About the A5 class...

The robot currently being constructed is being designed to meet the following "A5" specification:

• The main chassis and bodywork of the robot must fit within the area of an A5 sized piece of paper (210 x 148 mm). Wheels and weapons (or parts thereof) are permitted to protrude outside of the A5 area but must not exceed the area of an A4 sized piece of paper (297 × 210 mm). No part of the robot may be outside the A4 area (297 × 210  mm). Weapons that are part of the chassis or bodywork are classed as chassis or bodywork and must stay within the A5 size.
• The height is not specified but constructors should not go silly with the height.
• The robot must be battery powered.
• There is no weight limit.
• The robot must have a "kill" (on/off) switch that disconnects all batteries so that all motors and electrics can be switched off.
• All batteries must be of the sealed type. All batteries must have a fuse protecting them from extreme overload.
• Weapons are permitted.
• Robots should operate by radio remote control. They may have limited autonomous abilities but the human operator must have overall control.
• Cluster Bots are not permitted.
• All explosives and corrosives are prohibited.
• Untethered projectiles are prohibited. Tethered projectiles may not exceed 8 feet in length as measured from the centre of the robot to the end of the projectile.
• Sighting pointing lasers are allowed up to 1mW - Class 2 laser. Any laser above 1mW is prohibited.
• Compressed gas is limited to 500 psi. Compressed gas tanks and valves must be protected from puncture or rupture.
• Hydraulic systems are prohibited.
• Constructors should consider including a radio control fail safe system in the event of loss of radio signal.
• Batteries must not generate more than 30 volts DC and no part of the robot should have a voltage above 100 volts AC or DC.
• Insulation is required on all exposed wires and terminals connected to the motor power batteries.
• Hardened steel blades that may shatter are prohibited.
• If your robot has sharp points or cutting edges, you should provide easily installed covers protecting those areas during transport and storage.