I have a question about the autonomous mode this year.
Do the robots HAVE to score during the autonomous mode, considering the fact that it is a possibility of missing the goal anyways?
No ware in the rules does it say that teams have to score (or even have their robot move).
Well, the definition of ROBOT does include a mobility system. Never says it has to work, though.
But no, there is no prohibition on not scoring during any period.
after some reading…it is NOT possible as during the autonomous mode, you cant cross the center white line.
You don’t have to cross the line in order to score. I think it would be a good idea to at least try to score. Even if you miss the goal from zone 3 or 2, you could still get the ball into zone 2 or 1 for your alliance to score when teleop starts.
Perhaps there is some confusion about which end of the field to score in. The animation video implies that red robots score in the red alliance end (and vice versa with blue). However, this is not explicit in the rules. If it were the opposite case, a robot in the opposing alliance zone would have to cross the line to push a ball into the goal, but could possibly kick it in without crossing the line. But that’s all moot if red scores in red and blue in blue as the animation implies.
<G04> Scoring - ALLIANCE scores are determined by a combination of the number of BALLS
SCORED in the ALLIANCE GOALS during the MATCH
Your alliance’s goals are what determine your score.
The GDC learned from 2008. Note the bolded word (my emphasis) in the following:
<G28> AUTONOMOUS PERIOD ROBOT Movement - During the AUTONOMOUS PERIOD, a ROBOT cannot completely cross the CENTER LINE. Violation: Two PENALTIES; plus two PENALTIES and a YELLOW CARD if a BALL or ROBOT is contacted after completely crossing the CENTER LINE, and two additional PENALTIES for each additional BALL or ROBOT contacted.
If a robot wanted to herd three balls through the tunnels to their own zone from the far end of the field, they could do that. Of course, they’d have to do it autonomously, but that’s a “minor” consideration.