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Division C Events
Technology & Engineering

Technology & Engineering

Reveal Questions

Electric Vehicle - Div C
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  02/23/2026
  
  A previous FAQ prohibited "scopes with laser sights that shine on a glass surface contained by the scope". However, many "red dot" scopes are powered by an LED, not a laser. Would an electronic scope be permitted if it does not include a laser?
  
  Yes, an electronic scope that does not use a laser are allowed.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  02/03/2026
  
  Are IMU sensors used to account for environmental variation allowed?
  
  Yes, gyro or IMU sensors are allowed.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 7)
  
  09/30/2025
  
  Are Ultrasonic Distance Sensors and ToF Distance Sensors allowed? Thank you!
  
  Ultrasonic sensors are valid sensors. Any sensors that uses a laser regardless of class are not allowed. A number of the Time of Flight (ToF) sensors do use a laser and would make these sensors illegal.
- (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
  
  01/08/2026
  
  Are cameras acceptable to use on my vehicle?
  
  No. Cameras of any type are an illegal sensor.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  02/18/2026
  
  Are digital calipers, which have their own power, are used to set the angle of the wheels, and remain connected to the vehicle during the run, allowed in addition to 8 AA batteries?
  
  Yes, per rule 3.a.iii, alignment devices may have their own separate power source.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
  
  10/16/2025
  
  Are pre-programmed electronic boards allowed to be purchased and used in competition or must all code be written by student competitors?
  
  No, pre-programmed circuit boards or electronic boards are not allowed. The program must be written by at least one member of the 15 member team.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
  
  02/10/2026
  
  Can a camera that is not part of the vehicle and does not transmit data to the vehicle be used solely as an alignment device?
  
  No, all cameras of any type cannot be used for electric vehicle.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  12/09/2025
  
  Can two teams from the same school use the same impounded alignment device (example: scope)?
  
  Yes, teams from the same school can share an impounded alignment device.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: m / Line: 1)
  
  11/07/2025
  
  Does a successful run need to be one continuous motion, or can the vehicle make a short stop (<3 s) to make turns?
  
  Once a Vehicle starts moving toward the Target Point, the Vehicle may pause its travel provided the Vehicle does not come to a complete stop which is defined as 3 seconds or longer.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1)
  
  02/02/2026
  
  Does rule 3f contradict rule 8e sub paragraph iii? Does the Measurement point have to be in the front of the vehicle and what is the definition of the front of the vehicle?
  
  No, per rule 3.c., the measurement point needs to be on the front of the vehicle, not the sides or back, however it does not have to be the foremost part of the vehicle, per rule 8.e.iii. There may be parts of the vehicle that are in front of the measurement point as long as the bottom is accessible for measurement.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 2)
  
  09/29/2025
  
  Does the prohibition of lasers include scopes with laser sights that shine on a glass surface contained by the scope?
  
  Yes, the prohibition of lasers includes scopes with laser sights that shine on a glass surface contained by the scope.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: j / Line: 1)
  
  10/16/2025
  
  Does the run time start when the team pushes down the button or when it starts moving, with the first scenario thus allowing for a delay at the start of the run to fulfill the desired run time? (10-20 seconds)?
  
  Per rule 8.j, the run time starts when the team actuates the vehicle. The run time would include any time between the actuation and the vehicle moving.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 2)
  
  12/16/2025
  
  For the section where it says aligning devices cannot be secured to the track, does that mean only before a run is actuated, as in aligning devices can be secured on the track area prior to a run, and then be removed before a run is started?
  
  No, at no time can aligning devices be secured to the track.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1)
  
  10/16/2025
  
  General Rule 2 says laptops are not permitted unless expressly permitted in the event rules. It is implied that teams can bring a laptop in this event, but never explicitly stated. If they are allowed, can they be used for offline purposes beyond ...
  
  Per rule 8.f, electronic tools are allowed which could include a laptop as the programming tool. Competitors may only use their programming tool for programming. Any notes or logs would need to be a paper copy and impounded to be used during the event.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: k / Line: 1)
  
  01/21/2026
  
  How many seconds is a Vehicle allowed to remain stationary at the start line after it is triggered before it is considered as a run not occurring as per section 4, paragraph d, subparagraph vii 6 a, due to it being defined as a complete stop?
  
  The number of seconds the vehicle may remain stationary after being triggered is determined by the competitors. The vehicle must start moving forward before the complete stop definition can be applied.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: n / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  01/08/2026
  
  If the vehicle goes left from the start point, would that be considered the wrong direction and result in a failed run?
  
  No, if a vehicle on the starting point veers to the left or right, it would not be considered a failed run, and measurements would be taken once the vehicle comes to a stop. If a vehicle on the start point travels backwards, then it would be considered a failed run.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: b / Line: 3)
  
  01/13/2026
  
  If we have a 9-volt clip to attach our battery pack, are we allowed to store our batteries together in the pack (they can still be removed individually to show the ES), and during our 8-minute event-time, just clip on the battery pack instead of p...
  
  Yes. When impounding, if the batteries are stored in a matter not acceptable to the event supervisor, then teams will be given time to correct without a penalty as per rule 4.a.ii.
- (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
  
  11/06/2025
  
  Is it a construction violation if a team is unable to answer questions regarding the code or uses a pre-made code to control their vehicle?
  
