible. What about the STANDARD BUMPERS, with R08 requiring STANDARD BUMPERS covering 2/3rds of the robot, unlike other years there does not seem to be any allowance for NON-STANDARD BUMPERS. R17 clearly states PLAYING CONFIGURATION, if you tip over to 38x60 on the ground, how would you be able to get a 51 inch flag holder in the 28 inch dimension before you tip?