Construction Specifications

Modified from SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
~~PDF v1.0 Construction Specifications (12/1/2019~~) — Obsolete
~~PDF v1.1 Construction Specifications (9/27/2020)~~ — Obsolete
~~PDF v1.2 Construction Specifications (3/25/2021)~~ — Obsolete
PDF v1.2A Construction Specifications (2/15/2022) — Current

Overview and Purpose
1.1. The SPARC Robot Construction Specifications was created to provide both
builders and event organizers with an up to date and easy to implement
ruleset.
1.2. The SPARC Standard Ruleset will call out areas where the rules are often
altered by the events and will provide the most frequently used options for
easy adaptation.
1.3. If you choose to utilize the SPARC Robot Construction Specifications and
modify the rules to adapt to your event please note specific areas that differ
from the standard SPARC rules in section 2.
Deviations From Robot Construction Specifications
2.1. This section is provided as a location to provide a brief outline of where
the rules for a specific event differ from the SPARC Robot Construction
Specifications.
2.2. All changes from the baseline SPARC Robot Construction Specifications
shall be clearly highlighted to allow easy identification of deviations from the
original document. Use a strikethrough to mark off removed rules text
General
3.1. All participants build and operate robots at their own risk. Combat
robotics is inherently dangerous. There is no amount of regulation that can
encompass all the dangers involved. Please take care to not hurt yourself or
others when building, testing and competing.
3.2. If you have a robot or weapon design that does not fit within the
categories set forth in these rules or is in some way ambiguous or
borderline, please contact the event organizer. Safe innovation is always
encouraged, but surprising the event staff with your brilliant exploitation of a
loophole may cause your robot to be disqualified before it ever competes.
3.3. Each event has safety inspections. It is at their sole discretion that your
robot is allowed to compete. As a builder you are obligated to disclose all
operating principles and potential dangers to the inspection staff.
3.4. Cardinal Safety Rules: Failure to comply with any of the following rules
could result in expulsion or worse, injury and death.
3.4.1. Radios that do not operate using spread spectrum technology may not
be turned on at or near events for any purpose without obtaining the
appropriate frequency clip or explicit permission from the event.
3.4.2. Proper activation and deactivation of robots is critical. Robots must
only be activated in the arena, testing areas, or with expressed consent
of the event and its safety officials.
3.4.3. All robots must be able to be FULLY deactivated, which includes power
to drive and weaponry, in under 60 seconds by a manual
disconnect.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
3.4.4. All robots not in an arena or official testing area must be raised or
blocked up in a manner so that their wheels or legs cannot cause
movement if the robot were turned on. Runaway bots are VERY
dangerous.
3.4.5. Locking devices: Moving weapons that can cause damage or
injury must have a clearly visible locking device in place at all times
when not in the arena. Locking devices must be painted in neon orange
or another high-visibility color. Locking devices must be clearly capable
to stopping, arresting or otherwise preventing harmful motion of the
weapon.
3.4.6. Weapon locking pins must be in place when weapon power is applied
during a robot’s power-on procedure. This includes all powered
weapons regardless of the power source or weight class.
3.4.7. It is expected that all builders will follow basic safety practices during
work on the robot at your pit station. Please be alert and aware of your
pit neighbors and people passing by.
Weight Classes.
This event offers the listed weight classes in section 4.1. There is a 100% weight
bonus for non-wheeled robots (There may be a 50% weight bonus for shufflers
or other forms of locomotion which do not fall within the definition of
non-wheeled robot – see 5.1.2 for a definition of a non-wheeled robot.)
4.1.
