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2019-2020 FIRST ® Tech Challenge

Robot Inspector Manual

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Sponsor Thank You

Thank you to our generous sponsors for your continued support of the FIRST® Tech Challenge!

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Volunteer Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to volunteer for a FIRST® Tech Challenge event. FIRST® and FIRST® Tech
Challenge rely heavily on volunteers to ensure events run smoothly and are a fun experience for teams and
their families, which could not happen without people like you. With over 5,500 teams competing yearly, your
dedication and commitment are essential to the success of each event and the FIRST Tech Challenge
program. Thank you for your time and effort in supporting the mission of FIRST!

Revision History
Revision Date Description
1 7/31/2019 Initial Release

Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 5
What is FIRST® Tech Challenge? .................................................................................................................. 5
Gracious Professionalism® ................................................................................................................................ 5
Job Description .................................................................................................................................................. 5
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Event Time Commitment ................................................................................................................................ 5
Volunteer Training and Certification ............................................................................................................... 6
Volunteer Minimum Age Requirement ............................................................................................................ 6
Bring a Friend! ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Overview of Responsibilities .............................................................................................................................. 6
Lead Robot Inspector ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Prerequisite for Lead Robot Inspector Role ................................................................................................ 6
Robot Inspector.............................................................................................................................................. 7
Pre-Event Day Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................... 7
Event Day Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................ 7
Helping Teams Succeed ................................................................................................................................ 8
Illegal Parts .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Robot Inspection Process ................................................................................................................................ 10
Collaborative Inspection Process ................................................................................................................. 10
Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Size Inspection .................................................................................... 10
Interchangeable Mechanisms ................................................................................................................... 11
Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Weight Limit ..................................................................................... 11
Robot Inspection Checklist – General Robot Rules ...................................................................................... 11
Robot Controller and Electronics Mounting ............................................................................................... 12
Sharp Objects........................................................................................................................................... 12
Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
4 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Launching Scoring Elements .................................................................................................................... 12

Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials ........................................................... 12
Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Electrical Parts and Materials ............................................................... 12
Robot Main Power and Wire Color Coding ............................................................................................... 12
LEDs ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Robot Inspection Checklist – Wheel or Tread Playing Field Damage Test ................................................... 13
Inspection Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 14
Repeated Failures........................................................................................................................................ 14
Re-inspection ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Team Scoring Element Inspection ................................................................................................................... 14
Build and Inspection Rules ........................................................................................................................... 14
2019-2020 Season Changes and Topics for Emphasis ................................................................................... 15
Appendix A – Resources ................................................................................................................................. 16
Game Forum Q&A ....................................................................................................................................... 16
FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals ........................................................................................................ 16
FIRST Headquarters Pre-Event Support ...................................................................................................... 16
FIRST Tech Challenge Event On-Call Support ............................................................................................ 16
FIRST Websites ........................................................................................................................................... 16
FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media ........................................................................................................... 16
Feedback ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix B – Robot Inspection Checklist ........................................................................................................ 17

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Introduction

What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?

FIRST® Tech Challenge is a student-centered program that focuses on giving students a unique and
stimulating experience. Each year, teams engage in a new game where they design, build, test, and program
autonomous and driver operated robots that must perform a series of tasks. To learn more about FIRST® Tech
Challenge and other FIRST® Programs, visit www.firstinspires.org.

Gracious Professionalism®

FIRST® uses this term to describe our programs’ intent.

Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the
value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

Watch Dr. Woodie Flowers explain Gracious Professionalism in this short video.

Learn more about the roles of volunteers on our Volunteer Resources page, “Volunteer Role Description”.

Job Description

Introduction
The Robot Inspector is responsible for ensuring that each robot is built of allowable parts and is safe to
operate. The robot inspection involves filling out a checklist for every robot and placing a label or other unique
tag on the robot after passing inspection. This manual will walk an Inspector through their role and
responsibilities in greater detail.

• Physical/Technical Requirements:
• Technical – Medium
• Physical – Low
• Administrative – Low
• Communication – High
• Time commitment:
• Pre-event training: Robot Inspectors should expect to spend two to three hours to go through
required reading and training before the event.
• Event Day: A Robot Inspector may only volunteer at an event for 2 hours, as the robot
inspections happen at the beginning of the tournament. Robot Inspectors might also serve in
another role once robot inspection is complete. If a Robot Inspector has indicated in their
application they are available for the full day, the Tournament Director may assign them another
role once robot inspections are completed.
• Proper Safety Attire:
• Wear comfortable, close-toed and closed-back shoes. Most of the day will be spent standing or
walking in the pit area.
• ANSI Z87.1 certified safety glasses are required in the competition and pit areas.

