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9 Steps of Building a Robot

Have you thought of building a combat robot but don't know yet where to start? What do you need to build a robot? Where can you get the materials?

Step 1: Weight category and type of robot


To start you need to imagine what your robot would look like. It is a lot easier to look for parts when you have a clear vision for your robot. AHHAA RoboBattle has two weight categories: 0-29,9 kg and 30-55,0 kg. So first, you need to decide which weight category you want to participate in. It's completely fine if you aim for the lighter category but in the end your robot's weight places you in the heavier weight category.

After that you should think through what type of robot you want to build. The most popular types are:

Step 2: Find out the backround information and form a budget


When you have chosen your type of robot then it is wise to explore the backround of the chosen type. For example, check out what kind of robots others have built and read some blogs. Watch some videos where people show and discuss the mistakes that are often made when building robots.


Because robotics and technology don't come free, you need to form a budget. Figure out how much you are willing to invest in the build of your robot. You should also look around in your home as you might just find some parts that you could use in your build. We also recommend to check out your local junk yards and demolition places where you may find something useful.

The parts necessary to build a robot:

It is important not to forget spare parts because during the competition you might need to switch out some components.

Step 3: First design


Certainly it is important to visualize your robot but even more important is to make some blueprints for your robot from every direction. It is enough in the beginning to draw up a simple sketch. But the more you think your plan through the more you also need to make your blueprints more detailed.

When making blueprints it is useful to check out similar robot designs from other builders. In that way you can find out what worked in their builds and brought success. You can also figure out if you want to build an unique robot with a wow-effect or would you prefer a robot that has a more classical build but is more reliable in battle.


Certainly read through the rules of the competition so you dont use parts for your robot that are not allowed. You can find RoboBattle rules HERE.


Last part of this step is to lay out all of the parts you have for the robot. If you have all the parts that you need then weigh them and calculate which weight category do you fit in. From here you can see how much weight you have left over for parts that you are missing or decide if it might be more reasonable to move over into the heavier weight category.



Step 4: Design on the computer if possible


If you have the opportunity then we recommend to create a visual model of your robot. This can help to see different building situations and prevent future problems. Visual model in the computer can also help you to see how your parts fit to eachother.

Most used softwares are:  Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks ja  Pro-e.

Step 5: Constructing the designed parts


If you are not planning to spend large amounts of money for pre-manufactured parts then you need to make them yourself. First you need to find suitable materials and then you can start constructing. Often hand-made parts are also needed for more complicated builds as you might not find pre-manufactured parts that suit the design.


Of course you should not forget your weapons. These also have different types like circular saw and claws. There are also different ways you can build them yourself.

Step 6: Connecting the parts


Now starts the most interesting part: the screwing/welding/glueing together your robot. First position your parts to their places according to your blueprints. It is possible that some parts need to be altered or even replaced. You should not lose hope when your parts do not fit straight away. Focus on the problems and find solutions.

Step 7: Wires and remote control


A robot without controllability is just cool technological art. You need to find a way to remote control all of the motors in your robot. A radio reciever is necessary which can activate your motors.

Step 8: Testing


When you have finished constructing your robot then you can start with testing it. When testing make sure that you are protected and follow rules for safety. for example test your motors before you install them in your robot. When you are sure that your robot has been assembled correctly and ready for work then you can learn hot control and drive it. Ensuring success on the robot arena also depends on skilled use of the remote control.

Step 9: Bring your robot to the arena and have fun!


Now that your robot is constructed and tested there is nohing else to do other than bringing it to the arena to see how it measures against other robots. See you in battle!