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https://github.com/IainIsCreative/awesome-robot-combat

A list of resources, links, and tips for people who want to building fighting robots.
https://github.com/IainIsCreative/awesome-robot-combat

List: awesome-robot-combat

3d-design awesome awesome-list electronics fighting-robots hardware radio-control robot-combat robots

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A list of resources, links, and tips for people who want to building fighting robots.

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README 

        
# Awesome Robot Combat [![Awesome](https://awesome.re/badge.svg)](https://awesome.re)



> A list of resources and inspiration for people building fighting robots. Here you will find links to tutorials, videos, parts suppliers, communities and other links that are useful for building fighting robots.



## Contents



- [Events and Shows](#events-and-shows)

  - [U.S. and Canada Events](#us-and-canada-events)

  - [U.K. Events](#uk-events)

  - [Brazil Events](#brazil-events)

  - [Australia Events](#australia-events)

- [Communities](#communities)

- [Books](#books)

- [Robot Combat Inspiration](#robot-combat-inspiration)

  - [Blog Posts](#blog-posts)

  - [Build Diaries](#build-diaries)

- [Robot Combat Media](#robot-combat-media)

  - [Podcasts](#podcasts)

  - [YouTube Channels](#youtube-channels)

    - [Events](#events)

    - [Teams and Builders](#teams-and-builders)

- [Resources](#resources)

  - [Learning and Building](learning-and-building)

    - [Robot Combat Basics](#robot-combat-basics)

    - [Building Fighting Robots](#building-fighting-robots)

      - [Fairyweights and U.K. Antweights](#fairyweights-and-uk-antweights)

      - [U.S. Antweights](#us-antweights)

      - [Hobbyweights](#hobbyweights)

      - [Featherweights](#featherweights)

    - [Hacks and Tips](#hacks-and-tips)

  - [Templates and Designs](#templates-and-designs)

  - [Software](#software)

    - [Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) Software](#computer-aided-drawing-cad-software)

    - [Radio Control Programming](#radio-control-programming)

    - [ESC Programming and Flashing](#esc-programming-and-flashing)

    - [3D Printer Slicing Software](#3d-printer-slicing-software)

- [Parts Suppliers](#parts-suppliers)

  - [General and Hobby Stores](#general-and-hobby-stores)

  - [U.S and Canada Suppliers](#us-and-canada-suppliers)

  - [U.K. Suppliers](#uk-suppliers)

  - [Brazil Suppliers](#brazil-suppliers)



## Events and Shows



Events that you can take part in and TV shows that showcase robot combat, based on region.



---



### U.S. and Canada Events

- [Battlebots](https://battlebots.com) — The popular U.S. robot combat TV show.

- [National Havoc Robot League](https://nhrl.io) — NHRL, the biggest robot fighting league in the world. 

- [RoboGames](https://robogames.net/index.php) — Formerly RoboLympics, RoboGames is one of the largest robot fighting events in the world.

- [MRCA](https://midwestrobotcombat.com) — Midwest Robot Combat, serving events in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and more in the United States Midwest.

- [GSCRL](https://gscrl.org) — Garden State Combat Robotics League, based in New Jersey.

- [Motorama](https://www.motoramaevents.com/robots) — Robot Combat tournaments of various weight categories at the U.S. motor sports event, Motorama.



### U.K. Events

- [Robots Live!](http://www.robotslive.co.uk/) — U.K. robot combat live event showcasing heavyweights and featherweights.

- [Robodojo](https://www.facebook.com/pg/RobodojoUK/) — A robot combat event and club in the north of England.

- [Bristol Bot Builders](https://bristolbotbuilders.com/) — A robot combat event organisation in Bristol, England.

- [Extreme Robots](http://www.extremerobots.co.uk) — U.K. robot combat live event featuring heavyweights and featherweights, including heavyweight spinners.



### Brazil Events



- [RoboCore](https://www.robocore.net/eventos) — Brazilian robot fighting events of various weight categories.



