This document presents the summary of all questions asked and responses given related to the 2016
Skills Canada Robotics Competition as of March 25th 2016.
Question One:
Hi Bob, my Team has a few questions in regards to the game piece dimensions.
Hull Board: Width of nose is not given
Hull Board 2: The locations of the front two mast holes in relation to the width. 4 center Peg Receiving
holes aren't dimensioned in terms of width. Also what sort of taper is on the mast holes, and if the mast
is 3/4 is this hole supposed to be a snug fit.
Fore Deck: The right corner mast hole is 1/2 from the back edge, but on the left corner it is dimensioned
from the left side. (Also I assumed the hole was 3/4" (1" with chamfer) because it wasnt given, but that
would mean the chamfer cuts off the edge of the piece slightly.) Fore Railing: No overall length is given.
Thanks for your clarification.
Jaret Brown
Response:
The image below shows the Hull Board 2 dimensions you are seeking.
Regarding your Peg / Peg Holes questions.
Railing Pegs are 3/8 in dia. (0.375 in.) and are expected to be inserted into holes that are ½ in. dia. (0.5
in.) with a chamfered top hole dia. 5/8 in. (0.625 in.)
Ship Component Connecting Pegs are ½ in. dia. and are expected to be inserted into holes that are 5/8
in. dia. (0.625 in.) with a chamfered top hole dia. 3/4 in. (0.75 in.)
The Masts are ¾ in. dia. and are expected to be inserted into two stage holes that are (a) 7/8 in. dia.
Straight sided holes in the top Hull 2 Board Layer and (b) with a Tapered Hole in the Lower Layer. The
Taper Angle will be the Default Angle created by Milwaukee Step Drill Bit when the Taper Opening is dia.
0.75 in.
The Fore Railing dimension you are seeking is 5.0 in. (see image below).
Bob
Question Two:
Hello,
The scope mentions that any parts may be used for the construction of competitors robots. Does this
include pre-built components? (EX: a pre-built robotic arm?)
Thanks in advance,
Lucas Harvey.
Response:
Hi Lucas
Our competition is based on robots that are designed /fabricated / assembled by the participating
students.
It is outside the spirit and intention of our competition for teams to purchase and use complete systems
such as a pre-built robot arm.
Bob
Question Three:
Hi Bob,
I hope all is well. Just to save time and not waste time on an idea, the kids want to know if you can build
a robot inside a robot that falls within the 6 cubic feet limit. Can you give them an answer first before
sharing the question with others because they feel it might be a good strategy?
If so,
1) Can each robot have a receiver?
2) Can each robot have a separate kill switch or do both robots have to be shut down at the same time
with one switch.
3) If both do have to be shut down at the same time, can one be shut remotely (I don't even know if that
is possible, but asking anyway)?
4) P.S. We have your plastic bin from the provincials.
Cheers,
Luca
Response:
Hi Luca
All questions / responses must be shared with the group.
Regarding your specific questions here are the responses from the National Technical Committee.
1) The 2016 scope has introduced the possibility for teams to use TWO Radios. In order to function
each radio requires a companion receiver so teams can by default also use TWO radio receivers.
2) The scope does not mandate how a team will utilize a second radio. It appears the options are:
(a) position both receivers on a single robot with one focused on managing robot mobility and
one focussed on Target Object management or (b) one receiver on each of two completely
independent robots. NOTE: IF a team builds two independent robots then the PAIR of robots
must fit into a single 6 cubic feet Start of a Game Size Restriction at the same time.
3) If a team builds two independent robots then each robot must comply with all mandated
restrictions meaning each would need to have their own ‘Kill Switch’.
4) Being able to ‘Shut Down’ a robot remotely is possible if a radio channel is committed to an on
the robot mechanism positioned where this mechanism could press the ‘Kill Switch’.
Bob
Question Four:
Hey Bob,
Hope all is well since Saskatoon! Now in his case where we may use two receivers may we have two
drivers? Ideally a team of two drivers who each control a remote and work together?
Thanks,
Mark
Response:
Hi Mark
YES a team may have Two Drivers.
However teams will be assigned only ONE Drivers Space and BOTH drivers on a single team will need to
share this space and must remain in this space.
Bob
Question Five:
Hi Bob,
I am just checking to see if we use3/4 Maple-plywood for Moncton Hill. The boat states Maple, but the
hill does not.
Thanks,
Bill Walker
Response:
I expect lower price basic grade Fir plywood (Good One Side) will likely be used for the hill (Ramp).
Question Six:
Bob,
The corner Fore Deck peg receiving holes are 6.25" apart, while the pegs that go in them on the Fore
Railing are 6.155" apart. These still fit because of the clearances, however it is off center, and also gives
less clearance when putting together.
Is that how it is supposed to be?
