Build Your Own Combat Robot

Chapter 9: Robot Material and Construction Techniques 191
base. An excellent book on structures and how they bend when loaded is Design
of Weldments, by Omer Blodgett.
How to Know When You Need a Sponsor
Building and maintaining a robot for competition is expensive. Many builders admit
to spending tens of thousands of dollars in pursuit of their robot dreams, and that’s
in addition to the hundreds or even thousands of hours of personal time they invest
as well. Indeed, Team Coolrobots’ Christian Carlberg finds that each robot requires
him to learn a new skill. “One robot was parts intensive, so I learned the value of using
a CNC milling machine to spit out parts. Another robot had a lot of steel, so I
learned to weld.”
Robots are so time and money intensive that you might want—or need—a little
help. Following in the footsteps of sports like auto racing that meld technology, sheet
metal, raw human skill, and intense competition, many robot builders have embraced
sponsorships to help defray expenses. Sponsors come in two flavors: part sponsors
contribute free or highly discounted gear to builders, while financial sponsors deliver
direct financial support that allows builders to buyparts and equipment, as well as travel
and pay for other incidental expenses. In return, sponsors get their name associated
with the robot, which can be a valuable asset when it, or you, appears on television.
If you’re interested in getting your own sponsor, many veteran builders caution
that it takes effort; a professional, business-like approach; and, in many cases, an
established track record with a completed robot. Diesector builder Donald Hudson
acknowledges that sponsorships are more difficult to land in today’s competitive
environment. “It’s certainly tougher to get sponsors nowadays. A few years ago
maybe 40 percent of the robots would be shown on TV. Today, if you have a
brand-new robot, the chances of getting on TV are kind of rare. Sponsors want
their name to be seen, so it’s like other racing—it’s a tough sell if you don’t have
any rankings yet.”
Christian Carlberg says, “Team Coolrobots is one of the best-funded teams
in the competition, but it didn’t happen overnight. I first developed a reliable track
record. Then I put together a package of our accomplishments and made a strong
argument why ‘Company Blank’ should fund us in exchange for advertising space.
Then I searched out possible sponsors. It takes a lot of time to find someone
interested, and then it takes a lot of time to convince the company that it would
get a lot of exposure on TV.”
To begin with, you’ll need to make contact with a company representative. When
dealing with a smaller or local business, you may find yourself talking directly to the
owner or CEO. At larger businesses, you’ll probably talk to a marketing manager. In
general, larger companies will be more receptive. Says Team Blendo’s Jamie Hyneman,
“The larger the business the more likely they’ll feel enticed by national TV coverage,
and the more money they’ll have.”