Really consider if this is the sport for you if the only reason you want to be here is to get on Battlebots. This sport is time consuming, is not profitable in anyway shape or form, and is not welcoming to people who are just chasing fame. It matters what you do here, not who you are. Most of the competitors on the television show Battlebots do this in the smaller local robot events first because we love the sport. In addition, it is much less expensive to make mistakes, and learn how to build combat robotics in the smaller weight classes.
There are lots of them, but they’re all in place to keep you safe. Battlebots is one of the longest running events and these rules have been put tested and refined to make sure you’re being as safe as possible when doing this inherently dangerous sport. If you can’t understand the rules, I once again recommend that you start in the simpler, cheaper, smaller weight classes as the rules are less extensive, the robots are less dangerous, and it’s simply a better place for beginners.
The next step to getting started on Battlebots is to build a unique robot. Battlebots’ selection crew is not going to accept another 4 wheeled vertical robot without a really great reason to. Make sure your robot is flashy and meant to make every person who sees it say“that’s awesome!!!!” Have a great theme, and execute it to perfection.
Assemble a great team. This is not a one person sport, and it’s more detailed than you think. The most successful teams are the ones who have a lot of team members. Heavyweight robots require a lot of physical exertion, just lifting the robot on your own is very difficult. Having the tasks split among multiple people helps keep your robot functioning the best you can. Battlebots is a 16-17 day competition where you have to fight at least once a day, that means moving a 250lb robot for 16 hours a day, 7 days a week for 16-17 days straight. This also means being in close quarters with people for 16-17 days straight with no breaks. Find people who aren’t going to cause a lot of drama for you or your fellow competitors. You need to be able to focus on your robot, not unnecessary arguments.
Come up with an action plan for getting tasks communicated and completed. Being able to organize what needs to get done will help keep your project on time and see where your production slow downs are occurring. For Malice, we use a notebook, but Skorpios uses a white board. Find what works for you and your team.
Get your robot paid for. I’m of the opinion that if you can’t afford to build one robot on your own with no sponsors, you need to start in the smaller weight classes and work your way up. If you want to start in the big 250lb class and can’t afford your robot, find suppliers you love, and see if they’ll sponsor you.(See our sponsorship article here: <link to sponsorship>. Show the supplier the value you can bring to their brand. Find teammates who are willing to invest in your idea. You will not be getting paid enough from Battlebots, even if you win the entire competition, it will not cover the build of your robot.(Again, please start at the smaller weight classes if you can’t afford to build! Do not go into debt for this sport!)
Build it. Break the build down into smaller tasks. Malice personally likes to break it into categories like this:
Drive train, weapon, weapon drive, framing and electronics.
Find what works for your team. Some people will find it easier to break it down into other categories like“electronics, motors, machining” etc. Set realistic timelines. You’re not going to build a robot and test it in two-three weeks. Robots often take months to plan and build. Be realistic about what you can accomplish, and plan accordingly. Make time for mistakes! You’re always going to run into issues, and if you plan an extra week or two to have some wiggle room you’ll be much less stressed and be able to make better decisions. Add in some time for driving practice, your first time driving your robot should not be in the test box. Take whatever time estimate you have in your head and double it, maybe triple it. The more time you spend on the robot before the event, the happier you’ll be at the event.
Get the looks you want for your team planned! Show up looking polished! You have 30 seconds of TV time to be memorable to fans! Make them count! Have fun and unique team uniforms! Have something to set yourself apart from everyone else!
Get ready for Battlebots pit life – Battlebots is a physically challenging experience. You’re moving heavy machinery for long hours with no breaks for weeks on end. Make sure you’re bringing comfortable seating! Plan things to make your time in the pits more bearable. Mini fridges to keep drinks cool, and healthy non-perishable snacks are great, but it’s also about having things like comfortable shoes and first aid kits handy! You want to make yourself as comfortable as possible during filming so you can focus on making your robot the best it can be.
Get to Battlebots(shipping robots, arranging travel, etc etc) – Book your flights early, they get expensive quickly. Battlebots will arrange for shipping of your robot, but you need to get or build a crate to pack it into, and get it ready for them! Make a list of what you need to pack into the crate, and get it ready early and with plenty of time. Nothing is worse than the driver of the truck to pick up your crate being on the way, and you still scrambling to get it buttoned up.
Have fun, and take a moment to be present. It’s really easy to get caught up in the build and the show. Stop and look around, breath in the pit smells, and feel the excitement! You worked hard to get here, and it’s amazing.
