This is a list of some of our questions:
- How heavy are the barrels and hay bales? In the game manual it says that the barrels are “standard soup cans.” What exactly does that mean?
- In the scoring guidelines, there’s nothing that specifically references the RVR except that it has to be parked at the end. Would it be possible (if the RVR fails) to use other vehicles as backups for all of its tasks?
- In the Game Manual, it shows the autonomous route for the Red Sphero to only have 4 turns and to pass underneath the bridge without turning. However, the onshape file shows that the starting location for the Red Sphero is not aligned with the elevated portion of the bridge, necessitating a turn, or else it would run directly into the bridge. Which one should we trust?
- Is the cart all one piece, or do the three pieces flex?
- During the Seeding Sprint, can you receive sphero verification points after the delivery of the seeds by the Dexi-10 or Dexi-5?
- Is the RVR (or another vehicle) able to push the pallets out of the hanger, and then hitch it to get the full points? Or can it only be pulled via the hitch? Or could it be hitched and partially pulled, and then pushed fully out? (TLDR: What exactly is the limits/guidelines for taking the pallets out of the hangars?)
- Are there any specific links to purchase seeds or other materials for the challenge?
- Lastly, what is the pallet rolling on? (Wheels? Flange Ball casters? etc.)
Thank you!
Two questions from us:
Where will the wheat and water images be placed in the barn? The manual just says “on or near” the barns. The video seems to show them inside the barn and visible through the hole in the roof. Can you be more specific so we can set up a practice arena?
The game manual states the following with respect to the pallet hitch: “Pallet Hitch - ¾” wide and ½" tall plastic/nylon spacer with a washer on top that screws into the
Pallet board." However, the OnShape file shows the hitch as a 3/4 inch diameter pole that is 1 1/4 inches tall. Can you confirm which it is?
As for the last question above, we got these castors and they seem to match the OnShape file: DGQ 5/8" Swivel Ball Caster Roller Transfers Set of 6 Swivel Ball Castor Furniture Trolley Screw Mounted Round Casters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific and work well. Confirmation that these are acceptable would be great.
Thanks.
Thank you for your questions! This will be posted here and in Discord the second I can get the formatting looking decent in Discord…
There are some small updates being made to the built field elements based on the latest round of testing that happened last week so I can’t quite yet answer the below game field element questions. We will be getting you answers to these as soon as possible in addition to putting more information in general in the Game Manual Appendix:
- How heavy are the barrels and hay bales?
- What is the pallet rolling on? (Wheels? Flange Ball casters? etc.) & a similar question - Confirmation of DGQ 5/8" Swivel Ball Caster being the same casters the pallet is using?
For the rest of the questions please see below:
- In the scoring guidelines, there’s nothing that specifically references the RVR except that it has to be parked at the end. Would it be possible (if the RVR fails) to use other vehicles as backups for all of its tasks?
- The Game Manual is deliberately written to allow flexibility to use other vehicles in the event of a failure or incident that renders a robot unable to perform its tasks. Aside from the autonomy routes requiring a specific robot and as you mentioned specific parking actions, for all of Phase 2, Teams should develop backup strategies for the exact reason you mentioned.
- In the Game Manual, it shows the autonomous route for the Red Sphero to only have 4 turns and to pass underneath the bridge without turning. However, the onshape file shows that the starting location for the Red Sphero is not aligned with the elevated portion of the bridge, necessitating a turn, or else it would run directly into the bridge. Which one should we trust?
- The start location of the Red Sphero will be aligned with the opening underneath the bridge so that the route is a straight rectangle as it is roughly depicted in the Game Manual. We will update the OnShape with the correct placement and post when that update is complete as soon as possible. And although you aren’t directly asking about it, that same figure has Red Sphero route arrows pointed in the wrong direction at the top left of it which will be fixed in the next release. The start location will be moved to align with the intent in these pictures:
- Is the cart all one piece, or do the three pieces flex?
- Assuming you are referring to the Freight Car, the structure is solid MDF with no flex between the 3 carts. We will provide pictures and more info as soon as able.
- During the Seeding Sprint, can you receive sphero verification points after the delivery of the seeds by the Dexi-10 or Dexi-5?
