PER R03:
In the STARTING CONFIGURATION, the maximum ROBOT size (excluding BUMPERS) must be constrained to a volume of 33 in. by 28 in. by 55 in. tall (~83 cm by ~71 cm by ~139 cm tall)
Does this mean that the robot is always constrained to 55" in height? Or only in starting configuration? Many field elements are much taller than 55", so I would assume that the height limit for the whole game is taller than this. Has anyone found any more info regarding this?
The 55" height restriction only applies for starting configuration, as R03 states.
[strike]Once the match is in session, there has been some debate whether or not you can extend 16" further, or if there is no limitation. The confusion comes in with what is considered the frame perimeter. On one side,[/strike] rule R04 shows that the frame perimeter is only horizontal, therefore, you can extend as much as you want vertically. [strike]On the other, some people think that the 16" limitation also applied to vertical dimension.[/strike]
EDIT: I was incorrect in saying there was debate over this. It is clear that there is no limitation for vertical height once the match has started.
What is the argument for the 16 inches applying vertically? The frame perimeter is a 2D polygon defined in the bumper zone (within 7 inches of the floor). How can it be used to limit the height of your robot?
According to rule R01, “To determine the FRAME PERIMETER, wrap a piece of string around the ROBOT (excluding BUMPERS) at the BUMPER ZONE described in R24 and pull it taut. The string outlines the FRAME PERIMETER.” This implies that the frame perimeter is horizontal meaning it can extend as tall as you want, assuming you can compress it back down to 55".
R01 defines the FRAME PERIMETER.
R01. The ROBOT (excluding BUMPERS) must have a FRAME PERIMETER, contained within the BUMPER ZONE, that is comprised of fixed, non-articulated structural elements of the ROBOT. Minor protrusions no greater than ¼ in. (~6.3 mm) such as bolt heads, fastener ends, weld beads, and rivets are not considered part of the FRAME PERIMETER.
R03 indicates that a robot must be no more than 55 inches tall in its STARTING CONFIGURATION.
R03. In the STARTING CONFIGURATION, the maximum ROBOT size (excluding BUMPERS) must be constrained to a volume of 33 in. by 28 in. by 55 in. tall (~83 cm by ~71 cm by ~139 cm tall)
R04 provides the extension requirement.
R04. ROBOTS may not extend more than 16 in. (~40 cm) beyond their FRAME PERIMETER (see Figure 8-1), except during the ENDGAME (see G05).
R03 and R04 cannot both be correct if the FRAME PERIMETER contains a vertical component, as the BUMPER ZONE is only 7 inches tall. So unless I’m missing something there is no height limit outside of the STARTING CONFIGURATION.
We have the same question. Even with the 16" extension that leaves us a 5’11". Not an issue during End game where we can extend but if the Scale is in the others teams favor we have approx 4 inches to overcome if not launching.
[strike]I believe I saw someone on ChiefDelphi think that the 16" perimeter rule applied to the vertical dimension as well.[/strike] I personally do not agree with that, I think that there is no height restriction once the match has started. [strike]I was just explaining that there was debate of others about it.[/strike]
EDIT: I was incorrect in saying there was an argument for this.
Where was this discussion?
I was incorrect. I was thinking of a question someone had asked about it in which I thought they gave an argument for it as well. I will edit my previous posts. Thank you for calling me out on this 
Extend to the Staaaaaaaaaars after the start of the match!
The game manual really should have been more explicit about this.
I’m on team “frame perimeter isn’t vertical”, but I assume we’ll see an official clarification on this soon.
This has a huge impact on the game and how you score on the scale, I hope they clarify this asap.
The best Evidence to support no vertical height besides venue is on Page 51 7.2 - Rule G05
Height restrictions that is. Also how do you edit a post?
Let me be very clear:
Beyond Starting Configuration, there is NO height limit
Extension beyond the frame perimeter specifically refers to the definition of frame perimeter in R01. The frame perimeter exists bounded by the robot in the x,z plane and with an infinite vertical projection in the y-axis.
For a diagram of this in practice, see the blue box of G05. Robots clearly have no height restriction.
How does the blue box make this clear?
It doesnt imo. Hoping the Q/A makes it clearer.
Gentle reminder: if there is no rule prohibiting it, it is allowed. The rule in question only addresses the starting configuration. Since I cannot find any rule that disallows expansion upwards of 55" after the match begins, it must be allowed.
you can raise up as far as needed the frame preemiter is horizantal not vertical and it says in starting config meaning that you can extend up too and you arent limited