Jaret
Response:
Hi Jaret
I have checked the Inventor Model Files on which the drawings provided through the scope are based.
I have included with this message the Fore Deck and Front Railing drawings with some additional
dimensions displayed in each to clarify this situation.
In all cases the center of the pegs and the center of the receiving holes are directly in line with one
another.
With respect to the Front Railing Pegs / Holes the distance between the Front Railing Corner Pegs /
Holes is 6.125 in.
Question Seven:
1. Are more than the 4 competitors (driver/spotters) allowed to work on the 2016 Robotics ship Building
Contest?
2. If the answer is yes do all the builders/designer's/programmers go through the interview process or
receive any credit and or scholarship if the robot is victor?
Looking forward to your reply
Sincerely,
Mathieu Bussiere
Response 1:
Hi Mathieu
There are no restrictions placed on how many students can be involved in the ‘At your school robot
design / building experience’.
However, a Maximum of 4 students can be identified as the ‘Official Team’ at the provincial and national
levels.
Response 2:
Skills Ontario does have a scholarship program that competitors can apply to but there is no specific
scholarship associated with winning the robotics competition.
Bob
Question Eight:
Hi Bob,
I understand that whether we have two robots or one, they must be within 6 cubic feet. At the start of
the game, are both robots required to be completely within the 30'' by 30'' Robot Starting Position?
Regards,
Prajith
Response:
Hello Prajith
As long as the robotic system is within the 6 cubic foot restriction, it will be allowed.
At the start of the game, the robot system should be centered around the general area of the square.
Bob
Question Nine:
Hey Bob,
Are we allowed to use super capacitor batteries rather than a store bought battery? They are equally as
safe they can just hold power for a much longer period of time. One charge would do an entire
competition of 4 days.
Thanks,
Mark
Response:
Hi Mark
The response to your question regarding can you use ‘Super Batteries’ is NO.
The scope is very clear in this area; the only batteries that can be used are commercially produced,
sealed and not modified in any way by competitors batteries.
Bob
Question Ten:
Hi Bob,
We are looking for the length of the nose of Hull Board 1.
Cheers dave
Response:
Hi Dave
The JPG shown below in this message has the Hull Board 1 dimensions you are seeking.
Bob
Question Eleven:
Hi Bob,
I hope all is well. If part of your robot detaches, is it still considered part of your robot throughout the
whole game?
Cheers,
Luca
Response:
Hi Luca
Response: YES, but it does not matter given you only have to comply with the 6 cubic feet size restriction
at the start of the game and once the game starts there is no restriction on robot size or whether the
robot separates into independent elements.
Bob
Question Twelve:
I am trying to order the plywood to build the ship for the robotics scopes. May I please get some more
details - is it good on one side? Is it maple? How many piles?
Thanks!
Ian
Response:
Hi Ian
The image below shows the plywood for the ship.
This image references a Home Depot product that appears to have 5 layers.
The reference to Good One Side / Common Grade plywood is for the material used to create the surface
boards of the Moncton Hill in the court area which does not need to be the same high quality as the ship
components
Bob
Question Thirteen:
Hi Bob,
I hope all is well. The students want to know if parts of the boat can be assembled on the open court
floor and then be brought back to the ship building area and then put on the assembly base of the ship.
Cheers,
luca
Response:
YES, a team can decide to assemble all or part of the ship on the open court floor or on the robot itself.
The scope says:



The assembled ship must be in the designated Ship Building Space and completely free of
contact with the robot at the end of the game.
At the start of the game teams will have a Ship Base Component positioned in a Team selected /
identified start of the game location.
Robots will attempt to assemble the ship, and deliver it to the Assembly / Display Area.
The scope does NOT mandate the Ship Assembly must take place in the Assembly Area.
Bob
Questions Fourteen:
Responses to Questions Fourteen have been inserted into the original message below.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Hope everything is going well. We have a few questions for you regarding the scope, and possibly scopes
of previous years.
• In the new changes made to the competition, it is said that "there are no restrictions on parts used in
the building of the robot" (pg. 3). This confuses us. What restrictions were in place in past years on
parts? It's been understood in past years that a team may use parts from other projects or kits, as long
as they are not using a complete kit/assembly. Was this correct? What has changed in terms of part
restrictions?
Response: This is just an effort to clear up scope language for example there was a time in the past
teams could not use VEX components but that is no longer the case.
Must practice pieces (specifically the ship) be made of maple plywood? Why was it decided that maple
would be used, instead of 'good one side fir'? Was it an issue of weight (make the pieces
heavier)? What's the rationale? As well, in question five, you indicate that Moncton hill would likely be
made of good one side fir but the drawing shows both the ship and Moncton Hill surfaces are cut from
one sheet of plywood? Would it still be required that the boat is maple if Moncton Hill is 'good one side
fir' resulting in the team having the seemingly unnecessary expense of buying two different plywood
sheets? Grip of the robot's wheels on Moncton Hill will differ depending on being 'good one side fir' vs
'maple hardwood'.
