What counts as a magnetic weapon?

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JaredReabow
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What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by JaredReabow »

2f) The following weapon types are not permitted:

- Fluid based weapons (treacle guns, etc.)
- Glue or sticky pad weapons
- String or entanglement weapons
- Flame based weapons
- The use of electricity as a weapon
- Explosive weapons
- Rotating weapons that may shatter (as opposed to breaking off)
- Magnetic/inductive systems


Would magnets not be allowed on the robot at all based on this?
EG: magnets to hold the robot to the floor of a metal arena
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Shakey
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by Shakey »

I believe that rule is mainly referring to what is essentially electrical attacks through induced currents, not just a regular permanent magnet. Though we don't use metal floors so they don't really appear as a traction aid.
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JaredReabow
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by JaredReabow »

So a permanent magnet or a on/off non PWM electromagnet would be fine?
EpicentrE
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by EpicentrE »

What purpose would this serve in the robot? If you're doing something which could potentially be bending or breaking a rule, it's best to be completely clear and upfront with your intentions. The last thing you want is to think what you've built is allowed, then to turn up to an event and to not be allowed to compete.

Help us help you by giving as much information as possible, and we can judge it properly then.
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JaredReabow
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by JaredReabow »

I was thinking of using a magnet to grasp the opponent so they can be dropped off the edge.
Coboxite
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by Coboxite »

Problem, 90% of all ants don't have any substantial steel components, screws and drive shafts have way too little metal to get a hold of with a magnet, and the 10% of ants that do have a substantial steel component are spinning that steel at several thousand RPM.
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voorsk
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by voorsk »

ooh.. homing entanglement!
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JaredReabow
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by JaredReabow »

I was aiming for the motors, and it may be effective against robots with ferrous frames and or weapons.
JaredReabow
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by JaredReabow »

So can someone weigh in on if this is ok?
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GeorgeR
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Re: What counts as a magnetic weapon?

Post by GeorgeR »

I would lean towards this not being allowed under the rules, but even if it was allowed I'm almost certain it wouldn't work due to the lack of anything to stick to.
Motors are mostly hidden inside robots, I don't know of any ant with a magnetic frame, and I simply don't see it being possible to stick a magnet to a spinner blade.
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