### Australia Events



- [RoboWars Australia](http://www.robowars.com.au/) — Robot combat live event in Australia.



## Communities and Organisations



A number of communities and groups for people to participate in and learn from.



---



### Discord Servers



- [Out Of The Arena Discord](https://discord.me/outofthearena) — A Discord server dedicated to robot combat discussion, including voice chat and help for building robots.

- [NHRL Discord](https://discord.gg/nhrl) — The NHRL's community Discord server. Includes channels for events, build tips, advice and more.

- [GSCRL Discord](https://discord.gg/qwkeeVWgs2) — The Garden State Combat Robotics League Discord Server.

- [Robodojo Discord](https://discord.gg/XXPTdpZyu5) — Discord server for Robodojo events.



### Facebook Groups



- [Combat Robotics](https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobotCombat/) — A Facebook Group consisting of robot combat participants and enthusiasts from all around the world.

- [Beetleweight Robot Combat Discussion](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1463505713957474/) — A Facebook group consisting of Beetleweight showcases and discussion.

- [Antweight Robot Combat](https://www.facebook.com/groups/167931026734910/) — A Facebook group dedicated to discussion and showcasing of Antweights.

- [Unofficial Robot Wars](https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialRobotWars/) — The Unofficial Robot Wars Facebook group, consisting of robot combatants from around the world.

- [SCRC Kilobots Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kilobots/) — The Facebook Group for the SCRC, based in Saskatoon.

- [Bristol Bot Builders Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/BristolBotBuilders/) — The Bristol Bot Builders Facebook group based in Bristol, England.

- [Arizona Robot Combat](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArizonaRoboticCombat/) — A Facebook Group for robot combtatants and organisers in the state of Arizona.

- [Michigan Combat Robotics](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1776490859290067/) — A Facebook Group for robot builders in the state of Michigan.

- [Adelaide Robot Combat](https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdelaideRobotCombat/) — Robot Combat community and meetups in Adelaide, Australia.



### Forum Boards



- [Fighting Robots Association (FRA)](http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/) — The U.K.'s governing body of robot combat, and a forum board for robot combatants.

- [Robot Wars 101](http://www.robotwars101.org/) — A hub for robot combat, with information for building antweights and a forum board for discussing fighting robots.

- [Bristol Bot Builders Forums](https://forum.bristolbotbuilders.com) — The official Bristol Bot Builders forum boards.

- [RoboWars Forums](https://www.robowars.org/forum/) — Forum board for the RoboWars in Australia.



## Books



Recommended books for learning about and how to build fighting robots.



- [Riobotz Combat Robot Tutorial](https://www.amazon.com/RioBotz-Combat-Tutorial-Antonio-Meggiolaro/dp/1448697050/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549213075&sr=8-1&keywords=riobotz) — a robot combat build manual by Team Riobotz. [Also available in PDF format.](https://www.riobotz.com/riobotz-combot-tutorial)

- [Robot Wars: Build Your Own Robot](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robot-Wars-Manual-Haynes-Manuals/dp/1785211862/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1549213153&sr=8-6&keywords=robot+wars) — A manual by James and Grant Cooper going over robot combat design and build, as well as full lessons on building various fighting robots.

- [Beetleweight Combat Robot Design Handbook](https://repeat-robotics.com/handbook/) — Beetleweight Design Book writtien by Peter Garnache.



## Robot Combat Inspiration



Showcases and build diaries of robots, as well as fighting robots to be inspired by.



---



### Blog Posts



- [Shrapnelly — 1lb Combat Robot](https://eleccelerator.com/shrapnelly-antweight-combat-robot/) — A blog post covering Frank Zhao's antweight drum spinner, Shrapnelly.

- [Deathcap: 3lb Combat Robot](https://alucydoes.wordpress.com/project-pages/deathcap/) — Overview of Lucy Du's beetleweight drum spinner, Deathcap.



### Build Diaries



- [Building a Featherweight Crab Combat Robot In A Week](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dI0gqCDswM) — A video build diary of Joe Brown's featherweight fighting robot, Crabsolutely Clawful.