Response: The better quality Maple plywood was selected for the boat parts to avoid the potential for
voids / gaps in plywood layers appearing along ship component edges. Regarding the Hill Ramps / Top
being a lower grade plywood but still Good One Side represents a potential savings option given both
types of plywood provide a similar smooth surface. Teams making this choice would then likely
purchase a 4 by 4 foot Maple sheet and develop their own ship components cutting pattern.
• Your link in the scope to the maple hardwood doesn't seem to work. It says 0 results found. Through
our own search, we did find a maple birch 3/4" plywood from Home Depot. Is that it?
Response: The selection of the plywood was made on Home Depot’s spring web site listing. I have no
control over the viability of a link months after it was initially obtained. I expect the sheet you are
referencing would be similar to the one in the scope but I also expect if you go into a Home Depot
with the scope information they should be able to provide you with the right sheet.
When is a team able to "right the ship" (pg. 16)? We are assuming it means we are able to right the boat
during the game with our robot, should the boat tip. Is that correct?
Response: YES a team can right the ship until the final end of the game buzzer sounds.
Why are there no assembly points awarded if the boat tips? If a team is able to build most, or all, of the
ship, only to have it fall over in the last moments, they lose all assembly points? It doesn't seem like a
fair ruling assuming the ship falls over on its side and stays together. It seems quite fair that the pieces
that come off if the ship falls over don't count for assembly points. Could it not be points awarded, or
not awarded, above the 20 (10 collection and 10 assembly) for the ship being upright vs fallen over?
Response: All scoring is done at the end of the game. No points will be awarded for assembly stages
completed during the game that either fall apart in the open court space, remain assembled but are
not delivered into the assembly area by the end of the game or are part of a ‘Tipped Over Ship’ that is
in the assembly area.
• Are assembly points still given if the ship is completely free of contact and [completely] built, but is
not in the Building area? We understand the team would not get the delivery points, as the pieces are
not the Building Area, but if the team succeeds in assembling the ship, should they not get points
towards that?
Response: NO
• If a team chooses to begin the match with the Assembly Base on their robot, could it theoretically
affect the 6 cubic feet rule for the robot? For example, if there was a platform that had to be flipped
down to have the Base on it that was still within the 6 cubic feet, and the Base stuck out of the 6 cubic
feet when placed on the platform, would the base be considered an extension of the robot, thereby
violating the size rule? Or, because it's a part of the ship, would it be fine?
Response: IF a team decides to position the Assembly Base ON their robot at the start of the game
then the Assembly Base will be considered part of their robot and required to be included within the
required 6 cubic feet size limitation.
When looking at the placements of the masts at start of play, will they always be paired in one
location? Or will they be in different holders (ex. one in placement 1 and one in placement 2)? The
graphics on pages 1 and 15 show the masts as seperated when placed. However, the wording of page 12
give the impression that they will be paired together when placed. Which is correct?
Response: The Start of the Game Ship Component Positions will be determined randomly. This
includes the position of the Masts. There are 2 Masts and 4 available Mast Placement Options.
• On pg. 19, Rules and Regulations #5 "Robots may reach over / drive over the 2 by 4 walls within their
Assigned Court Space that define the sides of the Winding Pathways and Moncton Hill." We are
assuming that robots may not drive over the 2 by 4 walls separating the two courts into the opponent's
court area. However, is it permitted that a robot can briefly break the vertical plane [of the 2 by 4
dividing the two courts] with a delivery mechanism if it is not a malicious play (doesn't interfere with the
opponent)? For example, if a team is making a wide turn with their delivery mechanism extended and
they break the vertical plane between courts, will they be persecuted for it? As well, is it permitted for a
team to briefly break the vertical plane around the outside of the court itself, if only for a moment for a
turn?
Response: There are no issues with parts of a robot swinging out over the three outside court walls or
the interior barriers of their assigned space. Note: If a robot swings a ship component out over a
perimeter wall and this component either drops on its’ own or is bumped out of the gripper as a result
of contact with a competitor standing in the perimeter driver / spotter space then this ship
component is now out of the game and cannot be returned to the court.
With respect to the center wall dividing the two team spaces teams must strive to NOT have any part
of their robot extend over this wall. The primary issue is one robot will NOT be allowed to interfere
with its’ opponent robot. If as a result of their design or their level of control mastery the referee has
observed a robot to be extending over the center wall then the referee may need to instruct this
robot to move away from the center wall when the opponent robot is in the immediate area. At NO
Time will reaching over the center wall and coming into contact with the opponent’s ship components
be allowed.
