Q&A

According to <R1> teams may not have more than one robot. Additionally, in <R1a> teams may not participate with one robot while another is being modified or assembled. The clarification refers to use of a second robot diminishing "the efforts of a team that has spent extra design time making sure their one Robot can accomplish all of the game's tasks."

If iterative design and improvement is the goal, would teams be allowed to have a second robot at all? Is there a difference between what is allowed for "practice purposes" as opposed to during competition? Would creating and practicing with a second robot diminish the efforts of a team carefully assessing improvements, evaluating risk and potential benefit?

Can a collegiate VexAI team also register as a VexU team to compete in both competitions? This would seem to violate <R1> section d, since it states that a robot may not compete under multiple team numbers. But the spirit of the rule seems to be to prevent multiple teams/organizations from sharing a robot, not to prevent one team from competing in both VexU and VexAI.

A team has a main robot and a tethered minibot. For skills matches the team disconnects the minibot and uses only the main robot. Is this a violation of rule R1, specifically R1c?

R1c states "Teams may not switch back and forth between multiple Robots during a competition. This includes using different Robots for Skills Challenge, Qualification and/or Elimination Matches"

<R1>May a team bring two different Subsystem 3 scoring mechanisms to the same tournament and switch between them between matches?

For example, we would keep the same drivetrain, chassis, Brain, battery, and Subsystems 1 and 2 for the entire event. We would have one removable Subsystem 3 mechanism designed to score Yellow Bean Bags and a different removable Subsystem 3 mechanism designed to score Red/Blue Bean Bags.

Depending on our match strategy, we may remove one scoring mechanism and install the other between matches. Is this legal as one Robot under <R1>, provided that both configurations are inspected and comply with all Robot rules, or would the interchangeable Subsystem 3 mechanisms be considered separate Robots?

<R1>I have part number 228-9136-000 IQ AI Vision Sensor,this part is listed in the store as VIQRC game, but when looking at the Legal parts Rev 21 the vision sensor listed is 276-4850. When searcing for this device it is shown that this is replaced by AI Vision Sensor 276-8659. This item is listed under the V5RC, VURC, VAIRC Legal games.

Is the 228-9136-000 leagal to use in the VEX IQ Mix and Match competition?

Rule <R1> allows teams to replace subsystem 3 during a competition, such as a flywheel, cap lifter, scissor lift etc, whilst rules <R1> and <R2> limit teams to only having one robot at a competition:

Would a team be allowed to have spare subsystem 3s for their entire robot if they are identical to the subsystem originally on the robot? Would having replacement subsystem 3s for all the parts of the robot class as being a second robot effectively for spares, breaking rule <R2>

This is because we intend on building a modular robot where each subsystem 3 can be swapped out with ease, whilst keeping the same subsystem 1 and 2

Hello GDC, We would like to ask some questions of rule R1 about subsystems. From the rule R1, it define motors that are used for subsystem 1 as subsystem 2, and it say we cannot swap the whole subsystem 1 or 2 which will cause violate. So I would like to ask some questions about it:

1. Motor Shared Between Subsystem 3 and Subsystem 1:

  •	If a motor is used for both Subsystem 3 and Subsystem 1, does this mean it is considered part of Subsystem 2?

  •	If so, does this imply that we cannot move or replace this motor, since it would be classified as part of Subsystem 2?

2. Repositioning a Motor Within Subsystem 1:

  •	Suppose we have a drivetrain that uses only two motors.

  •	If we move one of these motors to a different mounting position while still exclusively powering Subsystem 1 (drivetrain), would this be considered a violation of R1?

Thank you for your time and clarification!

<R1>

As shown in the figure (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZBe4MgGiPOnKt6HAOAm49eFZtIyWoYd/view?usp=sharing) There are two machines, their subsystem 1 and subsystem 2 are the same, and both can pass the machine inspection. My question is, in a competition, can the same team modify the left machine into the right machine according to different competition events? Please note that it is not a replacement of a robot, but retaining the subsystem 1 and subsystem 2 of the left robot, and then modifying it on the spot to become the right robot.

GDC,

From the game manual

Subsystem 1: Mobile robotic base including wheels, tracks, or any other mechanism that allows the Robot to navigate the majority of the flat playing Field surface. For a stationary Robot, the robotic base without wheels would be considered Subsystem 1. Subsystem 2: Power and control system that includes a VEX IQ legal battery, a VEX IQ control system, and associated Smart Motors for the mobile robotic base. Subsystem 3: Additional mechanisms (and associated Smart Motors) that allow manipulation of Balls or navigation/manipulation of Field Elements.

