Project Overview

My project is the design and construction of a 150g combat robot, known as a "mini death roll." It belongs to the antweight class in combat robotics, a category that typically features small, lightweight robots (weighing less than 150 grams) engaging in battles where they try to immobilize or destroy their opponent. The term "death roll" is inspired by the vicious rolling attack of a crocodile, and my bot’s design will incorporate a spinning weapon that mimics this destructive motion.

This bot is designed for competition in antweight divisions at combat robotics events, such as those hosted by Melbourne Combat Robotics, and it is similar to bots showcased on channels like Maker's Muse. These competitions emphasize not only destruction but also strategy, resilience, and innovation.

Why I Decided to Make It

I decided to undertake this project because I have a passion for robotics, engineering, and competitive challenges. Combat robotics combines mechanical design, electronics, and creative problem-solving, allowing me to put my technical skills to the test. Watching competitive combat robotics and YouTube channels like Maker's Muse has been a source of inspiration, and the idea of building a bot that could compete in events like those hosted in Melbourne intrigued me.

The specific idea of a "mini death roll" excites me because I am fascinated by kinetic energy-based weapons and the physics behind high-speed spinners. Building a bot with a spinner weapon challenges my skills in designing for balance, durability, and power efficiency in a very small and constrained weight class.

How It Works

Weapon System (The Death Roll Spinner): The primary offensive mechanism of my bot will be a spinning weapon, mounted either horizontally or vertically. This spinner will be driven by a small, high-RPM motor that rapidly rotates a hardened metal blade or disc. The goal is to deliver high-impact hits to opposing bots, causing damage or destabilizing them.

Chassis and Armor: The body of the bot will be built from lightweight but strong materials such as polycarbonate, titanium, or carbon fiber to keep the overall weight under 150g. The chassis will be designed to protect internal components (like the motor, electronics, and battery) from impacts, while also ensuring the bot is stable when the spinner is active.

Mobility and Drive System: The bot will be equipped with a two- or four-wheel drive system, powered by small DC motors. The wheels will provide traction and allow the bot to maneuver quickly around the arena. The drive system will be controlled remotely, allowing for precise movements during combat.

Self-Righting Mechanism: Given the intense spinning of the weapon, the bot might be prone to flipping over. To counter this, a self-righting mechanism (such as flipper arms or carefully balanced weapon placement) will be implemented to ensure the bot can quickly recover if overturned.

Power Source: A small LiPo battery will power both the weapon system and the drive motors. LiPo batteries are lightweight and provide the necessary energy density for high-performance bots in the antweight category.

Control System: The bot will be operated via a radio control (RC) system. A small receiver on the bot will take signals from the RC transmitter, allowing the user to control both movement and the weapon system.

Strategy: The key strategy of the bot will be to engage opponents with the spinning weapon as quickly as possible, delivering powerful hits that could either knock out the opponent's electronics, disable their mobility, or physically destroy key components. At the same time, the bot will need to be agile enough to avoid getting pinned or trapped by more defensive bots.

Challenges

Designing and building a functional and competitive mini death roll requires overcoming challenges such as weight distribution, power efficiency, and durability. Achieving a balance between offense and defense is key, as the bot must not only deliver hits but also withstand them. Additionally, managing the gyroscopic forces of a fast spinner in such a lightweight bot is critical for maintaining control during a fight.

This project will involve a lot of trial and error, from prototyping different weapon designs to optimizing the drive system for speed and precision. Ultimately, the goal is to create a bot that can compete and win in antweight combat events while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in such a small machine.