Robot Parts and Materials - Answer Thread

[Barry]

You will find answers to the questions you post about Robot Parts and Materials in this thread.

[Sheldon]

Can we can use magnets on a robot?

In the rules, I don't see anything saying if magnets are legal or illegal with building the robot, so I'm not sure if magnets are okay or not...

A: Yes, magnets are legal per Rule <R04>

[Sheldon]

According to <RG10.d>, compressed air and pneumatic devices are not allowed. Is it legal to attach fan blades (such as <http://www.amazon.com/Ventmate-65484-White-Replacement-Jensen/dp/B0085IJIPC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410900771&sr=8-1&keywords=fan+blade>, which is allowed under <RO4.c>) to a Tetrix DC motor in order to generate an air current?

A: Yes, fan blades and fans made using these blades are legal. However, they must be properly guarded so that there is no possibility of these high speed blades coming into contact with a person (team member, FTA, Ref, etc.) or the field (Rule <RG03.a>. Mechanical Inspectors will be instructed to pay particular attention to fan based devices to insure they can be operated safely.

[Sheldon]

Hi,

With the new relaxed COTS rules, we just wanted to verify that chassis frame components such as the VEX VersaFrame (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/st...ersaframe.html) are allowed, since all teams have equal access to it?

thanks

A: Yes, Versaframe is a legal building material per Rule R04.b

[Sheldon]

Are makerslides (https://www.inventables.com/technologies/makerslide) allowable parts as a linear slide system under rule <R04>.c or would at least the aluminum channel be allowed as an extruded raw material under <R04>.a?

A: Yes, Makerslide is a linear slide and is permitted per Rule <R04.c>

[Sheldon]

Are Tetrix All-Terrain tires legal?
Looked the Game Manual but we are still not sure.
I see that from <R02> that All-Terrain tires are not part of the prohibited list so they should be legal.
But someone told our team they can be called high traction so they are not allowed, as per <R04>.d.
But my understanding is that <R04> only applies to COTS other than Tetrix/Matrix. All Tetrix parts have been vetted.

Please advise if we can use Tetrix All Terrain Tires.

A: Rule <R04d> applies to any tire that can damage the field tiles if the robot gets stuck and spins it's wheels in place. The Tetrix All-Terrain tires have not been shown to damage field tiles therefore they are allowed.

[Sheldon]

<R09> g. Can an unmodified Tetrix or Matrix motor be used with the gear box removed?

A: No, no modifications are allowed beyond the ones explicitly listed. Teams may replace or repair the gearboxes but cannot alter the performance of the motor/gearbox combination.

[Sheldon]

Are we allowed to use building materials, such as, preformed plastic buckets/cups or metal cans, such as coffee/aluminum cans, in their whole shape or cut into pieces? We would ensure that any sharp edges were covered, so it wouldn't damage the floor or cut anyone.

A: Yes, preformed cans, buckets etc. are legal per Rule < R04b>. Thank you for considering the safety of any items you use on the robot.

[Sheldon]

Question about COTS:

Are other building systems (other than Tetrix or Matrix) allowed under the new COTS rules. Question is regarding the mechanical parts, not the motors or electronics. For example:
http://www.robotmesh.com/classroom-c...nC4aAqCy8P8HAQ

Thanks.

A: Yes, non-Tetrix structural and mechanical parts are allowed providing they do not violate any other rule, particularly <R04>.

[Sheldon]

Is flexible vacuum hose, like that below, legal? Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-D420...997937&sr=1-14

A: Yes, this is a legal component per Rule <R04b>