This Q&A is now read-only
Official Q&A: VEXU 2020-2021: Change Up
708: <VUR6> Clarification
In this previous ruling, it was determined that <VUR5> takes priority over <VUR6>:
https://events.vex.com/VEXU/2020-2021/QA/674
However, this is contradictory to every other instance of past rulings regarding <VUR6> and the wording of <VUR6> in the game manual.
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For example, consider a typical custom sensor such as the pixy camera:
https://www.robotshop.com/en/charmed-labs-pixy-2-cmucam5-image-sensor.html
This sensor violates <R6>, <R7>, <R8>, <R10>, <R12>, <R20>, <R22>, as well as <VUR3> and <VUR8>.
VUR3 restricts the materials allowed, but this sensor violates the allowed materials.
VUR8 restricts the screw sizes allowed, but this sensor may have smaller screws than the allowed limit.
As another example, considerer a vex IQ sensor: https://www.vexrobotics.com/228-3014.html
This sensor would violate <R6>, <R7>, <R8>, <R10>, <R12>, <R20>, <R22>, as well as <VUR3> and <VUR2b>.
<VUR2b> restricts teams from using any vex IQ electronics, which would include this sensor.
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Because <VUR6> specifically states "There is no restriction on sensors and other additional electronics that Robots may use for sensing and processing" it has been understood by most VexU teams that <VUR6> takes priority over all the other rules in the game manual. Logically this would also mean <VUR6> would take priority over <VUR5>.
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Several other Q/As over the years have verified this as correct as the wording on <VUR6> has not significantly changed since these rulings:
https://www.vexforum.com/t/answered-vexu-speakers-as-part-of-custom-sensor/42312
https://www.vexforum.com/t/answered-vex-u-old-college-q-a-updates/23810
https://www.vexforum.com/t/answered-custom-sensor-housing/19582/2
These three Q/As verify that <VUR6> would take priority over <VUR3> and <VUR8> as well as all the regular game manual rules mentioned above.
Furthermore, the following Q/A shows that <VUR6> would also take priority over <VUR5>:
https://www.vexforum.com/t/answered-vex-u-non-vex-servo-motors-for-a-custom-sensor/35538
This allowed external non vex motors used solely for manipulating custom sensors.
If this were the case, it would agree with the wording of <VUR6>. There are numerous sensors and processing boards that rely on motors to operate.
For example, many full field lidar systems such as:
https://www.robotshop.com/en/rplidar-a1m8-360-degree-laser-scanner-development-kit.html
rely on an integrated motor to spin the lidar enabling it to map the field. VexU teams have legally used similar lidar systems in the past and may plan to do so again this season.
Another example would be the Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX listed below:
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/autonomous-machines/embedded-systems/jetson-xavier-nx/
This processing board has a built-in fan on its heatsink that is critical to its function as a processing unit.
A third example is the pixy tilt and pan kit: https://pixycam.com/pixy2-pan-tilt-kit/ (ruled legal in the above Q/A linked).
Without these integrated motors, none of these sensors or processing units could function as intended.
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Therefore, which rules, if any, restrict the "no restriction" clause of <VUR6>?
Furthermore, if <VUR5> does not apply to <VUR6>, then was the previous ruling in QA#674 an error?
If <VUR5> is applicable, are 360-degree Lidar sensors and the Nvidia Jetson processing boards also illegal? If all VexU appendix rules also apply to <VUR6>, then does that mean that there are no legal VexU custom sensors?
If all VexU appendix rules also apply to <VUR6>, then does that mean that there are no legal VexU custom sensors?
Please see rule G3:
<G3> Use common sense. When reading and applying the various rules in this document, please remember that common sense always applies in the VEX Robotics Competition.
The intent of the answer in the linked Q&A was to prohibit using VUR6 as a loophole to install cooling fans on a Robot.
Sensors containing an internal motor which is integral to their operation, such as a LIDAR or pan-tilt Pixy, would be permissible. It would not be feasible for an inspector to take apart a LIDAR module to see if there is a motor inside of it. It is, however, feasible for an inspector to check if a fan is being used to cool a V5 Smart Motor.
To prevent confusion, we would advise Teams with external processors that require thermal protection to utilize a passive heat sink instead of an active cooling fan.