Design Approval
Design Approval for Restricted Robot Systems
NHRL requires advanced approval for a number of systems and technologies used by competitors. This pages will guide you through the process.
Starting the Process
The first step with any restricted system is to contact NHRL using safety@nhrl.io - we recommend you do this early in your design process so that NHRL can provide feedback on whether your design fits the rules and what considerations you might need to keep in mind. We are happy to provide feedback
Providing Information
In order to be approved, you will be asked to provide information on your design so that the NHRL team can review. This information will vary depending on the type of restricted system you plan to use. Every hazardous robot is different, and so you may be asked for additional information, but the following lists describe the information required for the vast majority of robots.
Flame Systems
- The type of fuel your robot uses. (butane, isobutane, or others)
- The amount of fuel your robot uses (note that we measure fuel by weight, not volume)
- A description of you fuel tank, including whether your fuel container is custom or off the shelf, and whether you plan for it to be one time use or refillable
- A description of your ignition system
- A description of your weapon safety and if applicable your weapon cover
- A description of the armor protecting the fuel tank
While not required for initial approval, we will also need to know if your robot's flame will shut off when power is removed without signal loss. We also need to know how long your flame will burn on a full tank of fuel. These last two points are not required for initial approval, but are required before competing to help our staff understand the particulars of your robot and act accordingly.
