A 1-pound combat robot platform for getting started in robot combat sports
The Beginner Combat Buggy is an educational 1-pound antweight combat robot platform, designed to be fully 3D printed in plastic and compliant with antweight competition rules. This project provides a complete, buildable design that teaches fundamental robotics concepts while preparing participants for competition.
- Competition Ready: Meets standard 1lb plastic antweight combat robot specifications
- Educational Focus: Step-by-step learning experience for all skill levels
- Modular Design: Easy to modify, repair, and upgrade
- Community Driven: Open-source design with active builder support
- Combat robot design principles
- Electronics integration and safety systems
- Mechanical assembly and fastening techniques
- Battery management and power systems
- Radio control and failsafe programming
- Competition preparation and strategy
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight Class | 1 pound (454g) maximum |
| Drive System | Differential drive, tank steering |
| Power System | 2-4S LiPo battery with kill switch |
| Control | 2.4GHz radio with failsafe |
| Motors | Brushed gear motors |
| ESC Options | Repeat Robotics Budget Dual ESC Weka 20A v2.2 Dual ESC |
| Weapon Class | Beginner-friendly (spinner/wedge/lifter) |
| Arena Size | Standard combat robotics arenas |
- Basic electronics knowledge (helpful but not required)
- Access to soldering equipment
- Precision scale (0.1g accuracy)
- Standard hobby tools
- Read the Documentation - Start with this README and the assembly guide
- Join the Community - Connect with FUBAR Labs for build sessions
- Gather Materials - Use the provided parts list and suppliers
- Attend Build Night - Join a guided build session (recommended for beginners)
- Build and Test - Follow the step-by-step assembly guide
- Compete - Enter local antweight competitions
- Guided Build Session - Join FUBAR Labs build nights for hands-on instruction
- Solo Build - Follow the detailed assembly guide independently
- Workshop Build - Organize a group build at your local makerspace
- Assembly Guide - Complete step-by-step build instructions
- Parts List - Detailed component specifications and suppliers
- Competition Guide - Rules, strategy, and event preparation
- Wiring Diagrams - Electrical schematics and connection guides
- CAD Files - 3D models and mechanical drawings
- Programming Guide - ESC setup and radio configuration
- Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions
- Motor Controllers: Repeat Robotics Budget Dual ESC or Weka 20A v2.2
- Microcontroller: Xiao development board
- Power: 2-4S LiPo battery with XT30 connectors
- Safety: Kill switch and weapon safety lock
- Control: 2.4GHz radio system with failsafe
- Chassis: Lightweight aluminum or titanium frame
- Drive: Brushed gear motors with wheels
- Fasteners: High-strength bolts and grub screws
- Protection: Impact-resistant component mounting
- Hex keys (2mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 1.5mm)
- Torx keys (TBD)
- 7/16" wrench for lock nuts
- Soldering iron and supplies
- Precision scale (0.1g accuracy)
- Safety equipment (glasses, gloves)
🚨 IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE 🚨
Combat robots involve weapons, high-energy systems, and LiPo batteries. Safety is not optional.
- Kill Switch: Emergency power disconnection
- Weapon Safety Lock: Physical weapon power removal
- Block Testing: Always elevate robot during testing
- Battery Safety: Proper LiPo handling and charging
- Arena Requirements: Contained testing environment
- Read all safety documentation thoroughly
- Understand local regulations and venue requirements
- Have appropriate safety equipment available
- Know emergency procedures for electrical and fire hazards
Never operate a combat robot without proper safety measures in place.
- Primary: 1-pound plastic antweight class
- Progression: Path to 3lb, 12lb, and higher weight classes
- Rules: SPARC (Safety and Performance in Robotic Competition) guidelines
- FUBAR Labs "Mechanical Mayhem" - Regular antweight competitions
- Regional Events - Connect with broader combat robotics community
- Tournament Formats - Single elimination, round robin, skill challenges
- Technical Inspection - Pass safety and rules compliance check
- Weight Verification - Confirm 1.000 lb maximum weight
- Safety Demonstration - Prove all safety systems function
- Driver Preparation - Practice maneuvering and weapon control
- Location: FUBAR Labs makerspace
- Schedule: [Check calendar for dates]
- What's Provided: Tools, workspace, expert guidance
- What to Bring: Components, enthusiasm
- Discord/Slack: Real-time chat with builders and competitors
- Build Photos: Share progress and get feedback
- Technical Help: Troubleshooting assistance from experienced builders
- Competition Prep: Strategy and setup guidance
- Pair new builders with experienced combat roboticists
- One-on-one guidance through first build and competition
- Ongoing support for design improvements and upgrades
- Complete mechanical design
- Electronics integration guide
- Safety protocols established
- Assembly documentation
- Competition validation
- Community feedback integration
- Advanced weapon options
- Weight optimization improvements
- CAD file refinements
- Video build tutorials
- Multi-language documentation
We welcome contributions from builders, competitors, and educators!
