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The official VEX IQ Robotics Competition Question & Answer system has closed for this season.

Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2024-2025: Rapid Relay

Usage Guidelines All Questions

2463: Cleaning Bot

Genevieve McLeish-Petty (Event Partner)
27-Jan-2025

We are seeking clarification on rule <R5> Prohibited items. The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed: Those that could potentially damage Field Elements or Balls. Those that could potentially damage or entangle other Robots. Grease, oil, graphite, and/or any other lubricant or plastic additive. Tape and/or any other material that adheres to or changes a legal part, other than non-functional decorations as permitted by <R8>.

At a recent tournament the team used water to clean friction residue. This was ruled as illegal and they were disqualified. In order to clean wheels and such many teams use water, lysol wipes, etc. etc as recommended by vex, as it suggests these and things that leave no residue.
We need to know how we can legally clean bots. and parts. A dry cloth would require disassembling bot and does not remove all.
So further clarification is needed: not what is not allowed (as it was believed these solutions were fine), but what IS legal? Also, how may we clean fields then as they also get very dirty?

Photo of sample wear: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gJxUcDJnfSsvSbK85c0J0FeeKOclbM1U2z6i-6f69QA/edit?usp=sharing

R5  
Answered by committee
6-Feb-2025

If VEX IQ Robot components must be cleaned after becoming dirty during use, we recommend one or more of the following:

  • Compressed air to remove debris and dust
  • Mild soap and water
  • Dry or slightly damp cloth

Any cleaning method should leave no visible or otherwise detectable residue after drying, and the Robot and all parts must be completely dry before arriving at a Match.

Any cleaning residue or moisture will be ruled as an illegal additive as described in clause C of rule <R5>, and the Robot will be removed from the Field and all further Matches until it has been reinspected and approved for Matches. Rule <R17> may apply in extreme cases.

Teams are advised to clean Robots and parts before arriving at events to avoid any possibility of doubt.