- [Inside a Bugglebot — FLICK Build Diary/Battle Report](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQsG1u2L9Ro) — A build diary covering the design and process of Flick, a beetleweight drum spinner by Tom Lloyd.



## Robot Combat Media

---



Links to various robot combat media, including podcasts and streaming channels.



### Podcasts

- [Behind The Bots](https://open.spotify.com/show/6bx2hceQKnBFldWqcVtJQK) — A robot combat podcast by Luke Stangel, Kyle Crose, Chris DeCicco and Lindsay Baer.

- [The Havoc Rundown](https://open.spotify.com/show/2OEPCloWsCpUqIzK4NjjLA) — Unofficial NHRL Podcast with competitors and people within NHRL.

- [Spinnerproof](https://www.spinnerproof.com/) — A podcast about combat robotics by Ryan Bratley and Sam Hutchins.

- [Activate! The Robot Wars Podcast](https://soundcloud.com/user-899755637) — A retrospective review podcast of Robot Wars by Rob E. Harmlessly and Benji.



### YouTube Channels



#### Events



- [NHRL](https://www.youtube.com/@NHRL) — National Havoc Robot League's YouTube channel, including highlights, shorts, and prime-time live event content.

- [NHRL Brettzone](https://www.youtube.com/@NHRL-BrettZone) — NHRL's second channel for live event content, broadcasting constant fights on event day.

- [GSCRL](https://www.youtube.com/@gscrl) — Garden State Combat Robot League YouTube Channel, broadcasts events live.



#### Teams and Builders



- [Just 'Cuz Robotics](https://www.youtube.com/@JustCuzRobotics) — YouTube Channel of Seth Schaffer, builder of Division and SSP. Contains a lot of tutorials and coverage.

- [Robert Cowan DIY](https://www.youtube.com/@RobertCowanDIY) — Robert Cowan's Channel for tips, tutorials, builds and coverage.

- [Team Get Wrecked](https://www.youtube.com/@teamgetwreckedcombatrobots776) — Kekoto Maane's YouTube Channel showcasing his combat robots.

- [Jake Hoffman](https://www.youtube.com/@jakemaximizer) — Youtube Channel of Jake Hoffman, builder of Maximizer.

- [Sleepy Anime Girl Club](https://www.youtube.com/@sleepyanimegirlclub) — Youtube Channel of Sleepy Anime Girl Club, the team behind Chainsaw Kitty.

- [Team Panic](https://www.youtube.com/@TeamPanicRobotics) — Official YouTube Channel of Team Panic.

- [Skorpios](https://www.youtube.com/@SkorpiosBattlebot) — Official YouTube Channel of Team Skorpios.

- [Kinekitsu](https://www.youtube.com/@Kinekitsu) — Youtube Channel of Kinekitsu, builder of GAME_OVER and GAME_ON.

- [Broken Link Robotics](https://www.youtube.com/@BrokenLinkRobotics) — Channel for Australian team, Broken Link Robotics.



## Resources



Links for learning the basics of robot combat, how to build fighting robots, as well as tools and designs people can use to build their own. **Note: some links may require joining a group or community to view the link.**



---



### Learning and Building



Useful resources to learn the basics of robot combat, as well as tutorials on building full robots.



#### Robot Combat Basics



Learn the basics of fighting robots, including wiring, necessary components, and radio control. **Recommended for people new to building fighting robots.**



- [Combat Robotics Tutorial](https://www.instructables.com/id/Combat-Robotics-Tutorial/) — An instructable covering weight classes, different robot and weapon types, and designing a combat robot by Titan Tech Robotics.

- [Combat Robot Electronics for Beginners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiJyD3viOOs) — Alta's guide on the basics of fighting robot electronics in antweights and beetleweights.

- [How To Build A Robot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJVKOHPe9tw) — A video tutorial on the concepts of building a fighting robot by Lisa Winter.

- [How To Build A Robot Weapon System](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6UMenU6aZE) — A video tutorial on how to make a robot weapon's system by Lisa Winter.

