Build Your Own Combat Robot

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ECAUSE robot combat has evolved from being a “backyard brawl” between
a group of inventive engineering types into nationally televised sporting
events, the rules governing the sport today are far more sophisticated than they
used to be, and the types of weapons systems builders use have evolved over time.
The majority of weapon regulations still focus on safety. However, a few of today’s
rules stem from instances in past matches in which a robot was judged as lacking
in “fun”—an important factor for those who have plunked down their hardearned
money to come and see a robot rumble. For example, entangling devices such
as netting, adhesive tape, fishing line, and chains are no-nos now, because they can
slow down or even halt a battle.
Another disallowed item is noncombustible gases used to disable an opponent’s
fuel-burning engine. A heavyweight robot named Rhino once used Halon
gas very effectively in its matches to starve its opponents’ gasoline engine-powered
weapons. As a result of that robot’s inventive strategy, the preceding rule was
added to the books the following year. The safety issues notwithstanding, seeing
contestants lose because their engines got shut down as opposed to being immobilized
due to getting their metallic guts ripped out and strewn all over the arena is
not very fun to watch.
It is still possible to build a winning robot without having to resort to
banned weapons like flame throwers, stun guns, and electromagnetic pulse
emitters. In this chapter, we will discuss several types of weapons systems that
are used in combat robots.
Weapon Strategy and Effectiveness
You have probably noticed that no single weapon is totally effective against all
types of opponents. It is much the same as the old child’s game “Rock-Paper-Scissors.”
The “rock” can smash the scissors but can be covered by the “paper.” The
“scissors” can cut the paper but can be smashed by the “rock.” The “paper” can
cover the “rock” but can be cut by the “scissors.” Each has its advantage over one
of the others but is at a disadvantage compared to another. The same goes for
combat robotics. Some weapons seem to be able to demolish almost all other types