R404 *BUMPERS must be soft. Hard parts of BUMPERS must not extend more than 1.25in (3.17cm) out from the ROBOT PERIMETER. Only padding (per R402-A), cover (per R402-C, including any coatings or markings), and soft fasteners used to secure padding or cover are permitted beyond this limit. Padding must extend at least 2.0in (5.08cm) beyond any hard parts of the BUMPER. There is no limit on how far BUMPER hard parts may extend inside the ROBOT FRAME PERIMETER.
Figure 8‑8 BUMPER Hard Parts Limit
Hard parts include any items which are likely to cause damage to the cloth or padding of other BUMPERS such as nuts and bolts, cable ties, hard plastics, etc.
Similar Rules
Rule R403
R403
*BUMPER extension limit.
BUMPERS must not extend more than 4.0in (10.16cm) from the ROBOT PERIMETER.
Rule R405
R405 *BUMPERS interact with BUMPERS. While
navigating the FIELD normally, all BUMPERS must have padding (per R402-A) supported
by backing (per R402-B) entirely
filling the BUMPER ZONE, a space between 2.5in (6.35cm)
and 5.75in (14.61cm) from the floor.
Rule R406
R406
*Fill BUMPER corners. Corner joints between
BUMPERS must be filled with uncompressed padding material extending at least 2.25in
(5.72cm) from the corner with no gaps or voids. Examples of implementation
are shown in Figure 8‑10.
Rule R401
R401
*BUMPERS almost all around. ROBOTS
are required to use BUMPERS to protect the entire ROBOT PERIMETER. Gaps of less than 1.25in (3.17cm) between adjacent
segments are permitted as long as all corners are filled per R406.
A single gap larger than 1.25in (3.17cm) is permitted, as long as at least 5.0in
(12.7cm) of ROBOT PERIMETER on each side of each corner is protected by BUMPER.