Rolling Shufflers Non-Wheeled
0.33lb / 150g 225 g 300 g
1lb / 454g 1.5 lb 2 lb
2.2lb / 1kg 1.5 kg 2 kg
3lb / 1.36kg 4.5 lb 6 lb
6lb / 2.72kg 9 lb 12 lb
12lb / 5.44kg 18 lb 24 lb
12lb / 5.44kg Open Air 18 lb Open Air 24 lb Open Air
15lb / 6.8kg 22.5 lb 30 lb
30lb / 13.61kg 45 lb 60 lb
30lb / 13.61kg
Sportsman
45 lb Sportsman 60 lb Sportsman
30lb / 13.61kg Open
Air
45 lb Open Air 60 lb Open Air
60lb / 27.22kg 90 lb 120 lb
120lb / 54.43kg 180 lb 240 lb
220lb / 99.79kg 330 lb 440 lb
242.5lb / 110kg 363.75 lb 485 lb
250lb / 113.4kg 375 lb 500 lb
4.2. Sportsman Class. A robot may be entered in the “Sportsman” class if it
complies with the additional rules in this section. Any robot may be entered
in the “standard” class of the same weight.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
4.2.1. Active Weapon Required. Your bot must include an active weapon
or device. These include but are not limited to lifters, hammers, clamps,
spinning weapons (within limitations, see below), etc. Weapons such as
a fixed spike that require the movement of the bot to function do not
qualify as active weapons. (within the limitations specified in 4.2.3)
4.2.2. Limitations on Spinning Weapons. All devices rotating more than
360 degrees are allowed to operate with a tip speed at or below 20ft/s.
(Approximate tip speed = no load RPM * diameter in inches * 0.00436)
Weapon rpm will be measured by tachometer prior to the start of the
event. Specific weapons of sufficiently high mass or moment of inertia
(MOI) may be limited to lower speeds or disallowed by officials if they
deem the weapon to be too destructive. Officials may require submission
of specifications including motor, voltage, gearing ratio, weapon weight
and dimensions prior to the event.
4.2.2.1. Sawing and drilling weapons will be allowed to exceed the
20ft/s limit so long as they meet the following requirements:
4.2.2.1.1. The effective tooth pitch for the saw or saw
like weapon is ≥5. (Effective pitch = tooth count /
diameter) For example, a 10” saw blade with 60 teeth
would meet this requirement. A 10” saw blade with 40
teeth would not. For abrasives the grit size will be used to
determine if the requirements are met. (Tooth count =
grit * circumference )
4.2.2.1.2. Saws and saw like weapons are limited to
the manufacturer’s rated RPM. If you are using a custom
blade it will be limited to the rated rpm of an equivalent
commercial blade. (± 5% on tooth count, diameter,
thickness)
4.2.2.1.3. All weapons operating above the 20ft/s limit
must be submitted to the event organizer for approval
during the registration period.
4.2.3. Wedge Limitations. Active wedges are allowed with no restrictions.
A robot may only have a single passive wedge.
4.2.3.1. An active wedge is defined as a wedge that articulated and
actuated independently of the drive system.
4.2.3.2. A passive wedge is any wedge or wedge like object (forks,
series of small, hinged, independent wedges along the same
face of the robot) that does not meet the requirements for
classification as an active wedge.
4.2.3.3. At the event organizers discretion any weapons being
primarily used as a passive wedge may be required to
undergo modifications to reduce or remove this potential
prior to continuing in a tournament should this use result in
the robot being in violation of the restriction on the number
of passive wedges permitted.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
4.2.4. Excessively Destructive Weapons. Weapons deemed too
destructive by virtue of their mass, MOI or other characteristics may be
further limited or disallowed at the discretion of the event. Please
contact the event organizer concerning your design to avoid problems.
4.2.5. Standard SPARC Rules Apply. Unless otherwise stated, all other
standard SPARC rules will apply. This includes walkers and their weight
bonuses. However, a walker that uses the weight bonus for a spinning
(or other) weapon that is too destructive will be disqualified.
4.3. Open Air Combat Classes. For events where some or all classes
compete in an open air environment the following restrictions apply.
4.3.1. Slow spinners are allowed with an absolute maximum tip speed of 20
feet per second and may spin in any direction. The tip speed in feet per
second is calculated by this formula: Tip Speed = RPM x Diameter x
.00436.
