Robot Inspection Training for the RECF Achieve Robotics Competition

Robot inspectors are responsible for determining if robots are constructed within the rules outlined in the game manual, and all teams must pass inspection before competing. Event partners have some flexibility in how robot inspection is conducted based on how many volunteers are available, and how many teams are at the event.

One recommended practice for larger events is to break robot inspection into multiple stations, each with one or more dedicated volunteers. Each volunteer can check each robot for one or more sections of the robot inspection checklist, then pass the team to the next station where their robot will be checked against additional sections. The final station should double-check or complete the "Questions for team members" portion of the inspection, then sign and submit the completed form.

Head referees should assist with inspection if possible, and are usually the best-qualified volunteers for the electronics, pneumatics, and custom plastic sections of the checklist.

This article provides guidelines and training information for each category of the 2026-27 Robot Inspection Checklist for the RECF Achieve Robotics Competition.

Robot Inspection Training and Instructions

Base Rules

No experience necessary.
Training: 5 minutes

1. Check that the robot is safe and won't damage the field.
2. Make sure the robot includes license plates on exactly two sides, with the team's number legible on both. 
3. Check that the robot fits within the starting size limit, using tools provided by the event partner.
4. Ask team to expand their robot, and make sure it doesn't exceed the expansion limits during a match; if it does, make sure they have a plan to avoid breaking the sizing rules during a match.

Non-Electronic Components

Experience is helpful, including recognizing the style of the legal product lines.
Training: Varies with experience

1. Check that rope/string isn't thicker than 1/4".
2. Check that zip ties are plastic and no larger than 12" x 0.25".
3. Check that the robot does not include any tape or other material that adheres to or changes a legal part (other than legal decorations or tape used for cable management or labeling).
4. Check that cable carriers, hot glue, and cable track are only used for cable/tube management.
5. Check that no piece of anti-slip drawer liner is larger than 12"x15".
6. Check that rubber bands are no larger than 8" x 0.25".
7. Check that the robot doesn't have excess grease, oil, graphite, or other lubricant.
8. Check that all components (not including decorations and flat-cut plastic / 3D-printed parts) on the robot are from the legal product lines. This printable reference sheet shows examples from each product line.

Electronics

No experience necessary.
Training: 5-10 minutes

1. Make sure the robot is easy to power down if needed.
2. Check that all electronic parts (brain, radio, motors, controllers, battery, sensors) are from the VEX V5® product line, and that none appear to be modified.
3. Ask the team if they've modified any electronic components.
4. Make sure the robot only has one robot brain, one radio, one battery, and 1-2 controllers.
5. Ask the team if the robot has any other brains or microcontrollers, or any non-standard electronics.
6. Have teams point out and count motors.
   • Use form to calculate total wattage if needed.
   • 2 small motors = 1 large motor.
   • Max is 99 watts (equal to 9 large motors).

Pneumatics and Custom Plastic Inspection

Experience is helpful, including in-depth knowledge of the pneumatics, plastic, and decoration rules.
Training: Varies with experience

1. Check that all pneumatic components are commercially-produced and rated to 100 PSI or higher.
2. Check that pneumatic component aren't modified (other than cut tubes and cosmetic labels).
3. Check that the robot doesn't include onboard compressors.

Custom Plastics & Decorations

Experience is helpful.
Training: Varies with experience

1. Have the team point out all custom plastic pieces (cut from flat plastic, or 3D printed) on their robot.
2. You can ignore these categories of custom plastic pieces:
   • Custom license plates
   • Simple license plate holders
   • Adapters to connect electronics to structural parts from other product lines
   • 3D printed simple spacers
3. The legal limit on other custom plastic pieces is 12, including flat-cut and 3D printed.
   • Each flat-cut piece can't be larger than 4"x12" or thicker than 0.070".
   • Each 3D-printed piece can't be larger than 3"x5"x2"
   • A 3D-printed part can include multiple small pieces, but they have to function as a unit (e.g., gearbox) and fit within the 3"x5"x2" size limit.
4. Check that decorations won't affect gameplay or other robots.

Questions for Team Members

No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes

1. Ask the team who designed, built, and programmed the robot.
2. Ask the team if they designed or customized their custom plastic pieces.
3. Ask the team if they used anything that isn't legal.
4. Ask the team if they understand the rules in the game manual.

Finalize and Submit

No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes

1. For inspections on a device:
   • Ensure that all boxes have been checked.
   • Get a team member’s initials.
   • Select Pass.
   • Input your name.
   • Attach the verification provided by the event (sticker, zip tie, etc.) if needed.
2. For inspections on paper:
   • Add your initials on the "Pass" line only after ALL boxes have been checked.
   • Ensure that you've added the team number.
   • Have a team member sign the sheet.
   • Sign your name as the inspector.
   • Attach the verification provided by the event (sticker, zip tie, etc.) if needed
   • Turn in completed inspection forms at the tournament computer.