- No, this is not in the spirit of the game. Although the Game Manual does not explicitly state that Sphero verification points cannot be earned after seeding begins, the Page 40 Sphero Row Verification section is written to indicate that verification occurs BEFORE seeding begins and emphasizes remaining in place throughout seeding to act as a reminder to the Team and help ensure referees observe the verification. As mentioned in several places, failing to verify does not prohibit Seed points from being scored; it simply results in the loss of the Sphero verification points. Several other sections of the manual reinforce verification occurring before seeding, including the Page 4 game overview, the Page 40 Seed definition, and the Pages 58–59 Seeding Sprint mission sequence.
- Is the RVR (or another vehicle) able to push the pallets out of the hanger, and then hitch it to get the full points? Or can it only be pulled via the hitch? Or could it be hitched and partially pulled, and then pushed fully out? (TLDR: What exactly is the limits/guidelines for taking the pallets out of the hangars?)
- Teams must pull the Pallet out of the Hangar to receive the 2-point Pallet Removal score. The Game Manual does not explicitly state that pushing is prohibited, but every Pallet Removal scoring reference uses pull, including Page 58: the Pallet must be “pulled out of the Hangar far enough that the Pallet contents are accessible for scanning and transport and no part of the Pallet itself remains directly under the Hangar roof.”
- The Pallet Hitch is not explicitly required, but it is a key game mechanic intended to influence creative design decisions, and we expect it to be the primary means of pulling the Pallet out. Teams may use another mechanism to pull the Pallet, but pushing it out—or partially pulling it and then completing removal by pushing—does not satisfy the requirement to be “pulled fully out.” Teams may physically push a Pallet, but they will not receive the 2 Pallet Removal points for doing so.
- Are there any specific links to purchase seeds or other materials for the challenge?
- There are guidelines for Seeds on Pages 40, 60, and 66 of the Game Manual, but Teams are expected to come up with their own Seed solution. We are not providing specific purchase links or additional guidance beyond what is already in the manual. Page 40 defines the Seed requirements and provides a ¾-inch steel ball as an example; Page 60 repeats the allowable size/material requirements under Aerial Seeding; and Rule 5.3.12 on Page 66 lists the formal Seed restrictions. We know you may want to keep your seed solutions private to retain a competitive edge where possible so if you think your solution may not be allowed based on current requirements but should be, or for other reasons want pre-approval of some kind without publicly posting, reach out to us on info@theavr.org and we will provide as much guidance as possible without creating an unfair advantage.
- Where will the wheat and water images be placed in the barn? The manual just says “on or near” the barns. The video seems to show them inside the barn and visible through the hole in the roof. Can you be more specific so we can set up a practice arena?
- Apologies this was missed in final quality control checks on our side! The images in the barns will be in the same location as last year when they were used as cabins. Just a few inches below the top opening of the Barns. The animation video shows their location correctly. Good catch!!! We will provide images and more info as soon as possible.
- The game manual states the following with respect to the pallet hitch: “Pallet Hitch - ¾” wide and ½" tall plastic/nylon spacer with a washer on top that screws into the Pallet board." However, the OnShape file shows the hitch as a 3/4 inch diameter pole that is 1 1/4 inches tall. Can you confirm which it is?
- The Game Manual Appendix A on Page 77 provides the correct dimensions for the Pallet Hitch. The OnShape Pallet Hitch will be updated to match real life dimensions. We will provide additional images and info for this as soon as possible.
- Nothing in the game manual says that we cannot push the pallets out of the hangars, but the overview of the game refers to pulling it out. Are we allowed to push them out without point deduction?
- Appendix A, pg. 77 says: “A MDF cutout is then inserted into the trays that contains the same magnets used on the Pallet for the Barrels”. This is the only occurrence of the word “magnet” in the entire document. Is there any additional information about magnets securing barrels? (To pallets? To train cars? Strength of magnet?)
- I will begin to provide some information to help but we will get more detailed information and images as soon as possible. Magnets are installed in the base of the Barrel and Hay Bale cutouts on the Pallet and the base of the Barrel cutouts on the Freight Cars. Information coming asap on the magnet or magnetic material that will be a part of the hay bales as well as the magnets being used on the pallets/freight cars.
- Section 2.2 pg. 4 says: “Teams may complete the following four missions in any order”. Does this allow for simultaneous point accumulation across multiple missions, or is there simply any choice of mission order but points can be accumulated for only one mission at a time?