Event Time Commitment

Most FIRST Tech Challenge events are whole-day events. While robot inspection happens at the start of the
event, many Robot Inspectors fill other volunteer roles. Robot Inspectors may be called on to reinspect a robot
during the competition.
Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
6 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Volunteer Training and Certification

If you have applied for a role but have not received access to the training, please email
[email protected].

FIRST Tech Challenge requires Robot Inspectors to be trained before volunteering in the role. Training,
including review of the current year’s manual, supplemental manual review (for example, Game Manual Part
1), training video, and the robot inspection certification test will take roughly two to three hours.

Volunteer Minimum Age Requirement

FIRST requires that FIRST Event volunteers be at least 13 years old, however, the Regional Planning
Committee can increase the age requirement as needed. Adult volunteers cannot have children with them
while volunteering nor be responsible for supervising children at the event. Children under the minimum age
are welcome at FIRST Competitions with suitable supervision by someone other than a volunteer.

Bring a Friend!
Volunteers are a huge part of the FIRST Tech Challenge Program and continuing to inspire students to seek
out careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). FIRST Tech Challenge needs your help in
recruiting new volunteers to keep our programs thriving for future generations! If you have a friend or co-worker
you think would be interested in volunteering at an event, there are just a few easy steps to help get them
involved!

1. Check out our full list of volunteer opportunities online!

2. Have them apply for the Event in the Volunteer Registration System. Volunteers must be screened
before volunteering.
3. Have them contact [email protected] with any questions they may have.

If they are concerned about jumping in head first, no worries! Job shadowing at a FIRST Tech Challenge Event
is a great way to get a taste of what a full day’s worth of competition looks like. New volunteers can discover
ways they can fit their personal skills into a volunteer position!

Overview of Responsibilities

The Robot Inspector is responsible for inspecting robots to ensure they are safe, sized correctly, and are made
up of legal parts. Most events have an experienced Lead Robot Inspector that oversees a Robot Inspector
crew.

Lead Robot Inspector

Robot Inspectors perform required robot inspections to ensure compliance with robot construction rules. Lead
Robot Inspectors supervise the Robot Inspectors and act as a resource to the Robot Inspectors performing the
inspections. The Lead Robot Inspector’s responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the Tournament Director and Lead Field Inspector to create an inspection schedule.
• Assure the required robot inspection tools and materials are available on event day.
• Work closely with the Lead Field Inspector so the entire inspection runs smoothly, and all robots pass
inspection before the opening ceremony.
• Provide periodic progress updates to the Tournament Director and Field Technical Advisor.

Prerequisite for Lead Robot Inspector Role

To serve as a Lead Robot Inspector, previous experience as a Robot Inspector is required.

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Robot Inspector
Robot Inspectors ensure that every robot follows the guidelines outlined in the FIRST Tech Challenge Game
Manual Part 1 and are ready to compete on the playing field. The inspection process involves filling out a
checklist for every robot and placing a label or other unique tag on the robot after it passes inspection.

Pre-Event Day Responsibilities

FIRST Tech Challenge tournaments squeeze a lot of activity into one day. One of the keys to running a smooth
and successful event is for teams and volunteers to show up prepared. Teams spend countless hours
preparing for competition day and we ask our volunteers to prepare for tournament day as well. Robot
Inspectors must participate in training before volunteering at an event. They also must pass a certification test.
Training and the certification test are provided by FIRST Headquarters.

Required reading for training and certification:

• The Robot Inspector Manual.

• Sections 7 and 8 of the Game Manual Part 1.
• The robot inspection checklist.
• Legal and Illegal Parts document.
• Game Q&A Forum – The Robot Inspection and Build Rules section.

It is important before the event the Robot Inspector reviews these manuals and watches the prerecorded Robot
Inspector training video. To access the proper training materials to fulfill this role, make sure to apply to the
position in the Volunteer Registration System. Upon application, an email will be sent providing access to the
training video, certification test, call schedules for Robot and Field Inspector Monthly Key Role Discussion
calls, recordings from past calls, and copies of this manual. The most current version of the Game Manual Part
1 is located on our website.

The Game Q&A Forum is updated throughout the season. It contains clarifications for the rules in the Game
Manual Parts 1 and 2 and rulings about specific parts. Robot Inspectors are required to check the forum a day
or two before an event so their knowledge is up-to-date.

