The “Secret Tunnel”: Risk vs. Reward

The Secret Tunnel is a protected zone under the stage. It connects the Loading Zone directly to the Scoring Zone. It looks like a shortcut. Is it?

The Reward

• Time Savings: It cuts 2 seconds off your cycle time by avoiding the truss bottleneck in the center.
• Safety: Opponents cannot defend you while you are in the tunnel.

The Risk

• Clearance: The tunnel is LOW (12 inches). If your lift is slightly up, you will decapitate your robot.
• Traffic Jam: It is narrow. If your alliance partner tries to use it too, you will gridlock.

Strategic Usage

1. The “Small Bot” Strategy: Build a robot specifically designed to be <12 inches tall. Live in the tunnel.
2. The “One Way” Rule: Agree with your partner: Tunnel is for going OUT. Truss is for coming BACK.

Conclusion

Use it only if you fit easily. A stuck robot in the tunnel loses the match for everyone.