Page 43 - Build Your Own Combat Robot

Build Your Own Combat Robot
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Even if you’re just building a bot for fun, we recommend getting a copy of one
of the main contest’s rules. A good example of rules and regulations can be found on
the BattleBots Web site (www.battlebots.com). Their safety guidelines and re-
strictions should be followed in all bot building. Most of the rules are there for the
safety of builders and spectators alike.
Once you have the physical constraints written down, you can start laying out
the conceptual design of your bot. Sketch out what you would like your bot to
look like and do. Include the unique features and weapons you would like your
bot to have. A lot of this is paper-and-pencil or CAD (computer aided design)
work. Next, make a list of performance goals you’d like to achieve, such as how
fast you want your bot to go or how much weight you want it to be able to push.
How much must the armor withstand in punishment, and how will your bot’s
weapon attack the enemy? This is all top-level generic design information; you
don’t need to get into nitty-gritty details like miles per hour or pounds of pushing
force yet. That comes later.
The second list includes what you are aiming for—the ultimate goal. Some peo-
ple call this the brainstorming part of the design process. The ideas come out here.
As is the case with any brainstorming session, there is no such thing as a bad idea.
Let the ideas flow, and come up with some cool bot concepts. It is usually good to
come up with a handful of them.
After this, the conceptual ideas must be trimmed down to meet the physical
constraints of the contest. Yes, this means you’re going to have to toss out your
idea for a laser-guided rocket launcher. (It’sa great idea, but it’s not allowed in
any combat robot event.)
In all competition robots, the following subsystems are part of each bot. Each
of these subsystems relates to the others and affects the overall design of the bot:
Robot frame

Drive motors
Power transmission
Batteries
Wheels
Electronics
Radio control system
Weapons
Armor

Probably the first consideration in your robot’s design is how you’re going to
make it move. Your choices are many, and could include slithering, swimming,
floating in the air, or even climbing up a wall or rope. More than likely, though,
you’re going to want a mobile bot that travels across a floor, and this will mean
legs, “tank” treads and tracks, or wheels.