Event Day Responsibilities

A typical robot inspection crew has a Lead Robot Inspector and several Robot Inspectors. The Lead Robot
Inspector will explain the overall inspection process for the event and is the robot rule expert. Feel free to ask
the Lead Robot Inspector about robot parts that are unfamiliar and for help with difficult pass or fail decisions.
On-call FIRST Tech Challenge staff are available on event day to aid Robot Inspectors. The on-call telephone
number is listed in Appendix A.

It is the responsibility of the Robot Inspector to:

• Greet the team. Inspectors are generally the first volunteer a team will interact with.
• Go through the inspection sheet with the team.
• Assess the team’s robot and identify if there are illegal parts on the robot.
• Identify potential concerns of entanglement (loose cables) or safety.
• Help the team to be successful.
• Be fair and apply the same thoroughness for every team.
• Treat all teams with Gracious Professionalism®.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
8 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Robot inspections generally take place at the beginning of the event. The inspections run simultaneously with
field inspections (where the Field Inspectors inspect the team’s Android devices) and team judging
appointments. Each inspection should take roughly 10-15 minutes, depending on the complexity of the robot
design. Once you arrive at the inspection station you should have the following supplies available (provided by
the Tournament Director or Lead Robot Inspector):

Supplies

 An 18 in x 18 in x 18 in (45.72 cm x 45.72 cm x 45.72 cm) robot

sizing tool.
 Team Scoring Element sizing tool or a tape measure to confirm
compliance with the dimension constraints.
 A scale to weigh each robot.
 Inspection checklist for each team (found in the Game Manual Part
1).
 Inspection stickers or other method of identifying robots that have
passed robot inspection that can be placed onto the robot.
 Movable parts and power switch stickers.
 Pens.
 Yardstick.
 Tape Measure

Supporting Documentation (Electronic or Paper Copies)

 Robot Inspector Manual.

 Sections 8 and 9 of the Game Manual Part 1.
 The relevant sections of the Game Q&A Forum (Forum responses are official and enforceable and
override the Game Manual).
 Team list.

Helping Teams Succeed

A common theme you will read throughout this manual is the Robot Inspectors role is not just about the
inspection. It is about helping a team succeed so they can compete. Teams spend countless hours, weeks and
sometimes months working and reworking their robot design and strategies. After all this effort, some teams
will still need a friendly Robot Inspector to help them create a strategy to fix unexpected illegal robot
construction.

The recommended inspection schedule and procedures were created with the expectation that teams and
volunteers will have a low stress and successful experience. If inspection runs behind schedule, keep in mind
that volunteers still need to give every team the best possible experience; be kind and do not rush teams.

Illegal Parts
When a Robot Inspector comes across a team that has an illegal part installed, the Inspectors should not
automatically fail the team. First, the Inspector should ask themselves the following questions:

1. Is the part a safety issue?

2. Would the team be able to compete if the part was removed?
3. Does the part give the team a competitive advantage or disadvantage?
4. Could the robot achieve the same ability with legal parts?

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If the answer to question #1 is yes and the part is a safety issue, the team must fail inspection. We want all
teams to compete, however safety issues on a robot are nonnegotiable and must be fixed for the team to
compete.

Questions #2 and #3 have some gray area. It is up to the Inspector to decide what is fair for the affected team
and for their fellow competitors. Question #4 helps the Inspector to assess the extent of the illegal construction.
FIRST Tech Challenge’s goal is to make sure that all teams follow the rules to ensure the competition is fair for
all. However, there are circumstances when Inspectors can pass a team if the violation does not give the team
a competitive advantage. Exceptions for illegal parts should only made at the first Qualifying Tournament or
Meet the team attends. Teams competing in their second competition or higher should have already been
made aware of illegal parts and made proper changes to their robot.

The below flowchart is to help Robot Inspectors decide when faced with these scenarios at an event:

Robot Inspector
identifies an illegal part
on a Teams Robot. Would the Team be able to NO
compete with the same
capabilities if the component
was removed?
YES

NO
Does the illegal part Is this the Teams first
pose a safety issue? Event? Allow the Team to compete,
Does the component give the NO
reminding them that they
YES Team a competitive
must remove the component
advantage?
for their next competition.
YES

NO

The Robot must fail The Team should fail YES

inspection. The Robot inspection. Have the Team
Inspector should provide remove the component and
pointers to the Team, and return for reinspection.
encourage them to seek help
from a team that has passed
inspection.