4.3.2. Additionally, any weapon systems that may be capable of tearing off
pieces of the opponent (flippers, axes, etc.) must be cleared with the
event organizer prior to competing.
4.4. Plastic Class – Under Development. Western Allied Robotics is in the
process of developing rules for a Plastic Class. As this class is currently
under development the rules are in flux. To view the current Plastic Class
rules go to:
http://www.westernalliedrobotics.com/index.php/the-rules/special-plastic-cl
ass-rules
4.4.1 FDM/FFF 3D printed ABS, ASA, PET, PETG, PLA, PLA+, TPU and TPE are the
only materials that can be used for the chassis and weapons. No other types of
plastics or materials allowed (ie. metal, carbon fiber, UHMW, etc.)
4.4.2 Motors, electronics, axles, fasteners and adhesives can be any material, but
cannot be used in such a way to enhance the structural integrity, armor the
robot, or enhance any weapon. Metal axles must not extend past the wheel hub,
if the axle will be exposed to direct attack.
4.4.3 Not all weight classes will run a separate plastic class. The event organizer will
specify if there will be a separate plastic class and if so for which weight
class(es), ie “1lb plastic class”
Robot may be disqualified at the Event Organizer’s discretion if it is deemed to violate
the spirit of the class. Contact the event organizer ahead of time if you are not sure your
robot meets the above definition.
Mobility
5.1. All robots must have easily visible and controlled mobility in order to
compete. Methods of mobility include but are not limited to:
5.1.1. Rolling (wheels, tracks or the whole robot)
5.1.2. Non-wheeled: non-wheeled robots have no rolling elements in contact
with the floor and no continuous rolling or cam operated motion in
contact with the floor, either directly or via a linkage. Motion is
“continuous” if continuous operation of the drive motor(s) produces
continuous motion of the robot. Linear-actuated legs and novel
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
non-wheeled drive systems may qualify for this bonus. If you are
intending to enter a non-wheeled robot in any event contact the event
as soon as possible to determine what if any weight bonus you will
qualify for.
5.1.3. Shuffling (rotational cam operated legs)
5.1.4. Ground effect air cushions (hovercrafts)
5.1.5. Jumping and hopping may be allowed at some events, contact the
event organizer if you’re intending on using this as a method of
locomotion.
5.1.6. Flying (airfoil using, helium balloons, ornithopters, etc.) may be allowed at
some events, contact the event organizer if you’re intending on using this as
a method of locomotion.
Robot control requirements:
6.1. Tele-operated robots must be radio controlled, or use an approved custom
system as described in 6.4.3. Radio controlled robots must use approved
ground frequencies, typically 27/49/50/53/75/900/2400 for the United
States.
6.2. Tethered control is typically not allowed.
6.3. Pre 1991 non-narrow band radio systems are not allowed.
6.4. Radio system restrictions for this event with corresponding weight and or
weapon restrictions:
6.4.1. Radio systems that stop all motion in the robot (drive and weapons),
when the transmitter loses power or signal, are required for all robots
with active weapons or any robot over 12lbs. This may be inherent in the
robots electrical system or be part of programmed fail-safes in the radio.
Robots 1 lb and less typically will be required to have drive fail-safes.
6.4.2. All robot radio systems must have a way to change frequencies or
coded channels to prevent radio conflicts. Having at least two
frequencies or coded channels available is required. Lack of extra
frequencies may result in a forfeit. Digital spread-spectrum radios that
use frequency hopping or automatic channel selection qualify under this
rule.
6.4.3. If you are using a home built control system, or a control system not
covered here, you must first clear it with the event you plan to attend.
6.4.4. Toy radio systems are sometimes allowed at events for robots up to 12
lbs with no active weapons.
6.4.5. RC systems on the AM band are sometimes allowed at events for
robots up to 12 lbs with no active weapons.
6.4.6. All robots that are either: a.) 30 lbs or above or b.) 12 lbs or above
with an active weapon MUST use a radio systems on the FM band with
PCM, IPD coding, a digitally coded 900 MHz or 2.4GHz system (for
example IFI, Spektrum, etc), or an approved custom control system.