- [How To Use Fusion 360 to Design Combat Robot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs_T8mkXci4&list=PLXkHHPy7o3nns1KRFuE4D3pEaSU-aPLnX) — A video series by David Small showing how to use Fusion 360 to build a fighting robot.



#### Building Fighting Robots



##### Fairyweights and U.K. Antweights



The smallest weight category, at 150g. Suitable for beginners in robot combat.



- [How To Build A UK Antweight Robot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSPDW0f_MZU) — A video tutorial covering how to build a U.K. antweight fighting robot by Team Panoramic.

- [Cheap Arduino Robot Control](https://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-Arduino-Combat-Robot-Control/) — An instructable covering how to build a U.K. antweight using Arduino boards and nRF24L01 modules for control by Team Panic.

- [How To Make An Antweight](http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/threads/10471-how-to-make-an-antweight) — A forum post covering the components and build process of making a simple U.K. antweight by Laser.



##### U.S. Antweights



1lb fighting robots, the U.S. catergory of antweight, heavier than U.K. antweights.



- [One Pound Fighting Robot, Algos](https://www.instructables.com/id/One-Pound-Fighting-Robot-Algos/) — An instructable going over the build of his U.S. antweight spinner, Algos.

- [Sgt. Cuddles Antweight Combat Robot Build](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA&list=PL0zMZkIMIyC9SBFDc8SqcasGF3EYRpPWB) — The process of building Sgt. Cuddles, a 1lb antweight drum spinner by Robert Cowan.

- [Outlier](https://nearchaos.net/2023/09/outlier-deep-dive/) — An in-depth look into the build of Outlier, a modular robot by Near Chaos Robotics.



##### Beetleweights



10 times heavier than fairyweights, beetleweights are a 1.5kg/3lb weight class.



- [Naked Singularity: Beetleweight Wedge Combat Robot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Naked-Singularity-Beetleweight-Wedge-Combat-Robot/) — An instructable covering the build process of Naked Singularity, a beetleweight wedge by lewisb42

- [Robo-Rooter — 3lb Combat Robot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Robo-Rooter-3lb-Combat-Robot/) — An overview of the build process for Robo-Rooter, a beetleweight horizontal spinner by Alex Horne.

- [Unskinny Bot: 3-lb Horizontal Spinner Combat Bot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Unskinny-Bot-3-lb-Horizontal-Spinner-Combat-Bot/) — A beetleweight bar spinner's build process by lewisb42.

- [High Steaks Deep Dive](https://nearchaos.net/2023/12/high-steaks-deep-dive/) — An in-depth look into High Steaks' build process by Near Chaos Robotics.

- [Kelpie - The World's Smallest Full Pressure CO2 Flipper](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WriWPJdu7MQ) — An overview of David Small's Pneumatically-powered flipper Beetleweight, Kelpie.



#### Hobbyweights



A step up from beetleweights and below the featherweights, hobbyweights are the 12lb weight class.



- [Doom Service: Multi-saw Combat Robot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Doom-Service-Multi-saw-Combat-Robot-Hobbyweight-Cl/) — An instructable going over the build process of Doom Service, a hobbyweight combat robot by lewisb42.

- [Abrasive Personality — 12 Pound Combat Robot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Abrasive-Personality-12-Pound-Combat-Robot/) — An look at the process of lewisb42's hobbyheight, Abrasive Personality.



##### Featherweights



13.6kg/30lb fighting robots, a popular weight category.



- [30lb Fighting Robot — Nyx](https://www.instructables.com/id/30lb-Fighting-Robot/) — An instructable covering the build process of Nyx, a featherweight combat robot by Mike Jeffries.

- [Phoenix — 30lb Combat Robot](https://www.instructables.com/id/Phoenix-30-lb-Combat-Robot/) — An overview of the build for the pneumatically-powered featherweight Phoenix by Alex Horne.

