For this question there are two parts:
Part 1
My question relates to the initial inspection of the robot starting size: <R4> Robots must fit within an 18” x 18” x 18” volume.
Compliance with this rule must be checked using the official VEX Robotics On-Field Robot Expansion Sizing Tool. Any restraints used to maintain starting size (i.e., zip ties, rubber bands, etc.) must remain attached to the Robot for the duration of the Match, per <G6>. For the purposes of this rule, it can be assumed that Robots will be inspected and begin each Match on a flat standard foam field tile. (https://www.robotevents.com/storage/game_manual/VEX_V5_Robotics_Competition_2024-2025_High_Stakes/rules/R4.html
At a recent tournament, a few robots came to inspection when turned off they would not fit in the 18X18X18 starting required volume. However, if the team turned the robot on and activate the program the robot would pull itself into the accurate starting volume. At the beginning of a match TM does not allow the motors to activate, the robot is in a rested position and not longer meets the starting volume. Due to this the inspection team was not passing the robot. The coach addressed concerns that the rule does not say that the robot must be either on or off.
When robots are presented for inspection for the 18X18X18 should they be off or out of program to mirror the beginning of a match when connected to tournament manager?
Part 2:
<SG2> Horizontal expansion is limited. Once the Match begins, Robots may only expand beyond their starting size and configuration within the following criteria: a. Robots may never exceed an overall footprint of 24” x 18”. For reference, 24” is roughly the width of one foam field tile.
At the same tournament, teams were coming to the inspection table to mearsure the 24" x 18". The robot would rotate outside of the 24 inches, teams would indicate that the motors were used to prevent this from happening either by using a rotational sensor or the internal motor controllers. The inspection team indicated that the rule states in appendix a. that the robot is to "never" exceed the 24" x 18". The explanation was that if the motor disconnected during the match they would have no way to keep the robot in the required expansion limit.
When robots are presented for inspection for the 24"x 18" can the students use the program to ensure the robot does not exceed the expansion limit of 24 inches, or should it have the ability to stay within the 24 inches without the use of a sensor?