As you reference, the rules say just what they say - nothing more, nothing less. 

The rule for the robot is that it be "in" the red zone. If part of the the tip of the front of the the robot is the smallest smidgen on, over, touching, past, etc. the red line, then the robot is "in" the red zone (as long as its not a part obviously added just to be "in"). , but if you get there by going over the obstacles, the robot must be completely in to get the red zone obstacles points, but only the barest in to get the "safe place" points. 

However, each cargo items must be "in" on its own merits, so even if the robot is "in", the cargo may not be. The rules do not add any caveats that they must be touching, not over a certain height, completely "in", a certain distance "in", etc. so if the cargo objects are even the smallest smidgen on, over, touching, past, etc. the red line, they are "in" (bearing in mind that the trucks specifically must have their wheels touching the mat in the yellow zone because the rules specifically add that restriction to those models).

You are correct that the items must comply with the gravity test unless the robot itself captures them (a loose lid, for instance, would still meet the gravity test, but the robot is allowed to grab the box and hold the lid down - as long as the robot does it, not the kids)

I'd ensure that the box gets fairly completely in the red zone to ensure that all the little pieces are each "in"

I think we'll see quite a few boxes of that sort.

Brian

On Sep 19, 2013, at 10:10 AM, Emler, Paul wrote:

My team has a question that they can’t find written anywhere. I know that if it is not written then it is allowed. I want to make sure they just aren’t missing it somewhere. When they have their robot travel to the red zone can they have a basket on the robot carrying people and looped items (i.e. radio, water, etc) as long as those items comply with the gravity test?

 

 

Paul W. Emler, III
Paul W. Emler, III
Technology Teacher/ Elective Department Head
Technology Student Association Advisor
FLL Coach- Bruin Brick Builders Team #5990
Western Branch Middle School
Chesapeake Public Schools
Chesapeake, VA
757-638-7920
757-638-7926 (fax)

 

******** Confidentiality Statement: This electronic message and attachments are intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or privileged information. Receipt of this transmission by any person other than the intended recipient does not constitute permission to examine, copy, or distribute the accompanying material. If you received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender of the message. ********
To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list". 
VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.

To UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE your settings, please visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-l.html and select "Join or leave the list".
VADCFLL administrative announcements are sent via VADCFLL-ANNOUNCEMENTS-L. Visit https://listserv.jmu.edu/archives/vadcfll-announcements-l.html to subscribe.