Are we allowed to use fun noodles or other types of foam on the mini bot?
The items allowed to be used on the Minibot are expressed in rule <R92>.
I don’t see pool noodles or foam on that list.
But what if they are a type of PVC which is listed in the list?
A pool noodle is not a PVC pipe. Ask the Q&A if you think there is some chance that it is, my definitive statement here is not official by any means.
The only way fun noodles would be allowed is if it’s a
<R92> DD. Non-Functional Decoration
(so even using them as a bumper wouldn’t count)
As an inspector. It’s not on either list:FTC kit of parts or Tetris parts. PVC is the family of pipe, connectors and all fittings, etc.
Thomas McCubbin Team 686
So, your answer is no?
In general the GDC has been saying “If it as marketed as such and such then it is allowed.” So if it were to be marketed as PVC, then it probably would be usable. You could always turn something marketed as PVC into pool noodles, but you would have to provide proof that you did it.
You can ask the GDC if you want to be sure.
<R92>Q allows only PVC pipe and fittings, not every form of PVC. If you can make it out of pipe and fittings, you’re good. Else, not.
You could put the padding on the hostbot, so the minibot falls down onto it…
Even though it’s not allowed, the OP has a point. It’d be nice for an update to allow pool noodles because there are no other materials allowed that would make an obvious “bumper.”
I’d feel so much better about my minibot if it had padding on the bottom for its descent…
I don’t see why not
It would then be considered functional
That wouldn’t be a problem on the Hostbot.
But it’d be part of the robot, as it wouldn’t climb the tower. It’d be part of the deployment mechanism. There’s no rule (or intent for a rule) to prohibit padding from being placed on the deployment mechanism.
My bad. I thought it said minibot. Ignore the previous post 