- Documentation: Improve guides, add translations, create tutorials
- Design: Mechanical improvements, weight optimization, new features
- Testing: Build validation, competition feedback, safety verification
- Community: Organize build events, mentor new builders, share experiences
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Make your changes with clear documentation
- Test thoroughly (especially safety-related changes)
- Submit a pull request with detailed description
- Safety First: All contributions must prioritize builder and spectator safety
- Inclusive Community: Welcome builders of all skill levels and backgrounds
- Open Collaboration: Share knowledge freely and support others' learning
- Responsible Innovation: Consider the impact of changes on the community
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
IMPORTANT: Combat robotics involves inherent risks. Builders and operators assume full responsibility for safety. This project provides guidelines but cannot guarantee safety - always prioritize proper safety measures and follow local regulations.
While designed to meet standard competition rules, builders are responsible for verifying compliance with specific event regulations. Rules may vary by competition and region.
- Combat Electronics: Just Cuz Robotics, Repeat Robotics
- Mechanical Parts: McMaster-Carr, Local hardware suppliers
- Batteries: Hobby electronics suppliers, specialized LiPo vendors
- FUBAR Labs: https://fubarlabs.org/
- Facebook: Local combat robotics groups
- Discord: Combat robotics community servers: GSCRL and Fubar Labs
- FUBAR Labs: [contact information]
- Build Support: [discord]
- Safety Questions: [priority contact]
- Check Documentation: Most questions are answered in the guides
- Community Forums: Discord/Slack for real-time help
- Build Sessions: Attend FUBAR Labs events for hands-on assistance
- Direct Contact: Reach out to maintainers for complex issues
Easily review and purchase the recommended components for your Beginner Combat Buggy build. This robot is designed to be 3D printed in plastic, making it lightweight and antweight compliant. Links and suggestions are provided for each category.
- Chassis Frame: 3D printed plastic (recommended: PETG, ABS, or PLA+), or lightweight aluminum/titanium (optional for custom builds)
- Wheels: Foam or cast wheels (Just Cuz Robotics, Repeat Robotics)
- Fasteners: High-strength bolts, grub screws (McMaster-Carr)
- Mounts & Holders: 3D printed or machined parts (see CAD files)
- Motor Controllers (ESC): Repeat Robotics Budget Dual ESC, Weka 20A v2.2 Dual ESC
- Microcontroller: Xiao development board (Seeed Studio, Amazon)
- Radio System: 2.4GHz transmitter/receiver (FlySky, Spektrum, FrSky)
- Battery: 2-4S LiPo battery, XT30 connectors (Hobby electronics suppliers)
- Kill Switch: XT30 inline switch (Just Cuz Robotics, Amazon)
- Safety Lock: Weapon power disconnect (custom or purchased)
- Drive Motors: Brushed gear motors (Just Cuz Robotics, Repeat Robotics, Pololu)
- Weapon Motors: Spinner/lifter motors (optional, based on design)
- Hex Keys: 2mm, 2.5mm, 4mm, 1.5mm (tool kits, Amazon)
- Torx Keys: As required by fasteners
- Wrench: 7/16" for lock nuts
- Soldering Iron: Basic hobby model
- Precision Scale: 0.1g accuracy (Amazon, eBay)
- Safety Equipment: Glasses, gloves
- Just Cuz Robotics
- Repeat Robotics
- McMaster-Carr
- Seeed Studio
- Hobby electronics suppliers (local and online)
For detailed part numbers and specifications, see the Parts List.
Welcome to combat robotics! This project will take you from zero to competition-ready robot while teaching valuable engineering skills and connecting you with an amazing community.
Next Steps:
- ⭐ Star this repository to stay updated
- 📖 Read the Assembly Guide thoroughly
- 📋 Review the Parts List and order components
- 📅 Check for upcoming FUBAR Labs build sessions
- 🔨 Start building your combat robot!
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out - the combat robotics community is incredibly welcoming and always happy to help new builders succeed.
Let's build some robots! 🤖⚔️
Welcome to combat robotics! This project will take you from zero to competition-ready robot while teaching valuable engineering skills and connecting you with an amazing community.
Next Steps:
- ⭐ Star this repository to stay updated
- 📖 Read the Assembly Guide thoroughly
- 📋 Review the Parts List and order components
- 📅 Check for upcoming FUBAR Labs build sessions
- 🔨 Start building your combat robot!
Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out - the combat robotics community is incredibly welcoming and always happy to help new builders succeed.
Let's build some robots! 🤖⚔️