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 Engage Robotics Competition.
Robot Inspection Training and Instructions
Base Rules
No experience necessary.
Training: 5 minutes
- Check that the robot is safe and won't damage the field.
- Make sure the robot includes license plates on exactly two sides, with the team's number legible on both.
- Check that the robot fits within the starting size limit, using tools provided by the event partner.
- 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
- Check that the robot does not include any grease, oil, graphite, or other lubricant / plastic additive.
- 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).
- Check that zip ties are plastic and no larger than 4" x 0.12".
- Check that rubber bands are no larger than 8" x 0.25".
- 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
- Make sure the robot is easy to power down if needed.
- Check that all electronic parts (brain, radio, controller, battery, sensors) are from a single legal electronic system, and that none appear to be modified.
- Ask the team if they've modified any electronic components.
- Make sure the robot only has one robot brain, one controller, and one battery.
- Ask the team if the robot has any other brains or microcontrollers, or any non-standard electronics.
- Have teams point out and count motors, and make sure they don't have more than six motors on the robot.
- Make sure the brain and controller are properly paired.
Pneumatics
Experience is helpful.
Training: Varies with experience
- Check that all pneumatic parts are part of the official VEX IQ® pneumatics kit (image below).
Custom Plastics & Decorations
Experience is helpful.
Training: Varies with experience
- Have the team point out all custom plastic pieces (cut from flat plastic, or 3D printed) on their robot.
- You can ignore these categories of custom plastic pieces:
- Custom license plates
- Adapters to connect electronics to structural parts from other product lines
- 3D printed simple spacers
- The legal limit on other custom plastic pieces is 6, including flat-cut and 3D printed.
- Each flat-cut piece can't be larger than 3"x5" (the size of a standard notecard) or thicker than 0.070".
- Each 3D-printed piece can't be larger than 3"x3"x1"
- 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"x3"x1" size limit.
- Check that decorations won't affect gameplay or other robots.
Questions for Team Members
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- Ask the team who designed, built, and programmed the robot.
- Ask the team if they designed or customized their custom plastic pieces.
- Ask the team if they used anything that isn't legal.
- Ask the team if they understand the rules in the game manual.
Finalize and Submit
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- 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.
- 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.