Roboxers Rules (draft)

1.  Size, Weight, and Proportions:

1.1    Roboxers must be from 48 to 58 inches tall and have a roughly human shape. Four proportions are controlled for this purpose. Controlled body proportions must be within ten percent of standard proportions for the height of the robot. To find standard proportions, multiply the height of the robot by the ratios in the following chart:
.18 Upper Arm Length - Measured from shoulder pivot axis to elbow pivot axis
.23 Forearm and Fist Length - Measured from elbow pivot axis to most distant point on fist
.43 Crotch Height - Measured from floor to crotch
.12 Head Height - Measured from under chin to top of head
Example: Your robot height is 49 inches so the upper arm length should be within ten percent of 49 x .18 (or between 7.94 and 9.70 inches long).

1.2    The head must be at least 5" wide and located so that it protrudes from the plane of the chest.

1.3    The neck will be hinged to allow the head to move backwards at least 45 degrees when hit.

1.4    Cosmetic features (hat, hair, boxing face guard, lights), are not counted when measuring the robot's height.

1.5    The weight limit is 220 pounds.

2.  Robot Platform:

2.1    Robots will "stand" on a four-wheel-drive platform with these maximum dimensions:
Overall length...31"
Overall width...25"
The platform should have the lowest profile possible, ideally less than 6". The platform may be split into two parts with one leg resting on each half. These two halves may move relative to each other.

2.2    Wedges are not allowed - all outside surfaces of the platform within three inches of the floor must be vertical.

2.3    Magnets and vacuum may not be used to add down-force to the platform. We suggest that at least 50% of the robot's weight be below the knees.

3.  Joints and Allowable Motions and Weapons:

3.1    Shoulders and elbows must be articulated. Any other joint may be articulated if that joint is also present in the human body. A joint's range of motion can not exceed that of the equivalent joint in the human body, e.g., elbows and knees shouldn't bend backwards.

3.2    No striking movement can involve continuous motion - even if that motion is possible in a human. The arm, (and the motor driving it), must reverse direction with each punch.

3.3    Robots must use a conventional punching motion and not a motion that is designed to lift or tip the other robot. Tipping the other robot is allowed as long as it is a result of a conventional punching motion. The angle of "uppercut" motions may not exceed 30 degrees from the plane of the floor. This will be measured at the fist throughout the part of the range of motion that is past the front edge of the robot platform.

3.4    No other weapons of any kind are allowed including electronic signal jamming, entanglement devices, projectiles, flames, or hazardous materials.

4.  Gloves, Fists, and Forearms:

4.1    Fists must not have any sharp corners. Minimum radius on any part of the striking surface of the fist is .500". Boxing gloves are not required.

4.2    The weight of the forearm must not exceed five pounds. This includes the weight of the fist but does not include the weight of any required components that are coaxial with the axis of the elbow, (gears, chains, motors, axle, etc.). A component is "required" if it is necessary for the function of the robot, i.e., don't add unnecessary weight to the elbow.

5.  Power and Electronics:

5.1    No internal combustion engines are allowed.

5.2    The battery is limited to a nominal voltage of 36V. Batteries with liquid electrolyte are not allowed.

5.3    The main power switches will be equivalent to the Hella battery cut-off switch with the large red key. The key will remain in the switch while the switch is on. Any robot with a key in a switch will be assumed to be turned on. Power switches will be located on or near the calf of the leg.

5.4   Radio control will be by any non channel-specific spread-spectrum system like the Spektrum DX6. Radio Fail-safes must be set so that all motion ceases upon loss of signal including any possibility of automatic or autonomous motions.

Sensors, Lights, and Hit Counter:

Sensors, lights, and hit counters are not required.

6.  Pneumatics and Hydraulics:

6.1    Maximum pneumatic actuation and storage pressures are 250 and 2500 PSI respectively.

6.2    Pneumatic systems require, (and will be inspected for); a storage tank that is rated for the pressures used and of the appropriate type for the gas used; gauges to verify onboard pressures; a manual valve to isolate the storage tank from the rest of the system; bleed valves to depressurize every part of the system; and burst disks or pop-off valves.

6.3    Valves and gauges must not be covered and must be easily visible and accessible. Tanks must be mounted so that they can not escape if punctured.

6.4    Hydraulic systems are subject to all the above requirements except bypass valves will be substituted for bleed valves and burst disks. Maximum hydraulic pressures are 5000 PSI or 2500 PSI if an accumulator is used. Pressure boosters are not allowed.

6.5    It is up to the builder to ensure that all pneumatic and hydraulic systems are designed and fabricated in accordance with generally accepted engineering principles and use appropriate components rated for the pressures used. This will not be inspected for but the robot may be disqualified if there are obvious safety problems.

7.  Safety:

7.1    Removable locking devices that prevent motion are required for any joint that uses pneumatics, hydraulics or large springs.

7.2    Large springs must be stored in the unloaded position except for springs being used for passive support of a limb or in the drive wheel's suspension.

7.3    There will be no exposed sharp edges anywhere on the robot.

7.4    There will be no combustible liquids or explosives on board.