Robot Inspectors should feel empowered to let the team use the illegal part if:

• This is the team’s first event;

• There is no competitive advantage to the illegal part;
• The robot’s abilities would be significantly affected if the illegal part were removed.

The Robot Inspector must coach the team and advise that they cannot compete in the next competition with
the same illegal part.

An illegal part gives a team a competitive advantage if the part enables a robot to perform an action that could
not be performed using allowed parts, or perform an action more efficiently, faster or reliably. A few example
parts that may give a robot competitive advantages that an Inspector should not allow when they are found on
tournament day:

1. An illegal DC motor; it may outperform the allowed DC motors.

2. A multiple degree of freedom commercial off the shelf (COTS) part that is more robust, efficient, etc.
than an equivalent team built part.
3. An illegal main battery pack; it may have a higher mAh rating than the allowed battery packs.
4. A driver station gamepad that provides capabilities that are not available on the allowed gamepads.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
10 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Robot Inspection Process

Collaborative Inspection Process

Stepping through the robot inspection checklist from top to bottom is an effective process for verifying
compliance with the robot construction rules. However, a collaborative process will be more enjoyable and
thorough for the team and the volunteers.

The preferred inspection method is to put aside the inspection checklist and ask that one or more student team
members to thoroughly describe the robot’s systems and how they work. Students are proud of their
accomplishments and they enjoy showing off their robot’s features. During this time, the Inspector should
complement notable robot design or construction features and ask questions that help determine compliance
with the rules. Avoid pointing out rule violations during this time. While listening to the students, the Inspector is
looking for illegal parts, counting DC motors and servos, noting the electronics, and checking for safety.
Sample questions to ask the team are:

• How are the LEDs powered and/or controlled?

• Does your robot have sensors? How are they connected to the robot control system?
• Did you determine that each servo controller is not overdriven by the attached servos?
• What challenges did you face while building this robot?
• Which subsystem are you most proud of?

If the inspector doesn’t recognize a part of the robot, ask a student for additional information. If necessary, ask
the team to identify the rule or post to the Q&A Forum that allows the part.

When the students are finished describing the robot, Inspectors should look for checklist items that were not
covered during the student’s presentation. They should closely view all six sides of the robot to check for sharp
edges and rule compliance. The knowledge gained about the robot during the collaborative inspection will now
make it easy to complete the inspection checklist.

Thank the team for describing their robot’s features and explain that it is now time to complete the inspection
checklist. Feel free to take another look at the robot and ask
follow-up questions while completing the checklist. Once the
checklist is filled out, congratulate the team for passing inspection
or clearly describe any rule violations and work with the team to Always keep in mind that as
find acceptable solutions. It is best if the team leaves inspection a Robot Inspector your role
with a remediation plan that has received preliminary approval is not to fail a team. You are
from an Inspector. in a role to help a team pass
End the inspection session on a high note by complimenting the inspection while keeping
team or robot and offering a high-five. Ask the team if they have within the rules so that they
any questions about the inspection process. Remind the team can compete.
that Field Inspection is separate and can be completed even if
the robot has failed robot inspection.

The following information will help familiarize a Robot Inspector with the inspection checklist. The robot
inspection checklist can be completed in any order.

Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Size Inspection

The robot sizing tool is the official gauge of whether a robot has met the match start size constraints of 18 in x
18 in x 18 in (45.72cm x 45.72cm x 45.72cm). Sizing tools can differ from event to event. Some events may

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use a box to inspect the size of the robot. Other events have come up with sizing tools that slide over the robot.
Either method is okay.

If a sizing box is used, slide the robot into the open end of the sizing tool. Robot contact with the sides and top
of the sizing tool is allowed unless the support provided by the sizing tool aids the robot in keeping within the
18 inch (45.72cm) cube size constraint. There should be no undue pressure on any of the wall sides or back of
the tool. Slide a flat plate or yardstick over the open side of the tool to verify compliance at the opening of the
sizing tool.

Sometimes, a team will need to turn on robot main power and run the autonomous period initialization routine
to command servos to their starting positions for the robot to fit into the sizing tool. This is acceptable if they
understand they must do that for every match. The Robot Inspector should ask the team if their robot will
expand upon software initialization. If yes, the Inspector should have the team initialize their robot for the sizing
inspection. They will also need to place a “Robot Moves” sticker on their robot near the robot’s main power
switch, which should be visible for the referees and other field personnel for match play.