• Will there still be two full courts operating, each with two playing fields, (A total of 4 robots
competing at once) just like in past years?
Response: YES in Ontario. The national competition has only one court.
• Will the court surface be specified closer to the date of competition, or should the team be prepared
for any of the three surfaces ('good on one side plywood sheet', the facility floor, or the smooth surface
of Masonite sheeting) when arriving for competition? Or, was it meant that we will see ALL three
surface in one playing field? Obviously Moncton Hill will be plywood (type? discussed above) but will
the rest of the court be only Masonite, or only venue floor, or a mixture of both?
Response: I am expecting the Ontario Court will be the same Masonite surface we have used for the
past several years. I expect the Moncton court surface may very well be the facility concrete floor but
I do not know for sure.
• Finally, on the last page showing the suggested cut lines of the sheet of plywood, where are the
railings? There are two extra aft deck pieces (4 instead of 2) and two extra fore deck pieces (4 instead of
2). Were the two extra of each to be cut
into the fore and aft railings? Are the side railings made from the cut outs from the aft and fore railing
pieces? If not, where from?
Response: YES the front and rear railings are made from the blocks you referenced. The side railings
can be made from one of the left over pieces.
Thank you,
Eryn Rumsey
Ecole John Diefenbaker Senior School
Bluewater District School Board
Question Fifteen:
Does the assembled ship have to be on the floor in the assembly area or can it be on a pallet or platform
of some sort?
If the top of the ship hangs over the assembly area, but the bottom piece is completely in, does this
count as all the way in the assembly area?
thanks
Kevin Chiasson
Electrical/Robotics Instructor
Yorkton Regional High School
Response to the first question: A pallet or platform provided by the team would be considered to be
part of their robot. The assembled ship cannot be on a pallet or platform at the end of a game. The ship
must be ON the competition floor IN the designated assembly area.
Response to the second question: The outside edge of the assembly area will be defined by a Tape Line
Box around the perimeter of the assembly area. The outer edge of this tape line will be used to rule
whether or not a ship is in the assembly area. It will NOT matter if the upper elements of the ship (the
Bow or Stern) extend beyond the edge of the assembly area tape line AS LONG AS the Base Block is
inside the assembly area. Note: If the base block is On this tape line but not breaking its’ outer edge
then the ship would count as being IN the assembly area.
Bob
Question Sixteen:
Hi Bob,
I presume the students choose the order to assemble the boat? The do not have to start with the first
piece and build on top etc.?
Some may choose to start on piece two etc. and then stack on the bottom piece last.
thanks,
Brendan O'Neill
Computer Engineering Technology Teacher
St. Joan of Arc C.S.S. DPCDSB
Response: Competitors have complete control over developing their own strategy with respect to
building the ship including the order they bring the pieces together and the location where they do the
actual assembly. The only mandated requirement is that the assembled ship must be in the assembly
area at the end of the game.
Bob
Question Seventeen and Eighteen:
These two questions have a common response.
YES teams can use either a VEX controller or use ieee 802.11 b/g/n WiFi communication.
Note: All teams must keep in mind that they alone are responsible for maintaining the quality of their
robot to competitor (Driver) communication. Neither the Provincial nor the National Technical
Committee will be active in resolving a Team’s signal problems should they arise. I have no direct
knowledge regarding the facility we will be using in Moncton for the national competition. However, I
must point out that for the past few years we have unsuccessfully tried using a WIFI based
wireless camera system in our RIM Park space. We had to move to a hardwire connection to
the camera given the Skills Ontario Technical Support Group were unable to resolve the WIFI
based issues. They summarized the problem as potentially being a combination of many factors
including (a) the quantity of signals in the area, (b) the presence of large machinery running, (c)
the configuration of the metal framework of the building and other unidentified factors. Teams
cannot take for granted that systems which work problem free at their school will automatically
work problem free in the competition space.
The 2.4 GHz Radios have clearly demonstrated for multiple years that they are a reliable robot
to driver communication platform.
Question Seventeen
Hello,
We understand that vex components are now legal for use, are vex controllers similarly legal for use?
Thanks,
Lucas Harvey
Question Eighteen
Hi Mr. Tone,
We are the robotics club based out of St Francis Xavier Secondary School, Mississauga. We require
additional clarification regarding the ability to use ieee 802.11 b/g/n WiFi communication in the Skills
Ontario Robotics Competition. We would like to use this method as the primary communication with
our robot. Would that be an acceptable method of communicating with the robot?