- There are no restrictions on concurrently doing multiple missions within Phase 2 in addition to the order as mentioned. Technically you could have the DEXI-5 scanning the Bridge Images while DEXI-10 is transporting Barn Barrels, while the RVR is pulling out another Hangar Pallet, while the Spheros are verifying Cultivated Rows… However, the more loose you are with your operational order, the harder it may be for your team to keep track. If/when performing actions from multiple missions at the same time, it is critical to ensure callouts are being made for refs to know when scoring actions are taking place. Additionally, remember Rule 5.3.13 does not allow both DEXIs to simultaneously perform Phase 2 scanning/LED-signaling tasks while both are capable, unless the Head Referee approves it.
- Mission 2 Seeding Sprint always uses the term “aerial” when seeding is discussed. Is there a restriction against seeding while taxiing?
- In the spirit of the game, Yes, there is a restriction. For Seeding Sprint scoring, Seeds must be deployed while the DEXI is actively flying.
- Taxiing, resting, or supporting the DEXI on the Cultivated Row structure or another Field Element while deploying Seeds does not qualify as aerial seeding. The Game Manual consistently describes this mission as “aerial seeding” and the Seeds as being “dropped” by DEXI. While the current Taxiing definition does not specifically call out Seeding Sprint, the intent of Mission 2 is for Teams to design and operate an airborne seeding solution. It’s assumed that since the Dexi-10 is the larger logistics aircraft, the seeding solution would be designed for the Dexi-10.
- Pg. 40 states “There are seven (7) Seeds for each color”. Is a team allowed to have/use more than 7 seeds of each color during the competition, with the understanding that only 7 seeds of each color are eligible for scoring points?
- A max of 7 seeds of each color may be used within a match.
- Sphero verification points have an explicit ordering rule stated in 5.2.4 Phase 2 – Mission 1 Hangar Hustle. “correct color Sphero must activate the matching active Hangar Switch Button before any Aircraft or Vehicle intentionally engages the Pallet for removal”, with additional language about ordering to achieve sphero verification points. 5.2.5 Phase 2 - Mission 2 - Seeding Sprint talks about sphero row verification not blocking seeding points, but doesn’t address the topic of whether sphero row verification points are still available after seeding starts
- Is it a requirement to start the competition with seeds on-board the Dexi-10? Or can they be placed on the field for pickup/delivery later in the competition?
- The current ruling is that Seeds must start onboard the aircraft.
- The manual repeatedly emphasizes that the DEXI-5 and DEXI-10 should be able to complete both scanning and carrying tasks, but pg. 66-67 of the manual specifies that teams must receive approval from the head referee before doing so. By having this at referee’s discretion, we think that this could lead to unfair scoring if a referee in one competition allows both vehicles to complete both tasks while another one dissallows it. Can you provide some clarification here?
- The intent of the Game Manual material is not that both DEXIs should routinely perform both scanning and transport roles. DEXI-5 is the primary reconnaissance/scanning aircraft and DEXI-10 is the primary logistics aircraft. Teams are encouraged to develop backup capabilities so that one DEXI can support tasks of the other if a failure occurs.
Rule 5.3.13 specifically addresses this: while a DEXI is capable of performing Phase 2 scanning and LED Signaling, only one DEXI should be performing those tasks. If that DEXI becomes unable to scan or show LED Signals, the other DEXI may take over those tasks as the main aircraft. This backup use does not depend on Head Referee discretion; it is explicitly allowed by the rule.
Head Referee approval is only required if a Team intends to use both DEXIs for Phase 2 scanning/LED Signaling as part of their normal strategy while both aircraft remain capable. That approval provision is not intended to create different backup rules between competitions, but to prevent Teams from intentionally using both DEXIs simultaneously for scanning/signaling and creating unnecessary scoring confusion.
The default expectation is one DEXI performing scanning/LED Signaling at a time; the second DEXI is there as a contingency if needed.
- We deliberately left in that the Head Ref has the discretion to approve in some form both DEXI’s being used for scanning at the same time mostly for the very unlikely scenario that teams are consistently unable to complete all phase 2 tasks in time because of the single Aircraft restriction… This would NOT happen loosely and without coordination between events as your question suggests could happen. In the extremely unlikely event we reach this point, it would likely be a decision made immediately after all qualification events have taken place and before the championship to ensure fairness between events to your point.
Thank you for these clarifications! We just have a couple new questions:
- Could we please get a clarification of the size of the coasters and cups. The size of the coasters in the game manual makes it look like the bottom and top bases are different diameters, and there are no specifications about the cups. (The cups being the place where the 4 pictures with the lines are).
