I’m confused about how the minibot is supposed to be controlled. Are we required to have a controller on the minibot or is a custom circuit good enough? What is the proper way to activate the minibot? Do safeties need to be in place to shut down the minibot after the match ends?
Minibots are autonomously controlled and must remain in autonomous the entire time they are deployed.
Check out section R92 for details on what is and isn’t allowed on the minibot.
If you want a controller, you must use the NXT. I believe that a simple custom circuit (switch, battery, motor) would also be legal.
There is no “proper” way to activate the minibot. This is all in your specific implementation.
As for shut down safeties- I would recommend it though because you will be penalized if you damage the field or any of the judges perceive you as a safety hazard.