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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