The FRA rules on batteries are currently being rewritten to allow new advances in technology. But this will not include LiPo batteries in the heavyweight category. But since they are allowed in FW and Ant categories, roboteers should bring the necesary equipment to deal with any accidents to each event.

Further to Alan's post the A123 technology is based on LiFePo (or LFP for short) chemistry not a Lithium polymer chemistry which is nowhere near as stable. As the FRA rules stand A123's are only allowed in feathers or below with the exception of the long running trials in Thz and KO, but this will be changing soon.

There is a need to re-write the build guidelines to cover the use of A123 cells in heavyweight
robots after the extended trials. Ed Wallace offered to re-write the relevant section for review and
agreement at the next meeting. - from last FRA meeting minutes.