Two additional clarifications we would like:
- The attached picture from Figure 30 of the game manual shows the barrel images attached to the top of the barrel. Is this correct? We were considering grabbing the barrels from the inside, but that would preclude that approach.
- If the barn images are just below the opening of the barns, do we set the barrel down on top of the image?
@Vasishta_Indukuri @DMKortenkamp See below. My answers refer to V2 of Game Manual which is now released on the website. Newsletter coming tomorrow to all teams mentioning it so if you see this tonight youve got a head start 
- Could we please get a clarification of the size of the coasters and cups. The size of the coasters in the game manual makes it look like the bottom and top bases are different diameters, and there are no specifications about the cups. (The cups being the place where the 4 pictures with the lines are).
- See Game Manual V2 release - appendix A which contains product links. They are different diameters. The cups below the coasters are in the Onshape and modeled properly for any specifications you may need - their diameter is obviously smaller than the coasters to ensure they don’t fall in.
- The attached picture from Figure 30 of the game manual shows the barrel images attached to the top of the barrel. Is this correct? We were considering grabbing the barrels from the inside, but that would preclude that approach.
- See Game Manual V2 release - Appendix A which has pictures of the Barrels with their insert used for the Image sticker to sit on top of. They are not open like the Onshape shows. We will get this updated ASAP in Onshape
- If the barn images are just below the opening of the barns, do we set the barrel down on top of the image?
- See Game Manual V2 release - Appendix A which has pictures of Barrels and Hay Bales in the top opening of the Barn. They don’t need make it past the image in the Top Opening and fall to the bottom. It is no issue if they sit on top of the image square like the pictures show. Page 61 of the Manual “Top Opening Deposit” has been updated to be more reflective of the reality that Barrels/Hay Bales may not make it past the image and can still be awarded points that way. The images are roughly 3.5 inches below the Top Opening of the Barn and this is shown correctly in the OnShape.
A general note to all on the forum - in game manual V2 please make sure you go through all updates in Appendix A for court element information. I am still working to get the rough weight of a few key objects to help give teams an idea however weights WILL vary and teams should be prepared for that. Other manual updates were mostly incorporating above clarification in addition to grammar…
*********VERY IMPORTANT RULE CLARIFICATION UPDATE HERE**********
All,
Regarding the design of seeds, we are providing new clarification to completely avoid having to be decision makers on what actually counts as a sphere and what doesn’t after modifications (for example - adding hooks, making slightly flat spots on it, putting a hole through a seed, etc).
We are very aware that several teams will be impacted by this clarification however we STRONGLY believe that this clarification is not causing teams to completely start over but will require some to slightly modify their approaches.
Again, this is to ensure fairness when judges/myself as the head ref have to dictate what does and does not meet the definition of a seed in an effort to avoid teams getting told their seeds are not valid the day of qualifiers or something equally as tragic.
If you believe the changes below will not allow you enough time to modify your design this season or have other issues with the clarification, reach out to us immediately at info@theavr.org
Rule Clarification:
- The Seed itself must remain a substantially spherical ball and may not be intentionally modified with features intended for gripping, tethering, or attachment. This means drilled or through-holes, slots, grooves, flat gripping surfaces, hooks, loops, rings, tabs, stems, soldered attachment points, or similar intentional protrusions/recesses are not permitted. Minor manufacturing seams, surface imperfections, or normal variation from a perfect mathematical sphere are acceptable.
- A legal spherical Seed may be carried, captured, or contained by a separate deployment mechanism provided the Seed itself has not been modified and would independently satisfy the Seed requirements if removed from that mechanism.
- The current ruling regarding starting location will remain unchanged. All Seeds intended for use during the Match must begin onboard a DEXI at the start of the Match. They may not begin on or attached to the RVR, staged on the Field, or contained in something located elsewhere on the Field for later pickup.
- That requirement is intentional. The DEXI beginning the Match while carrying the seed payload is part of the intended Phase 1 scenario, including carrying that payload while performing the initial navigation challenge. Once Phase 2 begins at the 30-second mark, a Team may choose to transition directly into Seeding Sprint. Allowing the Seeds to begin staged on the RVR or elsewhere on the Field would remove that portion of the challenge.
This will be included in the Game Manual in the next few days as well, however we are combining that release with some additional information regarding field elements and other minor corrections.
Again - reach out to us immediately with any major issues so we can discuss paths forward.