Thanks,
STFXSS Robotics Club
Question Nineteen
Dear Bob
We would like the rules committee to consider allowing teams to use their own ships during
competitions, due to the following:
· In the scope it states that components can be off by +/- 1/8 of an inch this is problematic for precision
on pickup The different finishes on the faces of plywood, would cause issues for a suction type pickup
system Plywood pieces may become damaged by teams during the completion or warp
· The boats could be inspected w the robots at the start of the competition
· We used MDF instead of plywood to avoid the issues from points one and two, we would like MDF to
be approved as well
Lastly, in previous years the Ontario skills competitions has used components from teams in the
competition. This would be unfair since these teams would then be using their own game pieces.
Jaret Paul Brown
Lead Mentor FIRST Robotics
Skills Canada Robotics
Eastwood Collegiate Institute
Hello Jaret
Response:
Teams can practice with their own pieces, but once tournament and round robin play commences,
regulation pieces provided by the PTC/NTC must be used throughout the length of competition.
I am not currently at a school (retired 12 years ago) and we will be using team provided ships that have
been inspected for compliance with the specifications by a group of teachers. We will select ships for
use in games that meet the scope specifications to the greatest degree possible.
In Ontario we need 6 ships (2 per court and 2 spares) and we need 3 ships in Moncton (2 for the court
and 1 spare) and the only realistic source for these ships is the teams themselves.
Ships made from MDF do NOT meet the scope specifications and will NOT be used in the competition.
Bob
Question Twenty
Now that VEX equipment is allowed and they come with plans competitors can use for grippers as an
example can items like the one shown below be used. This arm gripper comes in parts and the
competitors need to assemble it.
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/metal-6dof-mechanical-arm-3d-rotation-robot-arm-gripper-frame-wmg996-servo-and-metal-horn-combo.html
Mark
Response:
The Mission Statement section of the scope states:
The intent of the challenge is to have teams of students independently designing / fabricating /
operating robots capable of completing the competition tasks in competition with other studentfabricated robots.
The Major Changes Made section of the scope states:
There are no restrictions on parts used in the building of the robot. This includes system platforms such
as VEX, Lego Mindstorm, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.
The changes made this year relative to allowed equipment are intended to expand the opportunity for
students to participate and are not intended to change the expectation that teams will compete with
student built robots.
Our teams come from a diverse background ranging from teams supported by Technology Teachers with
full access to shop facilities to Academic Teachers working in classroom settings with access limited to
small hand tools.
Kit elements like the arm / gripper referenced in this question or a default VEX gripper for example can
serve as positive sources for design concepts. However, in reality given the nature (size / weight / shape)
of our ship components neither would likely be effective in their straight out of the box configuration
and it would be necessary for competitors to make modifications to the base units to make them useful
in our competition which does introduce the essential elements of competitor involvement in the design
/ assembly / fabrication process.
Conclusion: YES, a team can use the arm / gripper kit referenced in this question.
Question Twenty One
Response:
Yes a team can use a controller that requires a computer support. However, teams must understand
that they are 100% responsible for their driver’s controller to robot communication including any
controller to computer component the team decides to introduce into the process.
It is a team decision regarding how they will control their robot. Robots can be operated in a completely
radio controlled format or a combination of radio control and autonomous programmed technology
format.
Subject: OTSC Robotics - Team of Four
Hi Mr. Tone,
I am a grade 11 student interested in participating in the robotics competition for secondary school
students - team of four. Are there any restrictions to the type of controller that we are allowed to use?
Can the controller be programmed and not just radio controlled such as in previous years? As well, are
laptops, which will be used to hook up joysticks and communicate to the robot controller (we need to
use a specific program to run the robot using a specific controller that we would like to use during
matches) permitted?
Thanks,
Jed
Question Twenty Two
Hello Mr. Tone,
My name is Ivan Conrad and I am another teacher at Lasalle Secondary School in Sudbury involved in
robotics. My question is regarding the size of team. In the scope, there is mention of a team of 4, but
also a mention of a team of 3 on the floor during competition. Can you clarify this please?
Thank you
Ivan Conrad
Teacher
Lasalle Secondary School
Response:
There are three areas related to Team Numbers.
One: In the RIM Park Skills Ontario Robotics Competition Space



Each school is allowed a Maximum of 4 Official Competitors but schools may choose to have
fewer than 4 Official Competitors
In the Court Area each Team is allowed One Spotter and either One or Two Drivers. Note the
number of drivers is a Team Decision however if two drivers are present then two competitor
operated controllers must be in use.
In the Team’s assigned Pit Area ALL 4 competitors can be active in attending to / repairing the
robot
Two: At School

There are no restrictions on how many students can be involved in the robot designing /
building process.
Three: In the Moncton Skills Canada National Robotics Competition Space




Each school is allowed a Maximum of 4 Official Competitors but schools may choose to have
fewer than 4 Official Competitors
In the Court Area each Team is allowed One Spotter and either One or Two Drivers. Note the
number of drivers is a Team Decision however if two drivers are present then two competitor
operated controllers must be in use.
