'The time frame is the real issue - builders have to submit CAD plans to be accepted so if details are announced this month, you would have to work crazy fast on a design and probably not know if you are accepted until late February. Builders will probably have only 3 to 4 months to complete a heavyweight bot.'

Agreed. Tight time frame. But I think it actually says; ' contestants will have to design their robots on paper first (CAD, drawings, etc), and submit those plans for approval' so one does not need a full on CAD plan - a drawing should be enough. I currently have my imagination set somewhere between overdrive and idle. It's hard to come up with an original bot design until you know the rule set. I m waiting, in hope, for confirmation of this deal and a rule set to be announced.

Bring it on.