This meant a faster, more intuitive controller. Despite these innovations, the snake was taken down by a robotic scorpion that used pincers to grab and pound its opponent. Although the contest has entries from corporate teams with the financial backing of their organization, amateurs have won their fair share of competitions. In an upset, a comparatively simple and less expensive robot in a lower weight class took it out easily. The strategy of the victor was to use a wedge to focus power and speed, enabling it to flip over and immobilize its opponent rather than destroying the enemy.
Competitors have a fairly wide latitude in their designs, but rules are strictly enforced.
For example, robots are forbidden to shoot oil or water because such substances would interfere with later battles. The rules continue to evolve along with the robots. With the success of the wedge design two years ago, organizers were concerned that all robots would begin to incorporate variations of this same idea. A new rule prohibits pinning, which effectively does away with wedges. As a result, competitors will have to go back to good old-fashioned destruction if they want a chance at winning.