15/12 Lb Combat Robots

My primary role on this team was to manage and oversee the project’s progress, leveraging my prior experience in robotics to guide and support my teammates, many of whom were new to the field. I took the lead in teaching them essential skills, such as designing manufacturable parts and understanding fundamental robotics movements and tools.

As the most experienced team member in CAD, I managed the Bill of Materials (BOM) and ensured the team stayed on schedule and aligned with our goals. Additionally, my hands-on expertise in manufacturing made me a go-to resource for tasks requiring precision and skill. Here, for example, is a picture of me grinding down the AR 500 weapon as part of our fabrication process.

Here is a final picture of the robot. The chassis was carefully pocketed to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity, while the electrical systems were expertly installed by our CS major teammate.

In designing a battle bot, understanding stresses and strains is crucial. The robot must withstand extreme forces during combat, requiring a balance between durability and weight efficiency. These considerations extend beyond robotics—designing with multiple factors in mind, such as material properties, load distribution, and real-world conditions, can inform innovations in industries like satellites, cars, and other engineered systems. This project reinforced the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and teamwork in tackling complex challenges.

We performed finite element analysis (FEA) on the weapon using Fusion 360, iterating through several attempts to ensure the strains were distributed in the right places. This analysis informed our design decisions, allowing us to optimize the weapon’s performance for maximum bite and efficient rotation. By strategically balancing material strength and geometry, we created a weapon capable of withstanding impacts while delivering precise and powerful hits.

MAKING VERSION 2 FOR THE DISCOVERY CUBE IN APRIL. COMING SOON