Questions & Answers
At this page we will publish frequently asked and important questions related to the WRO® games. The answers on this page should be seen as additions to the rules and will be used for the WRO International Final. Be aware that in your country local competitions may follow slightly different rules. Always use the rules provided by your National Organizer.
RoboMission
All age groups
The definition for “completely in” in the rules mentions, that the object touches the corresponding area only. This definition only refers to the area the objects is touching on the game field. It is allowed that the object touches other objects, parts of the robot, lost parts on the field or the wall. The object will be considered as “completly in” in those cases.
Yes, electro magnets can be used. If they are only used to attach parts via magnetism, they are not counted a motor. They might be counted as a motor, if they are used as linear motors or they might have additional limitations if used as solenoid. (see corresponding Q&A). Keep in mind, that the robot has to be safe to operate at all time.
Yes, the usage of pull back motors is allowed, but they have to be winded up by the robot. A pull back motor does not count as motor as long as it does not contain electronic controls. It can be left on the field like normal pieces / bricks, if it is not considered a motor.
We have reconsidered the usage of solenoids and linear motors. Linear motors can be used and will be counted as motors. Solenoids with a maximum force of 20N and a maximum motion range of 20mm (both according to the manufacturer description) can be used and will be counted as motor. Solenoids above those limits are not allowed. For pneumatic systems only the compressor is counted as motor. Keep in mind, that the robot has to be safe to operate at all time.
Original answer (not valid any more):
No, the usage of solenoids and other linear motors is not allowed. This limitation does not apply to pneumatic valves.
No, the use of any wireless communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, is not allowed outside of building periods. All wireless features must be completely turned off. If a team can’t turn them off, they may remain on but are not allowed to be used.
Any team caught using wireless communication when it is not permitted — especially outside of building periods — will be disqualified and has to leave the competition. To avoid problems, make sure devices have wireless features disabled or unused.
Yes, motors within sensors (e.g., in a 2D LIDAR) are counted as motors. Be sure not to exceed the motor limit due to these components.
Yes, compressors, vacuum pumps, and fans are classified as motors. Be sure not to exceed the motor limit due to these components.
The use of scanners and sensors with 2D and 3D capabilities (e. g. some LIDARS) is restricted to the Senior age group. However, scanners or sensors with 1D capabilities only (e.g. distance sensors) are permitted in all age groups.
Only if they’ve got a Scotty on standby to beam them back in one piece! Otherwise, we’d rather not risk turning them into a jumbled mess of bolts and wires.
Elementary
Yes, parts of the robot can be moved to place the antenna on the robot. The movement cannot be used to enter any information into the robot.
The satellite must continue to touch (at least partially) the white rectangle in which it started to score points for the antenna.
Junior
No. The ball has to be inside the box to score points.
The research samples are aligned parallel to the short side of the playing field. In other words, all ribbons in a line.
No, to score points, both sides of the solar panel must be unfolded.
Senior
No Q&A yet.
RoboSports
No, fans are not allowed to move the balls.
The match ends as a “normal” stop (not a violation), and the purple balls are added to the score as usual. The score includes the purple balls (e.g., 8:-4, 6:-2, or 4:0).
No, it is not allowed to use orange or purple parts in the robot or to show orange or purple on a display.
Any attempt to distract the opposing robots is considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will result in exclusion from the competition.
It is not allowed to use boost convertes that transform a voltage to a higher voltage. The voltage of the battery has to be the highest voltage used in the robot. Step-down converters that transform to a lower voltage are allowed.
Cameras can be used in any way. The boards connected to the camera can handle more things than just image processing. In addition it is allowed to use small displays as part of the robot.
Yes, stepper motors can be used.
Yes, servo motors can be used.
Future Innovators
No Q&A yet.
Future Engineers
Only the part of the robot that is functionally relevant for parking—specifically, within 10 cm of the mat and capable of contacting or interacting with the magenta parking walls—is considered for measurement. Extensions beyond this functional zone (i.e., more than 10 cm away from the mat) are excluded from the robot’s measured length for parking purposes. Check the question about chaging the length of the robot during the run as well.
The distance is measured from the wheels to the wall to determine whether the robot is sufficiently parallel. If the wheels have different track widths and are not aligned, this will be taken into account and will not disadvantage the team.
Click on the image to open it.
Yes. The robot does not have to follow the driving direction anymore. Therefore, parking in the opposite direction is allowed.
No, the robot must have the same size at the start of the round, while leaving the parking lot at the begin of the round and while parking in the parking lot at the end of the round. Parking must not be simplified by changing the size of the robot.