Interchangeable Mechanisms
Per Rule <I7> from the Game Manual Part 1, teams can build mechanisms for their robot that are
interchangeable for the game challenge based on which alliance they are on for a given match. If a team is on
the red alliance for one match, they might need a specific mechanism on the right-hand side of their robot. If
the team is on the blue alliance for another match, the team would need that same mechanism built for the left-
hand side of their robot.

Teams must bring all exchangeable mechanisms as well as their robot to inspection. When the team reports to
inspection at least one of the mechanisms should already be attached to the robot. The Robot Inspector should
check to make sure the robot and mechanisms comply with the following rule:

<I7>c. The total of all electronics (motors, servos, Core modules, Android devices, etc.) used to build all
mechanisms and base Robot, whether they are used on the Robot at the same time or not, may not
exceed the constraints specified in the Robot rules.

The Robot Inspector should check each configuration to make sure the robot complies with these rules, and
does not violate any other robot construction rule. Inspectors should confirm that the team possesses both red
and blue team-built Alliance Markers that comply with rule <RG06>.

Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Weight Limit

Per rule <RG04> from the Game Manual Part 1, robots must not weigh more than 42 pounds (19.05 kg)
including the robot’s main battery. This weight constraint does not include the Team Scoring Element. To
account for variances between scales, there will be a .5 pound (.23kg) overage allowance on top of the 42
pound weight limit. If a team is using multiple mechanisms (except for the team supplied Alliance Marker) that
will be swapped out from one match to the next, all components and the robot must be weighed together
during weight inspection and must not weigh more than 42 pounds. If one Alliance Marker set (red or blue) is
obviously heavier than the other, the heaver Alliance Marker should be installed on the robot during the weigh-
in.

Robot Inspection Checklist – General Robot Rules

The next section of the robot inspection checklist helps the Inspector ensure the robot complies with the
general robot rules.

These key general inspection items are commonly overlooked by teams:

• Team number is displayed on two sides of the robot (180 degrees apart).
• Robot does not contain sharp edges or corners.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
12 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Robot Controller and Electronics Mounting

There are no specific mounting requirements for electronics, except for the robot main battery. Robot
Inspectors are encouraged to identify to teams, electronics that are mounted in a way that may place the team
at a disadvantage. For example:

• It is recommended the robot controller be accessible and visible by competition personnel. If a team’s
robot controller is not accessible and visible to competition personnel, the team may not receive
adequate support from the field personnel.

• Electrical parts (robot controller, batteries, motor and servo controllers, switches, sensors, wires, etc.)
make poor bumpers and are unlikely to survive the rigors of game play when attached in a robot-to-
robot contact area.

Sharp Objects
To test for sharp objects, gently run your hands over all corners and cut pieces of the robot. Make sure there
are no sharp edges. If there are, ask the team to file them down and smooth them out.

Launching Scoring Elements

Robot Inspectors will not test for compliance with the launching scoring elements rule before the start of
qualification match play. Referees watching match play will request reinspection of a robot if they feel the robot
is launching scoring elements with excessive speed that would cause a safety issue if they were to leave the
playing field. When asked by a Referee to inspect for compliance with rule <RG09> from Game Manual Part 1,
robots must then show the Inspector that a launched game element cannot travel in the air more than 16 ft.
(4.88 m) or more than 6 ft. (1.83 m) in elevation. This test should be performed in a controlled area for safety.

Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials

The third part of the inspection checklist confirms the robot is
built from allowed raw materials and Commercial Off The Shelf
(COTS) parts.

Teams may use raw and post-processed materials to build their

robots, provided they are readily available to most teams from
standard distributors (for example, McMaster-Carr, Home Depot,
Grainger, AndyMark, etc.).

COTS mechanical parts that have a single degree of freedom

are allowed.

Review all mechanical parts of the robot and make sure that
they are legal. The Legal and Illegal Parts List provides a pictorial guide of allowed parts, and pictures of the
most common illegal parts you might see on a robot. Specific quantities, sizes, and parts are listed in the
inspection checklist.

Robot Inspection Checklist – Robot Electrical Parts and Materials

The fourth part of the inspection checklist goes over the most complex part of the inspection process, robot
electrical parts and materials.

Robot Main Power and Wire Color Coding

Robot Inspectors should pay close attention to ensure the robot’s main power is labeled and accessible to the
field personnel. The robot’s main power switch must control all power provided by the robot main battery pack.
FIRST requires teams to use either the TETRIX (part #W39129), MATRIX (part# 50-0030), or REV (REV-31-

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1387) power switch. No other power switches are allowed. Robots that only use the built-in switch on the Core
Power Distribution module do not satisfy the requirements of rule <RE01>.