In the Team’s assigned Pit Area ALL 4 competitors can be active in attending to / repairing the
robot
Note: 2016 is a Worldskills Qualifying Year which means each Provincial Team advancing to
Moncton MUST declare the names of which TWO Members of their 2016 Provincial Gold
Medal Team will be eligible to receive a tentative invitation to join Team Canada 2017
Worldskills Abu Dhabi. Final acceptance onto Team Canada 2017 will be based on the
competitors performance in the 2017 Skills Canada Team Trials expected to take place in early
2017.
Bob
Question Twenty Three
Hi Paul
I am sharing this response with the full Skills Robotics E-mail Group.
I understand your interest in participating in a competition experience before coming to RIM Park for
the Skills Ontario competition.
We do have a group of school boards that hold local, school board level Robotics competitions to select
their one team that will advance to RIM Park.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for these school boards to host additional schools.
By way of example: The Toronto Catholic District School Board has 7 to 9 teams in their board level One
Day Robotics competition. This means Six to Eight teams have their experience end that day without
reaching RIM Park. As you know a Robot Team involves a major commitment of Student Energy / Talent
/ Time. Adding ‘Visiting Teams’ would limit the number of game experiences available per team and
potentially make the scoring quite complex given at times teams would be playing opponents not
involved in the board level qualifying scoring pattern.
The best option available for teams that are ‘Direct to RIM Park Entries’ (Only team in their respective
school board) appears to get together with some other Direct Entry Teams and organize a ‘Pre-RIM Park
Friendly Competition’.
I encourage interested Teachers with Direct Entry Teams who want a Pre-RIM Park experience to
contact Paul and see if you can find the essential common ground required to organize a ‘Pre-RIM Park
Friendly Competition’.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Hope things are going well.
Wondering if you know of any teachers holding or wanting to hold a pre-provincial qualifying
tournament for the Ontario Skills Competition in May.
I have 20 students in my class/club this year and I would like to attend and participate in, a qualifying
tournament in January or February before the provincials in Waterloo.
If you have any leads could you pass along my contact information to them or vise versa.
Kind Regards,
Paul McDonough
Technology Teacher
Robotics Lead Teacher
VEX Team 2994 - The ASTECHZ
All Saints High School
Paul McDonough <[email protected]>
Question Twenty Four:
Hi Bob
We are in the process of making the game field, however we are missing a dimension on the holes for
the masts in the blocks for that purpose. Drilled using the Milwaukee drill bit you provided but we are
not given the location for said holes.
Thanks
David Hunter
Teacher, Technological Design
Eden High school
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA
535 Lake St.
St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 4H7
905-646-9884 ext 61619
905-646-3815 fax
[email protected]
www.edenhigh.ca
Response:
Hi Dave
I hope the image below has the information you are seeking.
Bob
Question Twenty Five:
Response:
The placement of Ship Components in the court space will done in the manner defined on pages 12, 13,
14 and 15 of the Ontario Scope (page references may differ in other provincial and / or the National
scope documents).
The Orientation of the individual pieces will not be random. It will be as shown in the scope images.
* The Fore and Aft Railings, plus the Hull 2 Components each have an adequate number of legs to
support standing so they will be standing on these legs.
* The Hull 1, Fore and Aft Decks all have only two legs and will be positioned with the two legs and one
edge of the components contacting the floor. This will result in these components being tilted with the
down edge on the wall side and the up edge facing the open court area.
* The Side Railings will be standing on the small end of the railing and the pegs / legs facing the wall.
* In all cases the longest dimension of any component will be used to align the component parallel to
the adjacent wall.
* The component positions along walls will be identified with a Tape Maker and these will support
consistent component placement.
Bob,
Question:
With respect to the game pieces, we understand from the scope that the hull 1 and 2 are up against a
wall in different locations.
Our question is, will they be put in a specific orientation or random when placed?
Jaret Paul Brown
Lead Mentor FIRST Robotics
Skills Canada Robotics
Eastwood Collegiate Institute
Question Twenty Six:
Bob,
Sorry, we understand these points. Our questions specifically refers to Hull1 and Hull2. All other pieces
by the holes and pegs you can figure out the exact orientation.
We want clarification on:
Will Hull1 and Hull2 always have the right (starboard) side of the ship against the wall. Like it is shown in
the diagrams. Never will the left (port) side be against the wall.
Jaret Paul Brown
Lead Mentor FIRST Robotics
Skills Canada Robotics
Eastwood Collegiate Institute
Response:
If you look at the Full Court ISO Image in the scope it is clear that when a robot is approaching the Hull
Components depending on which side of the court you are on the Bow of the Hull Component will be
either on the Robot's Left or Right Side.