6.5. This event does not require a separate power switch for the radio, but it is
encouraged.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
6.6. Most events do not provide reserved frequencies/channels for testing and
safety.
Autonomous/Semi-Autonomous Robots: Any robot that moves, seeks a target,
or and activates weapons without human control is considered autonomous. All
sensors, data processing, decision making and execution of actions
must occur on board the robot. Two way communications links to the
robot are forbidden, except for the master on/off and start/stop
signals. If your robot is autonomous you are required to contact this event
before registration.
7.1. Autonomous robots must have a clearly visible light for each autonomous
subsystem that indicates whether or not it is in autonomous mode, e.g. if
your robot has two autonomous weapons it should have two “autonomous
mode” lights (this is separate from any power or radio indicator lights used).
Autonomous robots must have a clearly visible power indicator light.
Autonomous robots must also have a separate, clearly visible armed
light. A third light, indicating the status of the radio link, is strongly
recommended.
7.2. Robots in the 12 pound or under classes are exempt from the remaining
rules below, but sSafe operation, arming, and disarming must be
demonstrated in safety inspections.
7.3. The autonomous functionality of a robot must have the capability of being
remotely armed and disarmed. (This does not include internal sensors, drive
gyros, or closed loop motor controls.)
7.3.1. While disarmed, all autonomous functions must be disabled.
7.3.2. When activated the robot must have no autonomous functions
enabled, and all autonomous functions must failsafe to off if there is loss
of power or radio signal.
7.3.3. In case of damage to components that remotely disarm the robot, the
robot’s autonomous functions are required to automatically disarm
within one minute of the match length time after being armed.
7.3.4. The master on/off signal will arm the robot in the on mode and
disarm/safe the robot in the off mode. The off mode will reset
the failsafe timer required in 7.3.3
7.3.5. The start/stop signal will cause the robot to commence the
match on receiving the start signal, and stop fighting and cease
motion on receiving the stop signal. The start signal will also
start the failsafe timer. The stop signal will not reset the failsafe
timer required in 7.3.3, so a match can be paused.
7.4. Autonomous robots will receive 100 grams of bonus weight,
applied AFTER the bonuses for shuffling or walking. An autonomous
roller would have a maximum weight of 453.592 grams plus 100
grams for autonomous for a total of 553.592 grams. An autonomous
shuffler would have a maximum weight of 453.592 grams times 1.5
for the shuffling bonus plus 100 grams for autonomous, for a total of
780.389 grams. An autonomous walker would have a maximum
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
weight of 453 grams times 2 for the walking bonus plus 100 grams
for autonomous, for a total of 1007.185 grams.
Batteries and Power
8.1. The only permitted batteries are ones that cannot spill or spray any of
their contents when damaged or inverted. This means that standard
automotive and motorcycle wet cell batteries are prohibited. Examples of
batteries that are permitted: gel cells, Hawkers, NiCads, NiMh, dry cells,
AGM, LIon, LiFe, LiPoly, etc. If your design uses a new type of battery, or
one you are not sure about please contact the event you’re planning to
attend.
8.2. All onboard voltages above 48 Volts require prior approval from this
event. (It is understood that a charged battery’s initial voltage state is above
their nominal rated value)
8.3. All electrical power to weapons and drive systems (systems that could
cause potential human bodily injury) must have a manual disconnect that
can be activated within 15 seconds without endangering the person turning
it off. (E.g. No body parts in the way of weapons or pinch points.) Shut
down must include a manually operated mechanical method of
disconnecting the main battery power, such as a switch (Hella, Whyachi, etc)
or removable link. Relays may be used to control power, but there must also
be a mechanical disconnect. Please note that complete shut down time is
specified in section 3.4.3.
8.4. All efforts must be made to protect battery terminals from a direct short
and causing a battery fire.
