Construction ruleset

This simplified ruleset is for the Plastic Ant (1 lb) weight class at IRL events. The goal is an easy entry point for new builders by limiting materials to commonly available 3D-printable plastics. It is based on the general principles of the SPARC rules. Builders attending other competitions should always review the event-specific rules.

1. Weight & locomotion

• Standard weight class: your robot must weigh 1 lb (454 g) or less.
• Weight bonuses for alternative locomotion:
  • Shufflers: up to 1.25 lb
  • Non-traditional: up to 1.5 lb
  • Walkers: up to 2 lb

2. Materials & fasteners

• Chassis, armor, and weapons must be 3D printed from PET, PETG, ABS, PLA, PLA+, or ASA. No other plastics, metals, or composite materials (like carbon-fiber PLA) for these components.
• Non-plastic parts: commercially available motors, electronics, axles, fasteners, and wheels may be any material, but cannot be used to enhance structural integrity, armor the robot, or enhance a weapon. Magnets are not allowed for downforce or traction.
• TPU is banned except for drive and weapon belts. TPU belts are allowed.
• Post-processing is prohibited: no annealing, acetone soaking, strengthening with a soldering iron, or boiling. (Soldering irons may be used to fuse broken parts during pit repairs on competition day, within the spirit of this rule.)
• Fasteners: make reasonable efforts to recess exposed screws, bolts, and metal hardware. Countersunk or recessed fasteners are preferred; large protruding bolts that can be struck during normal engagement are not allowed.

3. Electronics & batteries

• Battery handling: install LiPo or LiHV batteries only during match preparation or approved testing. After a match or test, remove the battery and put it in a LiPo/LiHV-safe bag or container. Store and charge LiPo and LiHV batteries only in a LiPo/LiHV-safe bag or container.
• Power cap: 3S (11.4 V nominal for 3S LiHV) is mandatory for Middle School and High School. Event class listings show this cap.
• Power disconnect: an easy-to-access mechanical disconnect (FingerTech-style switch or removable link) for drive and weapon. Relays are allowed but do not substitute.
• Battery securing: contained inside the chassis, not visible or strikeable from outside.
• Insulation: no exposed terminals or contacts. Use heat shrink, tape, or enclosed connectors.
• No protrusions: no construction screws may contact or protrude into the battery compartment.
• Power light: a light visible from outside the robot must show when power is active.
• Radio: 2.4 GHz systems only. Toy radios (27 MHz, 49 MHz, Bluetooth) are not permitted.
• Fail-safe: drive and weapon must stop automatically if the transmitter loses power or signal.

4. Safety

• Deactivation: the whole robot (drive + weapon) must fully deactivate in under 60 seconds using the manual disconnect.
• Weapon lock: any moving weapon that could cause damage or injury needs a clearly visible lock whenever the robot is outside a closed arena or test box. Remove the lock only after the robot is inside the secured enclosure. At an event, wait for an official to give the go-ahead.
• Weapon speed: spinning weapons may not exceed 250 mph at the tips.

5. Wheels & padding

• Wheels: off-the-shelf wheels are permitted, including foam and rubber hobby tires and molded plastic wheels (LEGO included). Custom wheels, including custom cast wheels, are allowed when they comply with the current SPARC rules.
• Padding: non-structural padding (foam, rubber, silicone) is allowed, but not as a weapon or armor. TPU may not be used as padding.

6. Prohibited items

• Electrical weapons or RF jamming
• Entangling weapons (nets, strings, etc.)
• Liquids, foams, or gases that require cleanup
• Projectiles, tethered or untethered
• Heat, fire, and explosives
• Pneumatic or hydraulic systems

7. Motors & divisions

• Middle School and High School: the 3S power cap is mandatory. Drive motors must be brushed. Brushless weapon motors are permitted.
• Custom wheels: custom and custom-cast wheels are allowed in every division when they comply with the current SPARC rules.
• Open: IRL adds no construction limits. The robot must comply with the current SPARC rules. The one IRL exception is that TPU drive and weapon belts are allowed.

8. Violations

• Event organizers may disqualify or restrict any robot deemed unsafe, noncompliant, or damaging to the arena. Repeated or deliberate violations can cause a match forfeit or event disqualification.
• Spirit of the class: organizers may disqualify a robot that violates the spirit of the class. If you are unsure about a design, ask first.

9. Questions?

For clarifications or pre-approval of borderline components, contact the event host before competition day: irl@placerrobotics.org.