- [Crippling Depression](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR0XBRxbn1A&list=PL0zMZkIMIyC-x5w-RsjeS2NQC4jmUVkYP) — A video playlist of the design, build, and outcome of Robert Cowan's featherweight robot, Crippling Depression.



#### Hacks and Tips



Useful tidbits and pointers you can use when building a fighting robot.



- [Hacking Drills — Cheap/Powerful Gearmotors for Robotic Applications](https://www.instructables.com/id/Hacking-Drills-CheapPowerful-GearboxMotors-for-/) — An instructable that covers how to use drill motors for featherweight robots by Alex Horne.

- [Brushless Beetleweight Drive](http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/threads/12755-brushless-beetle-drive) — A hack for putting a hobby DC Motor gearbox onto a 1806 Brushless Motor by Rory Mangles.

- [Quanum Brushless Drive with Planetary Gearbox](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1463505713957474/permalink/1727183304256379/) — A hack to place a 22mm planetary gearbox onto a Quanum BE1806 Brushless Motor by Cosmin Gorgovan.

- [SimonK Firmware Flashing Tutorial (Brushless Drive)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQQX7IIdAtI) — Robert Cowan's tutorial on how to flash SimonK firmware to make a Brushless ESC Reversible.

- [Beetleweight Brushless Drive](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfYZbjtgO0k) — A tutorial on how to mount a 22mm planetary gearbox onto a brushless motor for beetleweight robots by Robert Cowan.

- [Removable Links: How to prevent the worst kind of loss from happening to you!](https://forum.bristolbotbuilders.com/t/removable-links-how-to-prevent-the-worst-kind-of-loss-from-happening-to-you/229/2) — A handy guide on making a removeable link secure in a robot by Eoin Ó Cionna.



### Templates and Designs



Ready-made designs and components you can download to help understand, learn, and build a fighting robot.



#### Robots



- [Saw Loser](https://gitlab.com/alexmordue/saw-loser) — An open source design, with drawings and design files for Alex Mordue's beetleweight robot, Saw Loser.

- [Chronus Mk2](https://grabcad.com/library/chronus-mk2-hobbyweight-combat-robot-1) — CAD files for Julien Mott's Hobbyweight class vert, Chronus Mk2.

- [Combat Robot Collection - 150g to 13.6kg](https://grabcad.com/library/combat-robot-collection-150g-to-13-6kg-1) — James Kirby's CAD collection of various robot designs, in multiple weight classes.

- [Beetleweight Battlebot - 4wheel drive egg beater](https://grabcad.com/library/beetleweight-battlebot-4wheel-drive-egg-beater-1) — A 4WD Beetleweight Hubmotor-driven beater design by Gabriel Bertozzi.



#### Components and Parts

- [AR600 Knuckles with Fingertech Beater Bar](https://grabcad.com/library/ar600-knuckles-w-fingertech-beater-bar-read-desc-1) — CAD files for a Fingertech Beater Bar with custom teeth by Eshan Amin.

- [SSP Combat Robot Kit Wheels, Front and Rear](https://grabcad.com/library/ssp-combat-robot-kit-wheels-front-and-rear-1) — Files of the SSP Kit's wheels by Just 'Cuz Robotics.

- [Motherboard V2.2](https://grabcad.com/library/motherboard-combat-robotics-mainboard-v2-2-by-just-cuz-robotics-1) — CAD and documents on Just 'Cuz Robotics' Motherboard.

- [RDY-5536 Battle Ready Combat Robotics Hubmotor](https://grabcad.com/library/rdy-5536-battle-ready-combat-robotics-hubmotor-just-cuz-robotics-1) — CAD Files on the Hubmotor Design by Just 'Cuz Robotics.



### Software



Resources for necessary software to program, build, and design robot components and electronics.



#### Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) Software



Applications for designing in 3 dimensions. Can be used to make components and entire robots.



- [Autodesk Fusion 360](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal) — 3D CAD Software which includes features for sculpting, modelling, machining, and more. Can be used for free with a personal license.

- [OnShape](https://www.onshape.com) — Browser-based 3D CAD Software that can be used for free with personal projects.