> To help determine whether a Robot is a “separate Robot” or not, use the Subsystem definitions found in <R1>. Above that, use common sense as referenced in <G3>. If you can place two complete and legal Robots on a table next to each other, then they are two separate Robots. Trying to decide if changing a pin, a wheel, or a motor constitutes a separate Robot is missing the intent and spirit of this rule.

Based on the above definitions in the game manual - "Is it safe to assume that a team can move a smart motor from one component of the robot (say, during skills) to another component of the robot (for teamwork matches)?"

Thank you,

Dear judges： Hello！ I'd like to ask you a few questions

1. Is there a more clear definition of the control system in subsystem 2? Do air pumps, valves and cylinders count as subsystem 2
2. Does the cylinder belong to Subsystem 3
3. Is it illegal to change only part of subsystem 1 or subsystem 2, such as removing two of the four motors that control the chassis movement and installing them on the additional structure of the control ball
4. According to QA2183, the replacement of wheels will not be regarded as the replacement of subsystems. Can it be understood in this way that subsystem 3 on the machine also has wheels in contact with the site, but the wheels cannot be actively rotated and only serve as training wheels for the machine to move

Subsystem 1: Mobile robotic base including wheels, tracks, or any other mechanism that allows the Robot to navigate the majority of the flat playing Field surface. For a stationary Robot, the robotic base without wheels would be considered Subsystem 1.

We have an idea, but it requires the stationary Robot to be secured to the playing Field with the help of connector pins. Based on <R1>, we would like to confirm whether this idea will be considered a violation?

<R1>

<R1><R1> Hello! May I ask if it is possible to design a machine with a pure conveyor belt that does not move? That is to say, there is no mobile system.

I'm sorry that no picture can be inserted here. Please describe it in words. In my machine design, there are three axes, input shaft No. 1, output shaft No. 3, and shaft No. 2 are connected to the motor and a gear. In the competition, as a passing vehicle, I will move the gear on shaft No. 2 to the left and engage the gear on shaft No. 1. In the other case, as a pitching cart in the game, I will move the gear on the No. 2 axis to the right and engage the gear on the No. 3 axis. In this case, the No. 2 axis drives the No. 3 axis while the No. 1 axis does not move.<R1>

"<R1> Only one (1) robot will be allowed to compete per team in the VEX Robotics Competition. ... a. Teams may not compete with one robot while a second is being modified or assembled."

Teams in my region (and I assume others) are now receiving V5 kits. They have Cortex robots built but want to work on their V5 robot. For several schools, tournaments are the longest block of time available to work on a robot. Does <R1>(a) prevent them from competing with their Cortex robot while building their V5 robot if they don't compete with the V5?

Secondly, <R1>(Subsystem 1) states: "..For a stationary robot, the robotic base without wheels would be considered Subsystem 1." Would a team be allowed to have a stationary base (w/o Subsystem 2) for the purpose of working on a Subsystem 3?

Thank you.

Hello!! this question is intended to find a universal interpretation of how you are allowed to modify or swap subsystems at an event. Mainly due to th vagueness in some rule wording and they lack of Q/A clarigications on subsytem1/2. This aims to build on top of <R1> , <R3> and Q/A 2130, 2134, 2183

• https://events.vex.com/VIQRC/2024-2025/QA/2134
• https://events.vex.com/VIQRC/2024-2025/QA/2183
• https://events.vex.com/VIQRC/2024-2025/QA/2130

1. when a team makes a legal modification to their robot, such as entirely switching out a subsystem 3 for skills vs teamwork. if they get fully inspected in both configurations at the start of comp. Q - would the team be okay to switch back and forth between both configurations at will (implied from R3) or do they need to get reinspected every time they change it (from R1) even if it's a config inspected at the start of comp

2. what, if any, components of subsystem 1&2 may you modify or add/remove during a comp? (Q/A 2183 and 2134 says that wheel and gear changes are okay. what about things such shafts, motors, brain, sensors used for field navigation, half a chassis, the entire chassis frame getting rebuilt, a guide to align with the goal, etc.) Basically, what can you do to those systems and whats the limit. 2.1) also is the rule intending for partial modification to be legal but swapping out the ENTIRE system be okay? a 2.2) also, is swapping out a subsystem 1/2 for an identical replacement that was either built at home OR built at comp be legal?

