Which materials are robots prohibited from using?

The focus on prohibiting unsafe or hazardous materials in robot construction is grounded in safety and the well-being of all participants and spectators during competitions. The use of such materials could pose risks not only to the team operating the robot but also to others in the vicinity as well as to the environment. Therefore, ensuring that all components of the robots are safe and non-hazardous is essential for maintaining a secure competition atmosphere.

While decorative materials and lightweight materials may have specific guidelines or recommendations, they are not outright prohibited as long as they comply with the overall safety rules. Lighting materials, similarly, do not inherently fall under the category of unsafe unless they would introduce a risk. Thus, the prohibition specifically aims to eliminate those materials that could cause injury or harm, reinforcing the importance of safety in the design and operation of robots within the FTC framework.