Every year, robot inspectors find a variety of issues when inspecting robots that teams think are included in the rules but are not. We are currently up to Rev H on the robot rules and several revisions have been made in other sections of the manual as well. So for the record here are some of the things we see or will see this year.
Rockwell blocks and other electrical parts from previous years may not be used for primary wiring. The power distribution panel, battery connector, main breaker only as shown in the robot wiring diagram, thank you.
If you are using pneumatics, the compressor must run and turn off under control of the Crio only by controlling a Spike that feeds power to the compressor. This applies in all configurations. Every robot pneumatic system must be demonstrated to shut off at 120 PSI and regulate to 60 PSI before it is used on your robot and you will be asked to vent the pressure through the vent valve as well.
Although the rules have been relaxed for pneumatic actuators there are still limits to size that will be checked.
Wire size and breaker size will be checked.
Sharp edges, pinch points, pointed objects and other mechanical hazards will be checked. Safety is our first concern.
Motors of the type and number as provided in the KOP plus two CIM motors only. Previous motors of the same type and number can be used as spares. You can’t use 6 CIM motors on your robot.
BUMPERS, that all I have to say about that.
Trailer hitch is very specific, follow the latest rules or Team Updates as to mounting and height.
Size and weight, there is no wiggle room. You either fit in the box or you don’t. You are either 120 or under or you go back and reduce your weight.
Before you close your shipping crate, download the latest version of the Inspection Checklist, and go through it with your robot subteam stduents.
Lead Robot Inspectors will come prepared with the latest versions of all the documentation including Team Updates and the **up to the minute version **of the Inspection Checklist. Be advised that these may change throughout the competition season, so check often.
I would add when you measure your robot make sure it is square. It may measure fine with a tape measure and still not fit in the sizing box. Find a nice square wall and floor to measure against.
Insulate all exposed electrical connections on the robot with electrical tape. Make sure the 6 AWG leads to your robot battery terminals are connected securely and thoroughly insulated.
Make sure both your pneumatics manual dump valve (if equipped) and 120A circuit breaker are easily accessible and visible. Label their locations if possible.
ROBOT GRAPHICS - many teams in the past have come to us in our pit to use our printer and print out 4" high, 1" stroke minimum team numbers, print out team sponsors, the school name, etc. to comply with robot “labeling” rules during inspection. Don’t wait until the competition to create and install your graphics. Consider putting your team numbers on your bumpers, making sure they meet the minimum size requirements.
I sent this to our rookie team. It’s hard to explain to high school students that there is no wiggle room until they see it for themselves. They seem to find an excuse for everything.
Thanks Al for the great reminders. I will forward this to our compliance officer. We were just discussing last night how hard we were on you last year. I promise (creating distracting) we won’t be pushing multiple limits this year:rolleyes:
This point is very important and different from any other year! It is not enough that your robot fit into the sizing box–it also must ONLY contact the bumper zone when pushed against ANY of the sizing box sides! A safely small footprint around the perimeter is still illegal if some bolthead protudes beyond this perimeter (even if still well within the max 28 by 38 dimensions).
Just to be clear - it’s OK for small boltheads and shafts to extend slightly beyond the BUMPER PERIMETER but only in the BUMPER ZONE. In other words, the bumpers are allowed to be subtly scalloped to accommodate such minor protrusions.
BUT imagine extending the entire BUMPER PERIMETER vertically upwards to the 60" height limit. Nothing can ever break through that surface (above the BUMPER ZONE).