Test Boxes - Revision history

Chklnk: Add PBB box and safety note

2025-11-15T17:47:36Z

Add PBB box and safety note

Chklnk: /* Test Boxes */ Fix sloppy links

2025-10-25T06:35:37Z

Test Boxes: Fix sloppy links

Chklnk: Some test boxes (new page)

2025-06-08T07:15:26Z

Some test boxes (new page)

New page

Effective full-combat robots are too dangerous to be tested except in a properly constructed enclosure. A good enclosure is designed to protect people from injury and death, and property from damage and destruction. Common hazards are:

*Debris, which can fly great distances in moments
*Fire and flame from batteries, circuit failure, or miswiring
*Fragmentation of robots and test targets

==At Events==
Many builders only test their bots at competitive events. Generally events will allow access to a prepared combat arena at specified times, or by request. Large robots should only be tested in such circumstances. Some events also have one or more test boxes available. Strictly follow event rules for their use, including closing and locking the lid before each use, and opening only when safe.

==Outdoor Testing==
Historically some robots have been tested outdoors in the open air, a great distance from people and buildings alike. '''This is not recommended due to the likelihood of flying and even falling debris in case of a failure or loss of control.''' Spinning weapons and robots are especially dangerous, but even hitting a crack in concrete may trigger damage or cause parts to go flying.

==Test Boxes==
In general, small robots (insectweight, 3 pound and under) can be checked in relatively small test boxes. Instructions for building some are linked below.

*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdSkZc4kfAw Just 'Cuz Robotics video guide]]
*[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw5YuJKg8vA Team Skorpios Builder Blog]] with BattleBots stories
*[[https://nearchaos.net/2024/03/building-a-compact-portable-test-box/ Near Chaos: Compact, Portable Test Box]]
*[[https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/safety.php FingerTech Safety Guide]], test box is at the bottom

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==At Events==
-Many builders only test their bots at competitive events.  Generally events will allow access to a prepared combat arena at specified times, or by request. Large robots should only be tested in such circumstances. Some events also have one or more test boxes available. Strictly follow event rules for their use, including closing and locking the lid before each use, and opening only when safe.
+Many builders only test their bots at competitive events, which allow access to a prepared combat arena at specified times, or by request. Large robots should only be tested in such circumstances. Some events also have one or more test boxes available. Strictly follow event rules for their use, including closing and locking the lid before each use, and opening only when safe.
 ==Outdoor Testing==
-Historically some robots have been tested outdoors in the open air, a great distance from people and buildings alike. '''This is not recommended due to the likelihood of flying and even falling debris in case of a failure or loss of control.'''  Spinning weapons and robots are especially dangerous, but even hitting a crack in concrete may trigger damage or cause parts to go flying.
+Historically some robots have been tested outdoors in the open air, a great distance from people and buildings alike. '''There is still huge danger from flying and falling debris, so this is not recommended.'''  A shattered spinning-weapon blade is especially dangerous.
 ==Test Boxes==
 In general, small robots (insectweight, 3 pound and under) can be checked in relatively small test boxes. Instructions for building some are linked below.
 *'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdSkZc4kfAw Just 'Cuz Robotics video guide]'''
 *'''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw5YuJKg8vA Team Skorpios Builder Blog]''' with BattleBots stories
 *'''[https://nearchaos.net/2024/03/building-a-compact-portable-test-box/ Near Chaos: Compact, Portable Test Box]'''
 *'''[https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/safety.php FingerTech Safety Guide]''', test box is at the bottom