The main power switch must be easily accessible and labeled. Having the main power accessible is a safety
feature, and therefore Robot Inspectors must be diligent to ensure each team follows this rule, and makes
changes to their robot if needed.

For safety and ease of debugging, teams are expected to use consistent color coding for their electrical wiring.

If a team has an inconsistently wired robot, the Robot Inspector should point it out to the team. The Robot
Inspector should let the team know this could hinder the ability for other volunteers to troubleshoot issues with
the robot. The team should look to clean up the wiring before matches begin. It might not be possible for the
team to make significant wiring changes to the robot before qualification matches start. Robot Inspectors must
use judgment to decide what changes can be made in time for the team to participate in the first match of the
day. The final robot modification solution for that day’s event might not be ideal. However, we do not want to
prevent a team from participating in the tournament because the location of their main power switch or wire
color coding are not 100% compliant with the rule.

LEDs
LEDs are allowed to be functional (for example, signal information to the drive team) or decorative. Tracing
wires to find out how the LEDs are powered or controlled can be a time-consuming task. The best approach is
to ask the team to explain how the LEDs are powered or controlled.

Robot Inspection Checklist – Wheel or Tread Playing Field Damage Test

Robot Inspectors have the authority to ask that a team test their wheels and treads that they feel might cause
damage to the playing field. Not every tread or wheel can be evaluated and posted as a legal or illegal part.
The tread test is a quick way to decide if a team’s wheels or treads are competition legal.

To perform this test, the robot should be placed on top of a field tile and against an immovable surface (wall)
and should then run the wheels at full power for 15 seconds. Remember to cover the wall with a field tile to
protect it from damage. If there is any physical damage to the floor tile, the wheels are not allowed.
Discoloration or black marks alone are not considered field damage. Remember, the test must be done with
the robot at the weight the robot will be at during the competition since this will affect the degree of damage.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
14 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Inspection Troubleshooting

Repeated Failures
If a team repeatedly fails inspection (robot or field inspection), identify the
team to the Tournament Director and ask that they find someone to work
directly with the team. Our goal is for every team to be successful, so
please make every effort to help the team.

If a team cannot pass inspection, even with help, the Affiliate Partner or
Tournament Director must decide how to continue.

Re-inspection
If a team makes significant changes to their robot or their programming
during the day, they must undergo another inspection. It is not unusual for
a team to ask for a reinspection of their robot.

The Head Referee may ask for a reinspection of a robot based on

observations on the playing field. The Robot Inspector will reinspect the
robot and report the results to the Head Referee. If the Robot Inspector
and Head Referee disagree, the Robot Inspector should cite the
supporting rule(s) and reason for the pass or fail recommendation. The Head Referee has the final authority
over allowing a robot to compete.

Team Scoring Element Inspection

The Team Scoring Element is a team created object that must be inspected with the robot before competing.
Most teams will bring a Team Scoring Element to the event; however, it is not a requirement.

Build and Inspection Rules

The Team Scoring Element is an object that Teams create and bring to a competition to be used in the current
season’s game. The Team Scoring Element must pass Inspection before it can be used in a Match.

<TE01> Material Constraints - The Team Scoring Element is subject to the Robot Mechanical Parts and
Materials Rules in section 8.3.2.

<TE02> Size Constraints - The maximum size of the Team Scoring Element is 4 inches (10.16 cm) by 4
inches (10.16 cm) by 8 inches (20.32 cm). The minimum size of the TSE is 3 inches (7.62 cm) by 3
inches (7.62 cm) by 4 inches (10.16cm).

<TE03> Team Number - The Team Scoring Element must be labeled with their Team number (numerals only,
for example “12345”) The letters must be legible when viewed from 12 inches away. The Team number needs
to appear only once on the Team Scoring Element.

<TE04> Illegal Parts - The following types of mechanisms and parts are not allowed:
a. Electronics.
b. Any other part or material that violates Robot construction rules outlined in section 8.3.

<TE05> Current season’s scoring elements may not be used as the Team Supplied Scoring Element.

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2019-2020 Season Changes and Topics for Emphasis

Alliance Flags: Alliance Flags are NOT used and robots are not required to have an Alliance Flag holder.

Alliance Marker: Rule <RG06> states that teams are required to provide Alliance Markers on their robots that
identify their Alliance assignment.

