Within the Rebuild Rules, what is defined as a "substantial change"?

A "substantial change" is defined within the Rebuild Rules as any modification that significantly alters a robot's performance. This means that when a team modifies their robot, the nature of that change is crucial in determining whether it fits within the guidelines set forth in the Rebuild Rules. Significant alterations can affect the robot's capabilities, operational efficiency, and overall strategy within the competition.

In this context, modifications that fundamentally alter how the robot functions or improves its competitive edge are categorized as substantial changes. This understanding encourages teams to innovate and strategically upgrade their robots while adhering to the competition's framework.

Minor aesthetic modifications do not impact the robot's functional performance and therefore do not qualify as substantial changes. Similarly, changes in team members or merely reducing the quantity of parts used might not directly influence the robot's performance on the field. The focus on performance emphasizes the competitive nature of the sport, guiding teams toward impactful enhancements that make a real difference during competitions.