There will be two robots per team in NITRO's T3 competition. One will be made from LEGO, and the other will be non-LEGO (or from a Spybotics set)
If you would like to build a non-LEGO robot from scratch, the non-LEGO robot competing in T3 on each team will have to be subject to the following criteria:
- The initial dimensions of all robotic competitors (for Season 0 Robotics Exhibition) must fit within the boundaries of a 30 cm cube. (there is a unlimited height/length exception for antennas and tethers). Once the trial has begun, however, the machine may expand its dimensions as required, so long as it does not extend past the edge of the competition ring.
- All robots must weigh in (at heaviest configuration) at less than 500 grams. This rule may be waived if there is an appropriate justification. Consult the organizer for more information.
- No robot can use any power source or weapons which involves a combustion process. Sorry, but no flamethrowers.
- Robots cannot use any gravity-assisting devices (i.e.: suction cups, compressed air jets, etc.). As well, all devices must be horizontally mobile (no rotating cinder-blocks allowed!). There is no weight restriction, providing that each competing machine is capable of moving itself across the surface of the playing field during the full duration of each trial.
- Control tethers between machine and human operator can be used only to carry control signals. Any devices which run by tethers must not use their tethers as weapons, lassos, or for any type of mechanical assistance in the competition. Violators will be disqualified. However, any robots that get caught up in their own tethers are fair game for the opposing device to take advantage of.
- Tethers cannot furnish additional power to the machine (this rule may be waived with justification) or deliberately entangle the opponent. For the safety of the operators, no cords carrying voltages in excess of 25 volts DC (17.6 volts AC) will be allowed.
- Robot operators are allowed to rove around the ring as necessary to insure their tethers remain clear, so long as they do not interfere with their opponent's vision or operation.
- The judges may bar from the contest any machines which they feel pose a real threat of damage to spectators or the contest ring. As well, any judge may stop a trial at any time, if it appears to that judge that a danger to spectators or site is imminent.
