12. Weapon Restrictions
The following weapons and materials are forbidden from use: Note: Some of the listed items may be allowed for effects but not as weapons. If you have an application of these items which you feel may be allowed, please contact the Fighting Robot Association.
12.1 Invisible Damage
Weapons designed to cause invisible damage to the other robot. This includes but is not limited to:
12.1.1 Electricity
Electricity as a weapon such as Tesla coils, Van-der-Graaf generators, stun guns, or cattle prods.
12.1.2 Radio Frequency
Radio Frequency jamming equipment or similar devices.
12.1.3 Radio Frequency Noise
Radio Frequency noise generated by an IC engine. Use shielding around sparking components.
12.1.4 Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic fields from permanent or electromagnets, which affect another robots electronics.
12.2 Stopping Combat
Weapons or defences, which tend to stop combat completely, of both (or more) robots. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
12.2.1 Entanglement
Entanglement devices such as nets, fishing line, cables, string, glues or tapes, which require the match to be stopped and the robots separated. (If this occurs the ‘entangler’ forfeits the match)
12.3 Rotating Weapons
The speed of any rotating weapons - e.g. circular saws, carbon or steel cutting discs - must not exceed the manufacturer's specification. The manufacturer's specification must be available for inspection.
12.4 Hardened Blades
Commercially manufactured, hardened steel blades that may shatter are not allowed.
12.5 Blade Length
Commercial blades - e.g. bayonets - must not exceed 20cm in length.
12.6 Untethered Projectiles
Projectiles must have a tether capable of stopping the projectile at full speed and be no longer than 2.5m.
12.7 Heat and Fire
Heat and fire are forbidden as weapons, (however some events may allow limited fire effects). This includes, but is not limited to the following:
12.7.1 Generated
Heat specifically generated to damage an opponent
12.7.2 Flammables
Flammable liquids or gases
12.7.3 Explosives
Explosives or flammable solids such as DOT Class C devices, Gunpowder, Cartridge Primers or Military Explosives, etc.
12.8 Smoke and Light
Smoke and light based weapons, which impair the viewing of robots by an Entrant, Judge, Official or Viewer (You are allowed to physically engulf your opponent with your robot however) This includes, but is not
limited to the following:
12.6.1 Smoke or Dust
Large quantities of smoke or dust. Limited smoke effects may be allowed by some events.
12.6.2 Lights
Lights such as external lasers above Class 2 (1mw) output and bright strobe lights, which may blind the opponent.
12.9 Hazardous Materials
Hazardous or dangerous materials are forbidden from use anywhere on a robot where they may contact humans, or by way of the robot being damaged (within reason) contact humans. If unsure please contact the
Fighting Robot Association.