Android Phones: The Motorola Moto E5 and Moto G5 Plus phones are added to the list of allowed driver station
and robot controller Android devices.

Electronic Inspection Checklists and Team Status Tracking: During the 2018-2019 Season, electronic
inspection checklists and team status tracking were added to the FIRST Tech Challenge Live Scoring System.
Inspectors can use Tablets or Computers connected to the scoring system network to complete the inspection
checklists and track team inspection status. See the Scoring System documentation for the complete details.

Team Marker: The Team Marker is renamed to Team Scoring Element.

Team Self-Inspection Checklist: Teams are not required to provide the event with a completed self-inspection
checklist.

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
16 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Appendix A – Resources

Game Forum Q&A

http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/forum.php
Anyone may view questions and answers within the FIRST® Tech Challenge Game Q&A forum without a
password. To submit a new question, you must have a unique Q&A System User Name and Password for your
team.

Volunteers that apply for a specific volunteer role will receive an email from [email protected]
with their username and password to the forum. You will receive access to the forum thread specific to your role.

FIRST Tech Challenge Game Manuals

Part 1 and 2 - https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/game-and-season-info

FIRST Headquarters Pre-Event Support

Phone: 603-666-3906
Mon – Fri
8:30am – 5:00pm
Email: [email protected]

FIRST Tech Challenge Event On-Call Support

These numbers are available for event personnel only. Please do not call these numbers if you are a team looking for a
ruling, a decision, or assistance. We trust that you will not misuse this resource.

Day of Event Robot Control System Support: 603-206-2450

All other Day of Event support: 603-206-2412

FIRST Websites
FIRST homepage – www.firstinspires.org
FIRST Tech Challenge Page – For everything FIRST Tech Challenge.
FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources – To access public Volunteer Manuals.
FIRST Tech Challenge Event Schedule – Find FIRST Tech Challenge events in your area.

FIRST Tech Challenge Social Media

FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter Feed - If you are on Twitter, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge Twitter feed for
news updates.
FIRST Tech Challenge Facebook page - If you are on Facebook, follow the FIRST Tech Challenge page for news
updates.
FIRST Tech Challenge YouTube Channel – Contains training videos, Game animations, news clips, and more.
FIRST Tech Challenge Blog – Weekly articles for the FIRST Tech Challenge community, including Outstanding
Volunteer Recognition!
FIRST Tech Challenge Team Email Blasts – contain the most recent FIRST Tech Challenge news for Teams.

Feedback
We strive to create support materials that are the best they can be. If you have feedback about this manual, please email
[email protected]. Thank you!

Revision 1: 7.31.2019
 FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual | 17

Appendix B – Robot Inspection Checklist

Team Number: _________ Robot Inspection Status (circle): PASS / FAIL
Team

Insp.

Robot Size & Weight Inspection Rule #

Robot is presented at inspection with all mechanisms (including all components of each
mechanism), configurations, and decorations that will be used on the Robot during the <I7>
competition.
Separately test the Robot in all of its unique starting (pre-match setup) configurations. The <I7>a
Robot fits within the Sizing Tool without exerting undue force on the Sizing Tool sides and top. <RG02>
Robot Motion Warning Label is attached if servo motors move during the Robot initialization. <RG02>b(i)
Robot weighs no more than 42 pounds (19.05kg). + 0.5 pound (0.23 kg) overage allowance. <RG04>
✔ ✔ General Robot Rules Rule #
Robot does not contain any components that could damage the Playing Field or other Robots. <RG01>a&b
Robot does not contain materials that are hazardous. <RG01>c
Robot poses no obvious unnecessary risk of entanglement. <RG01>d
Robot does not contain sharp edges or corners. <RG01>e
Robot does not contain animal-based, liquid, or gel materials. <RG01>f&g
Robot does not contain materials that would cause a delay of game if released. <RG01>h
Robot does not contain elements that electrically ground the Robot frame to the Playing Field. <RG01>i
Robot does not contain closed gas devices. <RG01>j
Robot does not contain hydraulic devices. <RG01>k
Alliance Markers are present and meet requirements. <RG06>
Team number is visible from at least 2 sides and meets requirements. <RG05>
Energy used by the Robot, (i.e., stored at the start of a Match), shall come only from approved
sources. <RG07>
Robot is not capable of launching its own components. <RG08>
✔ ✔ Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials Rules Rule #
All components on the Robot are from allowable raw materials and Commercial Off The Shelf <RM01>
products. <RM02>
✔ ✔ Robot Electrical Parts and Materials Rules Rule #
The Main Power Switch is installed properly, labeled, readily accessible, and visible to
competition personnel. The TETRIX, REV, and MATRIX switches are the only allowed Main <RE01>
Power Switch.
All batteries are securely attached to the Robot in a location where they will not make direct
contact with other Robots or the Playing Field. <RE02>
Exactly one (1) Robot Main Battery Pack of an approved type is on the Robot and it is properly
connected to the Main Power Switch and either the Core Power Distribution Module or REV <RE03>
Expansion Hub. <RE05>a(i)
Where present, fuses must not be replaced with fuses of higher rating than originally installed
or according to manufacturer's specifications. Replaceable fuses are single use only. <RE04>
Allowed electronic devices are powered by power ports on the Core Power Distribution Module
or REV Expansion Hub except as noted in <RE05>a&b, <RE12>, and <RE13>. <RE05>a
The Core Power Distribution Module or REV Expansion Hub is powered by the Robot main
battery. If a hybrid of Modern Robotics modules is used with the REV Expansion Hub, the REV <RE05>a(i)
Expansion Hub must be powered from a power port on the Core Power Distribution Module.
REV SPARK Mini Motor Controllers are powered by the Robot main battery. <RE05>a(ii)

