So, after discussing this year’s Parts Use Flowchart on page 32 of Section 8 of the manual with a few people, we’ve come to the conclusion that either the flowchart is flawed, or this game is way more complex than any of us realized. Say I wanted used to a COTS part, like a gear from McMaster-Carr. Let’s see what the flowchart has to say about the gear:
Kit Part? Was the part or material included in the 2009 KOP?
NO
Bumper Material? Is the part a component for a BUMPER?
NO
**Decorative? **Is the part used as a non-functional decoration?
NO
Hazardous? Is the part a safety or entanglement hazard, likely to damage robots, field or game pieces, or likely to interfere with humans or controls?
NO
**Lubricant? **Is the item a lubrican?
NO
**
Traction Devices? **Is the part a wheel, tread, or other “traction device”? (See robot section)
NO
**Pneumatics? **Is the part a pneumatic component?
NO
**Energy Sources? **Is the part an energy source (battery, gasoline, fuel cell, solar panel, gerbil, etc.)?
NO
**Electronics? **Is this part an electronic component i.e. designed to conduct electricity?
It’s at this point the flowchart breaks down, as there’s no “NO” branch from this question. Most likely an oversight on someone’s part, but still I figured I’d post it hear to see if anyone else had noticed this. I know I missed the first time I glanced at the chart.
The 2008 chart went from that box to an adhesive tape question, and then on to an energy source question. They took out the tape (and removed any restriction from the rules!) and forgot to link up the energy source box. I suspect there will be a revision.
Also, gerbils are apparently allowed to be used as an energy source, but only if they’re deformed.
Kit Part? Was the part or material included in the 2009 KOP? NO
Bumper Material? Is the part a component for a BUMPER? NO
Decorative? Is the part used as a non-functional decoration? NO
Hazardous? Is the part a safety or entanglement hazard, likely to damage robots, field or game pieces, or likely to interfere with humans or controls? NO
Lubricant? Is the item a lubricant? NO
Traction Devices? Is the part a wheel, tread, or other “traction device”? (See robot section) NO
Pneumatics? Is the part a pneumatic component? NO
Energy Sources? Is the part an energy source (battery, gasoline, fuel cell, solar panel, gerbil, etc.)? YES
Is the energy source the result of deformation of a part? YES
Is the part or material off-the-shelf or is it custom made by the team after the start of the 2008 kickoff? (See Robot Section)
Presuming the gerbil was bought after kickoff, YES
Does it exceed quantity limits and/or cost limits? (See Robot Section) NO