8.5. If your robot uses a grounded chassis you must have a switch capable of
disconnecting this ground. ICE robots are exempt from this rule, if there is
no practical way to isolate their grounding components. You must contact
this event for this exception.
8.6. All Robots must have a light easily visible from the outside of the robot
that shows its main power is activated.
Pneumatics
9.1. Pneumatic systems on board the robot must only employ non-flammable,
nonreactive gases (CO2, Nitrogen and air are most common). It is not
permissible to use fiber wound pressure vessels with liquefied gasses like
CO2 due to extreme temperature cycling.
9.2. You must have a safe and secure method of refilling your pneumatic
system.
9.2.1. SPARC recommends the use of standard paintball fill fittings available
at many retail outlets and online. For specs see Part#12MPS from Foster,
http://www.couplers.com.
9.3. Exemptions
9.3.1. Robots 12 lbs and under and systems with gas storage of 2 fl oz or
less are exempt from the remaining rules in this section provided that
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
the maximum actuation pressure is 250 PSI or less and all
components are used within the specifications provided by the
manufacturer or supplier. If the specifications aren’t available or
reliable, then it will be up to the EO to decide if the component is being
used in a sufficiently safe manner.
9.3.2. Pneumatic systems with pressures below 100 PSI, small volumes
(12-16g CO2 cartridges), single firing applications, or pneumatics used
for internal actuation (as opposed to external weaponry) may also be
exempted from the remaining pneumatic rules. You are required to
contact this event if you would like an exception.
9.4. All pneumatic components on board a robot must be securely mounted.
Particular attention must be made to pressure vessel mounting and armor to
ensure that if ruptured it will not escape the robot. (The terms ‘pressure
vessel, bottle, and source tank’ are used interchangeably)
9.5. All pneumatic components within the robot must be rated or certified for
AT LEAST the maximum pressure in that part of the system. You may be
required to show rating or certification documentation on ANY component in
your system.
9.6. All pressure vessels must be rated for at least 120% of the pressure they
are used at and have a current hydro test date. (This is to give them a
margin of safety if damaged during a fight.) If large actuators, lines, or
other components are used at pressures above 250psi these will also need
to be over-rated and are to be pre-approved for this event.
9.7. All primary pressure vessels must have an over pressure device
(burst/rupture disk or over pressure ‘pop off’) set to no more than 130% of
that pressure vessels rating. (Most commercially available bottles come with
the correct burst assemblies, use of these is encouraged)
9.8. If regulators or compressors are used anywhere in the pneumatic system
there must be an (additional) over pressure device downstream of the
regulator or compressor set for no more than 130% of the lowest rated
component in that part of the pneumatic system.
9.9. All pneumatic systems must have a manual main shut off valve to isolate
the rest of the system from the source tank. This valve must be easily
accessed for robot de-activation and refilling.
9.10. All pneumatic systems must have a manual bleed valve downstream of
the main shut off valve to depressurize the system. This bleed valve must be
easily accessed for deactivation. This valve must be left OPEN whenever the
robot is not in the arena to ensure the system cannot operate accidentally.
9.10.1. It is required to be able to easily bleed all pressure in the robot
before exiting the arena. (You may be required to bleed the entire
system if it is believed that you have any damaged components.)
9.11. All regulated pneumatic systems must have an appropriate gauge scaled
for maximum resolution of the pressure on the low-pressure side of the
system. HPA (air, nitrogen, or inert gas) systems must have gauges on both
the high AND low-pressure sides of regulators. A gauge or other clear visual
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
indication that the system is charged is strongly recommended for all
pneumatic systems. Whether specifically required or not.
9.12. If back check valves are used anywhere in the system you must ensure
that any part of the system they isolate can be bled and has an over
pressure device.
9.13. Any pneumatic system that does not use a regulator, or employs heaters
or pressure boosters, or pressures above 2500psi must be pre-qualified by
the event you’re planning to attend.
10.Hydraulics
10.1. Robots in the 12 lb class or lighter are exempt from the remaining rules in
this section, but good engineering and best practices must be used in all
hydraulic systems. However the pressure for 12 pound or less robots
is limited to 250psi and there must be an easy way to determine this
pressure. Contact the event with any questions.
