I have a question regarding the legality of using the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 microcontroller module in RoboCupJunior Rescue Line Secondary.
The ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities; however, these wireless features would not be used in the robot during competition. Is the use of this microcontroller module permitted under the current rules?
If wireless communication functionality is restricted, what forms of verification would referees typically accept to confirm that Wi-Fi/Bluetooth are disabled and not being used?
For example:
• Is disabling the wireless functionality entirely in software considered sufficient?
• Would providing source code or firmware configuration be required?
• Would physically disabling the wireless capability, such as manually removing or damaging the antenna connection on the module, be considered an acceptable method?
having wireless capability is not illegal, using it to remote access your robot during competition is. Many teams use the ESP32 series of chips and you are most welcome to do so as well.
In the Soccer league (I can’t speak for the procedures in the others) we don’t require you to proactively provide source code but do expect to be able to inspect your source code in the unlikely case that we need to clear up any doubts on if/how the wireless capability is used. You do not even need to turn off the wireless capability as e.g. bluetooth communication between the two Soccer robots is allowed (even though not all teams have everything figured out there, but some use it quite successfully to e.g. change strategy for the remaining robot when one gets taken out as damaged).
I hope that helps, if you have any followup questions or want an answer specific to the league you’re participating in let us know and ideally add a tag for the league to your post.