One point this year of randomizing the Ship Component Placement options was teams should be
prepared for anything, and their robot should not be rendered useless due to a slight difference in
orientation.
The Hull Components will be placed as shown in the image below (Note: This is a summary image with 6
Hull Components displayed in a single team area which would never happen in a single game).
This image displays the potential for either Hull Component to be positioned with their Bow being on
either the Right or Left Side of a Robot approaching the Hull Component’s long side directly. 5 Positions
(#’s 4, 12, 7, 13 and 16 0 have the Bow on the Right and 1 (Position 8) has it on the Left
Bob
Question Twenty Six Response Clarification:
The image sent with the response to question twenty six only displays one side of our two sided court.
In the image displayed 5 Positions (#’s 4, 12, 7, 13 and 16 0 have the Bow on the Right and 1 (Position 8)
has it on the Left.
The ratio on the other half of the court would be the opposite with 5 Positions (#’s 4, 12, 7, 13 and 16 )
having the Bow on the Left and 1 (Position 8) has it on the Right.
During Tournament Play the schedule will be structured to provide teams with game experiences on
both the right and left sides of the court.
During Playoff games the team with the higher Tournament Standing will be given the opportunity to
select which side of the court they will use.
Bob
Question Twenty Seven:
Response:
There is nothing wrong with your math skills Brendan. All dimensions are auto generated by Inventor. I
have checked the Inventor model and 6 1/8 dimension does appear to be an anomaly. However it is not
required to reference either the 6 1 / 8th nor the 5/8th dimensions to position the Front Deck or Front
Railing Holes.
I have removed these dimensions in the images to bring the 1/2 inch dimensions which should be used
to position the holes into prominence.
I hope this clarifies this hole situation for you.
Bob
I'm just now getting to check boat pieces and found front railing is 7.5" wide and front deck also....
But 5/8 edge to hole x 2 plus 6 1/8 does not equal 7 1/2. ???
I think everywhere 6 1/8 needs to be changed to 6 1/4
Otherwise the current total length is 7 3/8
Please check if I'm mistaken
Thanks
Brendan O'Neill
Question Twenty Eight:
Hello Skills Canada Robotics Community
Question Twenty Eight and the Robotics National Technical Committee’s Response (both shown below)
will be the last Question / Response shared through the 5 email groups that comprise the overall Skills
Canada Robotics E-mail Group.
Skills Canada is introducing a new protocol for communicating with Robotics Teams / Teacher Advisors.
The new communications protocol will be as follows:
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
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Questions will continue to be submitted to the NTC by email either directly to myself or routed
through the questioner’s respective Provincial Technical Committee.
The National Technical Committee will develop a response that has majority NTC support
The NTC’s response will be sent directly to the Team / Teacher Advisor who submitted the
question
The NTC’s response will NOT be sent out to the Skills Canada Robotics Email Group. This email
group will no longer be used to share information.
Skills Canada’s National Office will forward the NTC’s responses to questions to the Provincial
and Territorial Skills Offices who will manage distributing the questions / responses to the
participants in their respective provinces or territories.
Note: The majority of members in the Skills Canada Robotics email group are Ontario based and Skills
Ontario will continue their established practice of posting the questions asked responses provided
summary PDF file to the scopes section of the Skills Ontario web site. It will now be a Team responsibility
to periodically check the web site to stay informed regarding questions / responses.
Bob
Question Twenty Eight Part One : If we use the camera for autonomous control and do not send images
back to a driver can we use one?
Katy Lloyd, Science, Tech and Math Teacher
Centre Wellington District High School
905 Scotland Street, FERGUS, ON, N1M 1Y7
Question Twenty Eight Part Two : If teams choose to control their robot using joysticks and a laptop;
are they allowed to use a Web camera? Or are cameras at all permitted?
If so this would provide an advantage to those broadcasting over wifi to help in aligning the pieces
quicker? However this eliminates the challenge of co-operation and may negate the usefulness of the
person given the role of directing...
thanks,
Brendan O'Neill
Computer Engineering Technology Teacher
St. Joan of Arc C.S.S. DPCDSB
Response : YES. Given we now allow court side computers to be used for control system support we also
must allow a court side computer to be used to support a camera functioning in support of on the robot
autonomously controlled processes as long as the team complies with the no off the court image being
provided through the court side computer to their driver or spotter restriction stated in the 2016 scope.
However, if the camera image processing is done on the robot then no restrictions are placed on the
process given it is an internal to the robot process. This could involve an on the robot processor such as
a Labview myRIO where no visible images are generated or an on the robot lap top with its' screen
image in full view of the spotter / driver.
It is a Team Responsibility to develop a strategy to address completing the task which requires Team
Based Decisions integrating their robot’s performance capabilities with their Team Defined Spotter /
Driver sets of responsibilities.
