Flippable Robot

[2010FRC2659]

If a robot is designed to be able to drive when flipped over (aka drive upside down) with the following configuration:

- 26 inches tall, so that right side up or upside down, the bumpers are between the 10" and 16" bumper zones automatically (with no frame or bumper articulation systems).
- drive train allows driving on both sides through the same driving system (same power source gives power to both wheel system on the top and on the bottom)
- any mechanisms that are on the top of the robot initially are not activated for controlling balls, but become activated when flipped
- any mechanisms that are on the bottom of the robot initially are deactivated for controlling balls when robot is flipped

does this violate in any way:

<R07-A> or <R15> bumper rules
or
<R10> in reference to the definition of NORMAL CONFIGURATION "physical configuration and orientation... static, and does not change during a single match"

Also if driving upside down in this manner is legal, would it activate the grace period for flipping, or would you still be able to contact balls and robots normally without incurring penalties?

[GDC]

As described, this configuration would not violate <R07> or <R10> or <R15>.

Rule <G32> and Rule <G33> apply to ROBOTS that are attempting to right themselves after flipping. If the ROBOT is not making any attempt to right itself, then these rules do not apply.

Note that the team's number must be legibly included on the ROBOT. If your ROBOT is designed to flip over, it's important to include your team number in both orientations as required per Rule <R15>.

[2010FRC0094]

Hello,

The bumper zone is between X" and Y" off the ground. (I believe it's 10-16" but don't quote me). If your robot were to flip over (presumably accidentally), the bumpers may not necessarily fit inside that range. (If you flip on your side, they definitely won't be).

My question is, is it permissible to design your robot such that in the event of a flip, you were able to drive around in THAT configuration, despite the fact that your bumpers would no longer be in the "bumper zone?"

Or, do the bumpers have to be within in the bumper zone for the NORMAL CONFIGURATION only, since it is highly probable ACCORDING TO THE GAME ANIMATION that a robot will end up on its roof, side, or tail. Since that will probably happen, do we have to right ourselves BACK to normal configuration, or can we be clever and design it so that doesn't stop us and we keep competing in that "fallen" configuration, provided the "fallen configuration" isn't dangerous or in violation of a different rule?

Thank you.