I am writing to request a technical clarification regarding the permitted motors for the upcoming competition season. Our team is currently in the design phase for robots competing in both the 1:1 and 2:2 soccer categories.
We are planning to utilise hardware from ROBOTIS and would like to confirm the eligibility of specific models to ensure full compliance with the regulations for both categories. Could you please provide guidance on the following:
Motor Series: Are all models within the Dynamixel line (specifically the AX, MX, and X-series) permitted for use in both the 1:1 and 2:2 leagues?
Performance Limits: Are there specific voltage, torque, or RPM limitations that differ between the 1:1 and 2:2 categories?
Integrated Control: Is the use of the internal tracking and feedback circuitry provided by Dynamixel actuators acceptable under the current rules?
Category Specifics: Are there any restrictions that apply strictly to the 1:1 “Entry” level (if applicable) that do not apply to the 2:2 Open category regarding actuator brands?
We want to ensure our procurement and build process aligns with the latest localised and international standards. Thank you for your time and for the work you do in supporting student robotics.
Generally speaking everything that isn’t prohibited by the rules is allowed, therefore I am going to refer you to the rules in a couple places as they contain the exact phrasing. This is because if I re-formulate the same thing that is already in the rules in different words here that is as likely to cause confusion as it is to clarify anything.
Furthermore I have a couple followup questions about your questions, they are with the answers below.
Motors: Did you see the motor whitelist in Appendix C? That applies to 1vs1 Entry Standard Kit only.
Performance Limits: Could you specify what rule is unclear to you so I can clarify? Otherwise I’d just be repeating numbers from the rules here.
Integrated controls: The general rules specify how to work with software the team didn’t write, it is good to be aware what you wrote and what you didn’t and to document accordingly. That being said motor drivers that have firmware are very commonly used and generally not a problem.
Category Specifics: Yes, those are in the rules. voltage, kicker power, number of driven wheels are the ones I remember of the top of my head. If you are building a robot it may be worth it to go through the rules and take notes on all limitations that may affect you with the design that you’re going for.
I hope that helps, to be able to give you direct, specific answers we need you to ask as specifically as possible (e.g. “we’re trying to do X in way Y but rule Z (rules are numbered) says A and we’re not sure if that means we can’t do Y.”). Questions like the one about the differences between the league I basically have to refer you to what it says in the rules or copy-paste a significant part of the rules into here for you) because I don’t have any more information about your specific case that goes beyond what the rules already cover.
if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Best regards
David
P.S. Are you on the Discord server? There are a lot of teams there, some with quite some experience. They are a good resources to run your ideas by and get feedback from people who may have tried similar things.