Gracious Professionalism® - “Doing your best work while treating others with respect and kindness - It’s what makes FIRST, first.”
18 | FIRST® Tech Challenge Robot Inspector Manual

Allowed sensors may only receive power from the Core Device Interface Module, and/or the
REV Expansion Hub. <RE05>a(iii)
Light sources (including LEDs) are not focused or directed in any way, except for the REV <RE05>a(iv)
Robotics 2m Distance Sensor. Light sources are powered by allowed methods. <RE12>
Video recording devices, if used, are powered by an internal battery and their wireless <RE05>a(v)
communication capability is turned off. <RE13>
The Robot Controller is powered by its internal battery or by the built-in charging feature of the
REV Expansion Hub. <RE05>b
Exactly one (1) Core Power Distribution Module is mounted on the Robot if any Modern
<RE07>a
Robotics Core Control Modules are used.
No more than two (2) REV Expansion Hubs are mounted on the Robot. <RE07>e
No more than two (2) Core Device Interface Modules are mounted on the Robot. <RE07>b
Robot contains no more than eight (8) DC motors of the allowed models. <RE09>
Robot contains no more than twelve (12) servos. They must be compatible with the attached
REV Expansion Hub, REV Servo Power Module, or servo controller and not exceed the <RE10>
manufacturer specifications for the controller.
Robot contains only allowed sensors and they are connected only to the REV Expansion Hub
or the Core Device Interface Module. <RE11>
Power and motor control wires must use consistent color coding with different colors used for
the positive (red, white, brown, or black with a stripe) and Negative/Common (black or blue) <RE14>g
wires.
Power, motor control, servo and encoder wires are the correct size. <RE14>j
If electronics are grounded to the Robot frame, the only approved method is the REV Robotics
Resistive Grounding Strap. If needed, the REV Robotics Anderson Powerpole to XT30 adapter
may connect to the Resistive Grounding Strap. No other grounding straps or cables are <RE14>l
allowed.
Approved electrical and electronic devices may be modified to make them more usable; they
may not be modified internally or in any way that affects their safety. <RE15>

✔ ✔ Wheel/Tread Playing Field Damage Test - Optional Rule #

Robot did not damage the Playing Field tile. [This is an optional test that is performed only
when an Inspector believes that the drivetrain tread may damage a Playing Field tile.] <I8>

✔ ✔ Team Scoring Element Inspection Rule #

The Team Scoring Element is subject to the Robot Mechanical Parts and Materials Rules in <TE01>
section 8.3.2 and may not contain the current season’s scoring elements. <TE05>
Maximum size of the Team Scoring Element is 4 inches (10.16cm) by 4 inches (10.16cm) by 8
inches (20.32 cm). Minimum size of the Team Scoring Element is 3 inches (7.62 cm) by 3 <TE02>
inches (7.62 cm) by 4 inches (10.16cm).
Team Scoring Element is properly labeled with the Team’s number. <TE03>

General Comments or Reason(s) for Failure (if any):

I hereby state that all the above is true, and to the best of my knowledge all Robot construction rules and
regulations of the FIRST® Tech Challenge have been abided by.

________________________________ ________________________________
Robot Inspector Team Student Representative

Revision 1: 7.31.2019