  Yes, being unable to answer design knowledge questions or using a purchased/prewritten coded program, not written by a member of the current team constitutes a construction violation.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: vii / Line: 10)
  
  10/28/2025
  
  It states that all parts of the vehicle must travel between the 2 cans but what if the vehicle is taller or wider above the height of the cans. Would the can bonus still be awarded?
  
  The vehicle may be taller than the cans and be eligible to receive the can bonus. As per rule 4.d.vii.(10), all parts of the Vehicle must travel between the cans. If any part of the Vehicle passes above one of the cans, then the bonus will NOT be awarded.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: J+K / Line: 1)
  
  01/08/2026
  
  Lets say after the trigger on the vehicle is pressed there is a delay (>3s) before the vehicle begins moving in order to zero sensors. Would this delay be counted towards the target time? Would this be counted as a stall or not a stall since the v...
  
  Per rule 8.j, the run time starts when the team actuates the vehicle. The run time would include any time between the actuation and the vehicle moving. A delay at the start of any length is not one of the failed run conditions listed in rule 8.n. Stalling is not part of this event's rules.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
  
  03/31/2026
  
  Since modifying the track of any sort (using adhesive, etc.) isn't allowed, could I potentially use something temporary, such as a piece of tape, to temporarily use as alignment for my vehicle as long as it doesn't modify the track in any sort?
  
  No, per rule 4.d.ii, any type of alignment device (like tape) cannot be secured to the track.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
  
  10/16/2025
  
  The rule states that no components can be used that exceed the instantaneous energy provided by the batteries, but transformers would keep the total energy the same and just transform it to be potentially better for motor speed. So, are transforme...
  
  No, transformers are not allowed.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
  
  12/16/2025
  
  The rules mentioned that using 8 AA batteries. Can we used 8 AAA batteries instead?
  
  No, all power must come from a maximum of 8 AA batteries. AAA batteries are not allowed.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
  
  02/26/2026
  
  The rules say if a microprocessor is used, students may communicate with their device over WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. Can the USB have multiple source code files, as stated in Robot Tour's 3. e? Thank you!
  
  Yes, competitors may have multiple programs and use wifi, bluetooth, and or a USB to communicate with their vehicle before each run.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: vi / Line: 1)
  
  12/29/2025
  
  The rules state that using AI for any reason during the event is illegal. But is it legal to use AI to generate code beforehand? At the Northview Invitational, they told me the answer was no, but I couldn't find anything to confirm that.
  
  Yes, AI tools can be used prior to the competition.
- (Section: 8 / Paragraph: k / Line: 1)
  
  10/27/2025
  
  Upon the button press/vehicle actuation, if the car remains still for over 3 seconds does it count as a complete stop or failed run?
  
  Per rule 8.j, the run time starts when the team actuates the vehicle. The run time would include any time between the actuation and the vehicle moving. A delay at the start of any length is not one of the failed run conditions listed in rule 8.n.
- (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
  
  02/03/2026
  
  We already have an 8x AA-battery pack to provide the power for the motor. Can we add a separate (9v) battery to power other components (a microcontroller, sensors, logic circuits, encoder) that do NOT contribute propulsion energy for the motor?
  
  No. Per rule 3.a, all electrical energy used by the vehicle for any purpose must come from the eight (8) AA batteries.
- (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
  
  11/03/2025
  
  What does this section of the rules imply with the word "design"?
  
  Yes, this would be allowed since the team would be selecting the kit, assembling, and testing the device.
- (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 5)
  
  12/29/2025
  
  When the rules say lasers are prohibited, does it include all wavelengths, even when they are not visible? (i.e. infrared, ultraviolet)
  
  Yes, all lasers regardless of their wavelength are prohibited.
Boomilever - Div C
- (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
  
  11/03/2025
  
  Does it count as having "designed" a Structure if a team copies a design without any significant (intentional) modifications?
  
  Yes, this would be allowed since the team would be selecting the wood, glue and assembling the device.
- (Section: 3 / Paragraph: g / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 3)
  
  10/16/2025
  
  If a boomilever is designed to meet the construction parameters for the Load Scored BONUS option (touches test wall above the 15cm(B)/10cm(C) contact line) but does not hold the full 15kg, would the boomilever then receive a construction violation...
  
  NO, the team would not be penalized with a construction or competition violation if a BONUS was attempted but failed to hold the full load, and would be considered as a "Base Option" with a Tier 1 score (5.d.i).
- (Section: 7 / Paragraph: 1 / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 6)
  
  12/04/2025
  
  If a student marks the wood with a pen where they would like to put braces, is this a legal marking from the construction process, or is the "construction process" referred to in the rules the wood construction process, not the boomilever construc...
  
  Yes, wood marking is acceptable if only used for the Boomilever "construction process" per rule 7.a.
- (Section: 7 / Paragraph: d / Line: 3)
  
  11/04/2025
  
  Please clarify "adhesive tape". For example, when making a custom lamination, could one use a "transfer tape" which only leaves behind a layer of adhesive film?
  
  Alternate methods of applying adhesive for joining wood pieces can be acceptable if no other materials including the support or backer material transfer with the adhesive and become part of the structure.
Electric Wright Stuff - Div C
Mission Possible - Div C

‹ Thermodynamics - Div C
Electric Vehicle - Div C ›

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