<SG2>

Horizontal expansion is limited. Once the Match begins, Robots may only expand beyond their starting size and configuration within the following criteria:
  • Robots may never exceed an overall footprint of 24” x 18”. For reference, 24” is roughly the width of one foam field tile.
  • From the Robot’s perspective, only one “X/Y” direction may expand outside of the starting configuration during the Match (i.e., the Robot can’t get both wider and longer). This single expansion direction must be identified and measured during Robot inspection, as shown in the figures below.
  • Vertical expansion is addressed separately by rule <SG3>. Robots may expand both horizontally and vertically; the top of the Robot is not considered an “X/Y” direction in the context of this rule.
    • Note: Horizontal expansion is measured from the Robot’s perspective; i.e., it does “rotate with the Robot.” Robots that tip over, or rotate while Climbing, are still restricted to expanding “from the one side” in the chosen direction that was measured during inspection.
    The intent of this rule is to limit horizontal expansion in a way that can be easily interpreted by Head Referees during a Match and assessed by Robot inspectors. For example, a Robot can expand a mechanism in a single direction up to a 24” maximum size, but cannot expand a Mobile Goal manipulator from one side and a Ring manipulator from another (unless one of those is already identified and extended as part of the Robot’s inspected starting configuration). The figures below do not not provide an exhaustive list of all possible Robot configurations and expansions, and should serve as examples to provide some clarity about the intent of this rule.
    Violation Notes: Incidental minor infractions out of non-expansion sides that occur during a Match are only considered Minor Violations. Repeated Minor Violations should only escalate to a Major Violation in extreme circumstances. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Loose wires
  • Broken zip ties / rubber bands
  • Bent or broken mechanical components that are not used for strategic gain
    • Significant Q&As:
  • 2006 - The Robot’s size includes the entire Robot, including decorations and cables
  • 2036 - Horizontal expansion rotates with the Robot, even during climbing





    • Figure SG2-1: This is legal. The Robot is expanding 6” outside of the legal 18” x 18” starting size in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-2: This is legal. The Robot is expanding 6” outside of the legal 18” x 18” starting size in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-3: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-4: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-5: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-6: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-7: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-8: This is legal. Even though the Robot does not fill the full 18” x 18” starting size, it may still expand outwards to the full 24” limit in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-9: This is not legal. The Robot is expanding outside of the 24” limit, and is also expanding in a direction other than the chosen expansion direction.


    Figure SG2-10: This is not legal. The Robot is expanding in a direction other than the chosen expansion direction.


    Figure SG2-11: This is not legal. The Robot is expanding in a direction other than the chosen expansion direction.


    Figure SG2-12: This is legal. The Robot deploys a mechanism during the Match that fits within the 18” x 18” starting size. It may then expand up to 24” in the chosen direction.


    Figure SG2-13: This is not legal. The Robot expands outside of the starting configuration in multiple directions.


    Figure SG2-14: This is not legal. The Robot expands outside of the starting configuration in multiple directions.