3. if a robot has a guide on the robot that interacts with the floor and the field elements at the floor level, Q- would the guide be considered part of subsystem 1?

Hello GDC! Our team would like to know if we would able to change wheels during a competition for Autonomous Coding Skills Matches. The second paragraph of <R1> states that:

Given the above definitions, a minimum Robot for use in any VEX IQ Robotics Competition event (includ ing Skills Challenges) must consist of subsystems 1 and 2 above. Thus, if you are swapping out an entire subsystem 1 or 2, you have now created a second Robot and are no longer legal (BOLDING MINE)

Would swapping out just the wheels of Subsystem 1 be considered a partial swap or does it violate &lt;R1&gt;?

Rule

<R1> Only one (1) robot will be allowed to compete per team in the VEX Robotics Competition. Though it is expected that teams will make changes to their robot at the competition, a team is limited to only one (1) robot. As such, a VEX robot, for the purposes of the VEX Robotics Competition, has the following subsystems:

Subsystem 1: Mobile robotic base including wheels, tracks, legs, or any other mechanism that allows the robot to navigate the majority of the flat playing field surface. For a stationary robot, the robotic base without wheels would be considered Subsystem 1.

Subsystem 2: Power and control system that includes a legal VEX battery, a legal VEX control system, and associated motors for the mobile robotic base.

Subsystem 3: Additional mechanisms (and associated motors) that allow manipulation of game objects or navigation of field obstacles. Given the above definitions, a minimum robot for use in any VEX Robotics Competition event (including Skills Challenges) must consist of 1 and 2 above. Thus, if you are swapping out an entire subsystem of either item 1 or 2, you have now created a second robot and are no longer legal.

a. Teams may not compete with one robot while a second is being modified or assembled.

b. Teams may not switch back and forth between multiple robots during a competition. This includes using different robots for Skills Challenge and Qualification / Elimination Matches.

c. Multiple teams may not use the same robot. Once a robot has competed under a given team number at an event, it is “their” robot - no other teams may compete with it for the duration of the competition season.

Question: Our team would like to clarify that we can compete with and without our lift under the ruling of R1 We understand that we will have to have the robot reinspected when a subsystem 3 is removed and put back on. We operate using V5 with 8 motors with the lift (4 motors used for our lift) and 6 without the lift (we add two motors to our drive train) The purpose of removing the lift is because it's so heavy and we want to add speed.

Is swapping of subsystem 3 allowed between matches or skills? For example, swapping the entire climbing mechanism based on our alliance partner's climbing mechanism. Or swapping the catapult to a kicker mechanism for skills? <R1>

If this is allowed, do teams show all configurations during inspection?

We see teams holding their motors using rubber bands. Is it legal?

<R1>Good Afternoon, Q/A 1847 states that swapping motors between mechanisms is legal. However, Is it acceptable to have a two completely separate mechanisms for launching triballs (A flywheel and a slapper) that are modular.

The red box of R1 states "To help determine if a Robot is a “separate Robot” or not, use the subsystem definitions found in <R1>. Above that, use common sense as referenced in <G3>. If you can place two Robots on a table next to each other, and they look like two separate legal/complete Robots (i.e., each has the 3 subsystems defined by <R1>), then they are two Robots. Trying to decide if changing a screw, a wheel, or a microcontroller constitutes a separate Robot is missing the intent and spirit of this rule." After swapping the launching mechanisms the robot looks the same but instead of a flywheel it will have a slapper on the back. Would this meet the definition of looking like two separate robots or will the change be negligible enough to be viewed as one robot?

Earlier in R1 it states "Given the above definitions, a minimum Robot for use in any VEX Robotics Competition event (including Skills Challenges) must consist of subsystems 1 and 2 above. Thus, if you are swapping out an entire subsystem 1 or 2, you have now created a second Robot and have Violated this rule." This specifically excludes Subsystem 3 which is the subsystem that the launching mechanisms would fall in to. Is this intentional to allow for a swappable subsystem 3?

Also in R3b it states "All possible functional Robot configurations must be inspected before being used in competition. This especially pertains to modular or swappable mechanisms (per <R1>) and Match starting configurations/sizes (per <R4>)." This excerpt uses the words "Modular or swappable"

Is it correct to assume that you can have a modular launching mechanism as long as the main visual of the robot is similar and it is reinspected and passes?

Thank You