10.2. All hydraulic components onboard a robot must be securely mounted.
Particular attention must be made to pump and accumulator mounting and
armor to ensure that if ruptured direct fluid streams will not escape the
robot.
10.3. All hydraulic components within the robot must be rated or certified for AT
LEAST the maximum pressure in that part of the system. You may be
required to show rating or certification documentation on ANY component in
your system.
10.4. Any accumulators or large reservoir must be rated for at least 120% of
the pressure they are used at. (This is to give them a margin of safety if
damaged during a fight)
10.5. All hydraulic systems must have an over pressure by pass device set to no
more than 130% of the lowest component rating. It must be rated to bypass
the full volume of the hydraulic pump.
10.6. All hydraulic systems must have a(n) accessible manual bypass valve(s)
to easily render the system harmless.
10.7. All hydraulic systems must have appropriate gauges scaled for maximum
resolution of the pressures in that part of the system.
10.8. All hydraulic systems must use non-flammable, non-corrosive fluid and
must be designed not to leak when inverted.
10.9. Any hydraulic system using pressure boosters, or pressures above
5000psi (without accumulator) or pressures above 2000psi (with
accumulator) must be pre-qualified by the event.
10.10.Please note that some simple low pressure and volume hydraulic systems,
like simple braking, may not need to adhere to all the rules above. You are
required to contact the event if you would like an exception.
11.Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and liquid fuels are typically not allowed,
however some events/venues do allow them.
11.1. Fuel and Fuel Lines
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
11.1.1. All commercially available grades of automobile or RC hobby fuel
are allowed. Alcohol, Nitro-methane, jet fuel and other specialty grades
of fuel require prior approval.
11.1.2. Fuel lines and tanks must be made of high quality materials and
all ends must be clamped securely.
11.1.3. All fuel tanks and lines must be well protected and armored
from all sides including moving parts and heat sources inside the robot.
11.2. Fuel tank volume, on any robot, shall not be greater than the amount
required to operate the engine for more than 1 minute longer than the
match time at combat power plus a reasonable pre-match warm-up period.
Total fuel volume, including fuel for both ICE and flame weapons (if allowed)
may not exceed 20 oz unless prior approval is granted from this event.
11.3. The output of any engines connected to weapons or drive systems must
be coupled through a clutch which will decouple the motor when it is at idle.
(This does not include motors used for generators and hydraulic pumps.)
11.4. Any engine connected to a weapon must be capable of being started
while the weapon locking pin is in place (see 3.4.6).
11.5. All engines must turn off or return to idle at loss of radio signal and turn
off at loss of radio receiver power.
11.6. All engines must have a method of remotely shutting off.
11.7. Any robot with liquid fuel and oil must be designed not to leak when
inverted. (Minor oil leakage may be tolerated, however if it affects the other
robot or becomes a large cleanup issue you may be called and the leaking
robot will forfeit.)
11.8. Use of engines other than standard piston engines (i.e. turbines etc.)
require prior approval for any event.
12.Rotational weapons or full body spinning robots are allowed at most events,
however:
12.1. Spinning weapons that can contact the outer arena walls during normal
operation must be pre-approved by the event. (Contact with an inner arena
curb, or containment wall is allowed and does not require prior permission.)
12.2. Spinning weapons must come to a full stop within 60 seconds of the
power being removed using a self-contained braking system.
13.Springs and flywheels
13.1. Springs used in robots in the 12 lb class or smaller and those loaded
simply by the weight of the robot (e.g. suspension systems) are exempt
from the rules in this section. However safe operation and good engineering
are always required.
13.2. Any large springs used for drive or weapon power must have a way of
loading and actuating the spring remotely under the robot’s power.
13.2.1. Under no circumstances must a large spring be loaded when the
robot is out of the arena or testing area.