#### Radio Control Software



Software that can be used to program various radio transmitters over USB.



- [T6Config](http://www.rcyachts.com/KitInfo/T6Confg/T6Config.htm) — Radio Control software on PC for programming T6A Radio Transmitters.

- [Turborix](http://www.zenoshrdlu.com/turborix/) — Radio Control programming on macOS for T6A Radio Transmitters.

- [OpenTX](https://www.open-tx.org) — Software for programming transmitters utilising OpenTX software, including FrSky Transmitters.



#### ESC Programming and Flashing



Applications that can be used to program Speed Controllers, using different software configurations, over USB.



- [RapidFlash](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/rapidflash/gehadojofkekobiohnefkabgimeniglh?hl=en) — A Google Chrome App for flashing and programming ESCs using SimonK Firmware.

- [BLHeli](https://github.com/bitdump/BLHeli) — Software for programming ESCs using BLHeli software. Includes releases for working with BLHeli_32 and BLHeli_S.



#### 3D Printer Slicing Software



Applications to prepare 3D objects to be printed by FDM printers. Can be used to print robot components.



- [Prusa Slicer](https://www.prusa3d.com/en/page/prusaslicer_424/) — 3D Slicing Software, for use with Prusa 3D Printers and other FDM Printers.

- [Ultimaker Cura](https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/) — 3D Slicing Software for FDM printers, with plentiful features and plugins/extensions.



## Parts Suppliers



Stores and suppliers where you can buy the necessary components and tools for building a fighting robot.



### General and Hobby Stores



- [Banggood](https://banggood.com) — Gadgets, electronics and technology online store.

- [AliExpress](https://www.aliexpress.com/) — Online Chinese retail store, including electronics and robot components.

- [HobbyKing](https://hobbyking.com) — U.K., U.S., and E.U. hobby components store.



### U.S. and Canada Suppliers



- [Fingertech Robotics](https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/) — Canadian antweight and beetleweight components store.

- [The Robot Marketplace](http://www.robotmarketplace.com/) — U.S. hobby and components store.

- [Just 'Cuz Robotics](https://justcuzrobotics.com/collections/all) — Parts and Kits store, including the SSP Kit.

- [Repeat Robotics](https://repeat-robotics.com/shop/) — Repeat Robotics store, selling kits and parts, including the Peter Bar Kit.

- [Itgresa](https://itgresa.com) — Robot Combat parts and kits store. Sells the Black Frost kit.

- [Absolute Chaos](https://absolutechaosrobotics.bigcartel.com) — Seller of beetle parts and the Jolt! kit.



### U.K. Suppliers



- [Nuts and Bots](https://nutsandbots.co.uk) — Team Nuts' antweight robots and components store.

- [Ranglebox](https://ranglebox.com/) — Featherweight and beetleweight components supplier.

- [Technobots](https://technobotsonline.com) — U.K. robotics and components store.

- [Monsoon Robotics](https://monsoonrobotics.co.uk) — Antweight and beetleweights components from Team Monsoon.

- [Bristol Bot Builders Store](https://shop.bristolbotbuilders.com) — BBB Store that supplies parts for 150g Antweights, Beetleweights, and Featherweights.



### Brazil Suppliers



- [RoboCore](https://www.robocore.net/) — Brazilian robot and electronic components store.



## Contribute



If you want to add to this list, contributions are welcome! Please read the [contribution guidelines](contributing.md) before making any changes.



## License



[![CC0](http://mirrors.creativecommons.org/presskit/buttons/88x31/svg/cc-zero.svg)](http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0)



To the extent possible under law, Iain <@iainiscreative> has waived all copyright and

related or neighboring rights to this work.



## Did you like this list?



If you like this list, you may also like my other list, [awesome-nodebots](https://github.com/IainIsCreative/awesome-nodebots). If you found this list helpful and has been useful for you to build a fighting robot, feel free to [buy me a ~~coffee~~ **tea**](https://paypal.me/IainIsCreative).