I've been having a side conversation on this topics with some other senior
referees--it's very interesting.
As others have said, to Paul's original question--yes, teams may build a
basket or other carrying device and use it.

As Brian noted, a "basket attachment" attached to the robot (Rules 10 & 11)
is part of the robot and is not a strategic object.


Here's my thinking--
Cargo items (Rule 13) are anything that the robot has with it for transport
or release.
A non-attached basket is not part of the robot, and would be cargo while
the robot is transporting it.


Strategic Objects (Rule 12) are objects supplied by the team, but are not
part of the robot.
It's clear to me that a non-attached basket is a strategic object--it's
supplied by the team, and isn't part of the robot.

My opinion at this time is that the Junk Penalty applies to all strategic
objects outside Base, including objects that are Cargo.

It's one of the strategic choices that teams get to make--is it worthwhile
to take the penalty in order to get the benefit of using a strategic
object, or is there some other way to accomplish team goals without using
it.


Steve Scherr
VA/DC FLL Referee Advisor


On Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 12:08 PM, Brian Hardy <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> I'd have to disagree. Under rule 10, "anything joined with it (the
> controller) by hand", (even if held down with gravity under "any method,
> any configuration"), "which is designed not to separate from it except by
> hand" (presuming the robot is not designed to flip itself over) qualifies
> as part of the robot.  Under rule 10, even if the basket is attached to the
> robot for only one mission, it is an attachment, not a strategic object.
>
> I'd agree that if the robot picked up a basket and carried it to the red
> zone, it could be considered a strategic object because it was not joined
> by hand and could be released without the help of a hand. I suspect that a
> team would have to work at it to make such a "basket on the robot" a
> strategic object. And, I don't think even that was Scott's intent, but I'd
> read it that way as its written - I'll check with him to be sure.
>
> I'd be interesting to hear Steve's take until Scott clarifies it.
>
>
> Rules:
>
> 10. ROBOT - The robot is the controller and anything joined with it by
> hand (any method, any configuration) which is designed not to
> separate from it except by hand.
>
> 11. ATTACHMENTS - These are features which qualify as part of the robot
> while installed, but are not installed for the entire match.
>
> 12. STRATEGIC OBJECTS - These are team-supplied objects which serve a
> mission-related purpose, but never qualify as part of the robot.
>
>
> Brian
>
>
>
> On Sep 19, 2013, at 10:10 AM, "Emler, Paul" <[log in to unmask]>
> 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
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> 757-638-7920
>
> 757-638-7926 (fax)
>
> ------------------------------
>
>

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