13.2.2. Small springs like those used within switches or other small
internal operations are exempt from this rule.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
13.3. Any flywheel or similar kinetic energy storing device must not be spinning
or storing energy in any way unless inside the arena or testing area.
13.3.1. There must be a way of generating and dissipating the energy
from the device remotely under the robot’s power.
13.4. All springs, flywheels, and similar kinetic energy storing devices must fail
to a safe position on loss of radio contact or power.
14.Forbidden Weapons and Materials. The following weapons and materials are
absolutely forbidden from use:
14.1. Weapons designed to cause invisible damage to the other robot. This
includes but is not limited to:
14.1.1. Electrical weapons
14.1.2. RF jamming equipment, etc.
14.1.3. RF noise generated by an IC engine. (Please use shielding
around sparking components)
14.1.4. EMF fields from permanent or electro-magnets that affect
another robot’s electronics.
14.1.5. Entangling Weapons or defenses: these are weapons or
defenses that can reasonably be expected to stop drive train and/or
weapon motion by being wrapped around rotating parts. This includes
nets, tapes, strings, and other entangling materials or devices.
14.1.6. Weapons or defenses that that can reasonably be expected to
stop combat completely of both (or more) robots.
14.2. Weapons that require significant cleanup, or in some way damages the
arena to require repair for further matches. This includes but is not limited
to:
14.2.1. Liquid weapons. Additionally a bot may not have liquid that can
spill out when the robot is superficially damaged.
14.2.2. Foams and liquefied gasses
14.2.3. Powders, sand, ball bearings and other dry chaff weapons
14.3. Un-tethered Projectiles (see tethered projectile description in Special
Weapons section 15.1)
14.4. Heat and fire are forbidden as weapons. This includes, but is not limited to
the following:
14.4.1. Heat or fire weapons not specifically allowed in the Special
Weapons section (15.2)
14.4.2. Flammable liquids or gases
14.4.3. Explosives or flammable solids such as:
14.4.3.1. DOT Class C Devices
14.4.3.2. Gunpowder / Cartridge Primers
14.4.3.3. Military Explosives, etc.
14.5. Light and smoke based weapons that impair the viewing of robots by an
Entrant, Judge, Official or Viewer. (You are allowed to physically engulf your
opponent with your robot however.) This includes, but is not limited to the
following:
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2
SPARC Robot Construction Specifications v1.2
05 January 2018
Copyright © 2018 SPARC
14.5.1. Smoke weapons not specifically allowed in the Special Weapons
section (15.3)
14.5.2. Lights such as external lasers above ‘class I’ and bright strobe
lights which may blind the opponent.
14.6. Hazardous or dangerous materials are forbidden from use anywhere on a
robot where they may contact humans, or by way of the robot being
damaged (within reason) contact humans. Contact the event you plan to
attend if you have a question.
15.Special weapon descriptions allowed at this event:
15.1. Tethered Projectiles are not allowed at this event.
15.1.1. If allowed tethered projectiles must have a tether or restraining
device that stops the projectile and is no longer than 8 feet.
15.2. Heat and Fire are not allowed at this event. The subsequent rules in
this section apply when heat and fire are allowed. Flame weapon rules are
subject to change to comply with local fire regulations and fire officials.
15.2.1. Fuel must exit the robot and be ignited as a gas. It cannot leave
the robot in a liquid or gelled form or use oxidizers.
15.2.2. Fuel types allowed are propane and butane, the maximum
quantity allowed is 4 fl oz in robots up to 30 lbs, 8 fl oz for robots 60 lbs
and above.
15.2.3. The fuel tank must be as far from the outer armor of the robot
as practicable and be protected from heat sources within the robot.
15.2.4. The ignition system must have a remotely operated shut-off that
allows the operator to disable it using the radio control system.
15.3. Smoke Effects are not allowed at this event.
15.3.1. Small smoke effects may be used, please contact the event if
you plan on using it.
SPARC Standard Ruleset v1.2

Construction Specifications

Meta

Amazon

MatterHackers Inc.

Banggood