Responsibility for the management / quality of the robot to computer signal remains 100% a competitor
/ team responsibility.
The PTC’s and the NTC will not be involved in solving signal issues should they develop in the
competition space.
Question Twenty Nine:
Good morning M. Tone,
I'm the new tech teacher for Saint François-Xavier in Sarnia. We decided to register for the Skills
competition this year but I have a question.
For the robotics event: Do we have to bring our own ship parts?
Thank you for your time,
Marc Houle
Response:
Teams will bring their own ship for use in the Pit Area.
The Teachers will collectively select from the available ship models the ships that will be used in the
competition courts.
Question Thirty:
Hi Bob,
We have a question about the use of a camera. If we use the camera for autonomous control and do
not send images back to a driver can we use one?
Katy Lloyd, Science, Tech and Math Teacher
Centre Wellington District High School
Response: YES
Question Thirty One:
If a team uses two robots, do they need to be kept inside the starting section or just the fit inside 6ft
cubed dimension?
Kevin Chiasson
Electrical/Robotics Instructor
Yorkton Regional High School
Response: The Tape Line Starting Area provides a consistent start of the game robot location. It does not
define any robot size restrictions. Robots are expected to be centered in the starting area along the
court wall side of the starting area but they may extend beyond the starting area’s perimeter tape line.
Question Thirty Two:
We are getting a team ready and want to confirm that the VEX ARM® Cortex®-based Microcontroller is
an acceptable control system for the robotics competition.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Ian McTavish
Teacher/Librarian
Huntsville High School
Huntsville, ON
Response: YES. Go ahead and use the equipment the team is referencing as long as the team accepts
responsibility for any signal issues that might arise.
Question Thirty Three:
Hello,
Our team would like to start with one of the parts of our robots sticking out past the court wall, but not
touching the ground. Would this be permitted?
Thanks,
Lucas.
Response: YES. However the robot cannot grasp / hold onto the court wall.
Question Thirty Four: Can a team use more than 2 receivers?
Response: NO, the scope specifically states ‘two receivers’.
Question Thirty Five: If a team builds two robots how will the compliance with the 6 cubic feet robot
size limitation be determined?
Response: The two robots will need to be placed in their ‘start of a game configuration’ and in this
orientation they will collectively need to be in compliance with the 6 cubic feet robot size limitation
given the scope says robots must be in compliance with the size limitation at the start of games.
Question Thirty Six:
Hi there Mr. Tone,
I'm a competitor in this year's robotics competition and we have our regional competition coming up.
We just had a question regarding clothing. We were wondering if we could have our club/teams logo on
our clothing or if it's not allowed.
Thanks a lot,
Vipneet Johar
Response: Skills Ontario encourages students to wear a logo for their school/school board and if their
Robotics Club logo is representative of their school Skills Ontario supports that. If it is an external club
or an industry logo Skills Ontario asks that they refrain from wearing it.
Skills Ontario wants the logo’s onsite to be representative of who the competitors are representing.
Question Thirty Seven:
Hello Bob. Is it required for our robot to have a wall around its body? In order to keep its wiring inside.
Sarah Preston
Response: It is not required that you have a wall around your robot to keep the wiring inside.
What is required is that your wiring be installed in a safe and secure manner.
Bob
Question Thirty Eight:
Hi Bob,
We were going thru the pre-inspection for compliance and Design Rule checklist and I have a question
regarding fuses or breaker requirement.
We are using a VEX EDR Cortex in our design. The Cortex and motors have internal fuses called
PTC. See the attached image of our motor connection. Vex components are not designed to
incorporate external fuses. Are these internal fuses enough or do we have to have external fuses?
Roger Branconnier
Lasalle Secondary
Response: The National Technical Committee is OK with accepting the internal fuses and will not require
you to add external fuses in the circuits supporting this equipment.
Bob
Question Thirty Nine:
Hey Bob,
Getting gears up for nationals in Moncton, haven't seen you since last year! I have two questions. Firstly
is there a rule against autonomous bots? If we build and create the software to run them are they
allowed? Also did you need a court for Moncton? Just being in PEI it wouldn't be that hard for us to
bring it over!
Thanks,
Mark
Response: There are no restrictions in place regarding robot control systems so if a team wants to go
100% Autonomous Control Mode or some combination of Autonomous and Tele Operation Control
Mode then they are free to do so.
Thank you for the offer of a court but we are OK regarding the Moncton Court.
Nova Scotia is providing the National Court in Moncton.
Moncton will have our largest field of Robot Teams ever at the Skills Canada National Competition. We
are expecting 10 Robot Teams in Moncton.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia (first time)
New Brunswick (first time)
Prince Edward Island
Ontario
Nunavut
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia