Difference between revisions of "RobotClasses"

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(Fix weight classes USA/UK)
(Add 250lb Sportsman / Robot Ruckus, history link, plus tweaks)
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=Robot Classes=
 
=Robot Classes=
To keep matches fair robots compete against robots that are in a similar "class". This is most commonly defined by the weight allowed for the robot but there are other things like weapon-type or robot-construction that determine classes. If you are thinking of building a robot you should find out what classes are allowed in your local [https://robotcombatwiki.com/wiki/Events <strong>event</strong>]. Be aware that the weight allowed for "Antweight and Beetleweight" robots differs across events so be sure to know what you are allowed to do before you build your robot. Also be aware that some robot classes are very popular while others are very rare, so before you build a 6lb Mantis weight robot be sure that your local event runs that weight class.<br>
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To keep matches fair robots compete against robots that are in a similar "class". This is most commonly defined by the weight allowed for the robot but there are other things like weapon-type or robot-construction that determine classes. If you are thinking of building a robot you should find out what classes are allowed in your local '''[https://robotcombatwiki.com/wiki/Events event]'''. Be aware that the "Antweight" and "Beetleweight" classes differ across events as shown below, so be sure to know what you are allowed to do before you build your robot. Note that some robot classes are very popular while others are very rare, so before you build a 6lb Mantisweight bot be sure that your local event runs that weight class.
  
 
[[File:Robot_Weight_Classes.jpg|thumb|1 pound Antweight to 60 pound Lightweight]]
 
[[File:Robot_Weight_Classes.jpg|thumb|1 pound Antweight to 60 pound Lightweight]]
=Weight Classes=
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==Weight Classes==
 
These weight classes are primarily determined by the maximum weight allowed for the robot. Some rules also have size restrictions so be sure to read the [https://robotcombatwiki.com/wiki/Rules <strong>rules</strong>] for your local event.
 
These weight classes are primarily determined by the maximum weight allowed for the robot. Some rules also have size restrictions so be sure to read the [https://robotcombatwiki.com/wiki/Rules <strong>rules</strong>] for your local event.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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| Middleweight || 120lb || -- || --
 
| Middleweight || 120lb || -- || --
 
|-
 
|-
| Heavyweight || 220lb || -- || --
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| Heavyweight || 220lb || 100kg || --
 
|-
 
|-
 
| TV-Heavyweight || 250lb || -- || [https://battlebots.com BattleBots]
 
| TV-Heavyweight || 250lb || -- || [https://battlebots.com BattleBots]
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Often weight bonuses will be offered for specific design features. For example, SPARC rules allow for bots to be up to 50% heavier for bots which shuffle instead of roll, or double weight for bots which fully qualify as Non-Wheeled. Likewise, BattleBots heavyweights can currently be up to 500.0 pounds if they can walk using articulated legs, and meet a number of other design criteria.
 
Often weight bonuses will be offered for specific design features. For example, SPARC rules allow for bots to be up to 50% heavier for bots which shuffle instead of roll, or double weight for bots which fully qualify as Non-Wheeled. Likewise, BattleBots heavyweights can currently be up to 500.0 pounds if they can walk using articulated legs, and meet a number of other design criteria.
  
=Weapon Restricted Classes=
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==Weapon Restricted Classes==
 
These robot classes align with an existing weight class, but have further restrictions on what weapons can be used as well as other possible restrictions on things like using ground-scraping wedges. These classes may be less destructive for builders who don't want their creations so easily destroyed. They are often used for events where they don't have an arena that can safely contain a full-combat robot; for example, spinning weapons may be forbidden, or limited in kinetic energy.
 
These robot classes align with an existing weight class, but have further restrictions on what weapons can be used as well as other possible restrictions on things like using ground-scraping wedges. These classes may be less destructive for builders who don't want their creations so easily destroyed. They are often used for events where they don't have an arena that can safely contain a full-combat robot; for example, spinning weapons may be forbidden, or limited in kinetic energy.
  
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* 30lb (Tabletop)
 
* 30lb (Tabletop)
 
* 60lb ([http://sparc.tools/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/SPARC_Robot_Construction_Specifications_v1.3.pdf Sportsman])
 
* 60lb ([http://sparc.tools/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/SPARC_Robot_Construction_Specifications_v1.3.pdf Sportsman])
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* 250lb ([https://www.robotruckus.org/assets/pdf/RobotRuckus_ConstructionSpecs_v2_1.pdf Sportsman])
  
=Construction Restricted Classes=
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==Construction Restricted Classes==
==Plastic Ant==
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These classes place restrictions on construction materials and methods.
 +
 
 +
===Plastic Ant===
 
In an effort to make robot building more accessible the '''[[Plastic_Antweights|plastic antweight]]''' class was started by '''[https://westernalliedrobotics.com Western Allied Robotics]'''. These robots are primarily 3d printed but can be fabricated out of approved plastics. The robot class became popular and the rules were adopted by '''[http://sparc.tools Sparc.tools]'''.
 
In an effort to make robot building more accessible the '''[[Plastic_Antweights|plastic antweight]]''' class was started by '''[https://westernalliedrobotics.com Western Allied Robotics]'''. These robots are primarily 3d printed but can be fabricated out of approved plastics. The robot class became popular and the rules were adopted by '''[http://sparc.tools Sparc.tools]'''.
  
==Termiteweight==
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===Termiteweight===
 
There are kits to construct combat robots from laser-cut wood pieces. They have all the parts needed to construct the robot and the transmitter, but no spares in case of damage. This type of bot is humorously known as "termite weight," and while they could in theory be entered into organized competition in the 1lb class, they have many serious disadvantages compared to normal 1lb opponents, such as plastic motor gears, lower battery capacity, and slower battery charging. Termite kits are fun, but are unlikely to succeed against more robust bots.
 
There are kits to construct combat robots from laser-cut wood pieces. They have all the parts needed to construct the robot and the transmitter, but no spares in case of damage. This type of bot is humorously known as "termite weight," and while they could in theory be entered into organized competition in the 1lb class, they have many serious disadvantages compared to normal 1lb opponents, such as plastic motor gears, lower battery capacity, and slower battery charging. Termite kits are fun, but are unlikely to succeed against more robust bots.
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==Historic Weight Classes==
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[https://robotwars.fandom.com/wiki/Weight_Classes This article] covers much of the history of weight classes in robot combat.

Revision as of 03:54, 27 May 2022

Robot Classes

To keep matches fair robots compete against robots that are in a similar "class". This is most commonly defined by the weight allowed for the robot but there are other things like weapon-type or robot-construction that determine classes. If you are thinking of building a robot you should find out what classes are allowed in your local event. Be aware that the "Antweight" and "Beetleweight" classes differ across events as shown below, so be sure to know what you are allowed to do before you build your robot. Note that some robot classes are very popular while others are very rare, so before you build a 6lb Mantisweight bot be sure that your local event runs that weight class.

1 pound Antweight to 60 pound Lightweight

Weight Classes

These weight classes are primarily determined by the maximum weight allowed for the robot. Some rules also have size restrictions so be sure to read the rules for your local event.

Robot Weight Classes
Class SPARC (USA) FRA (UK) Special
Fleaweight 75g -- --
Fairyweight 150g -- --
Antweight 1lb 150g --
Beetleweight 3lb 1.5kg --
Mantisweight 6lb -- --
Dogeweight 15lb -- National Robotics League
Featherweight 30lb 30lb --
Lightweight 60lb -- --
Middleweight 120lb -- --
Heavyweight 220lb 100kg --
TV-Heavyweight 250lb -- BattleBots

Often weight bonuses will be offered for specific design features. For example, SPARC rules allow for bots to be up to 50% heavier for bots which shuffle instead of roll, or double weight for bots which fully qualify as Non-Wheeled. Likewise, BattleBots heavyweights can currently be up to 500.0 pounds if they can walk using articulated legs, and meet a number of other design criteria.

Weapon Restricted Classes

These robot classes align with an existing weight class, but have further restrictions on what weapons can be used as well as other possible restrictions on things like using ground-scraping wedges. These classes may be less destructive for builders who don't want their creations so easily destroyed. They are often used for events where they don't have an arena that can safely contain a full-combat robot; for example, spinning weapons may be forbidden, or limited in kinetic energy.

Before entering this type of competition, please read your event's rules to understand the restrictions.

Construction Restricted Classes

These classes place restrictions on construction materials and methods.

Plastic Ant

In an effort to make robot building more accessible the plastic antweight class was started by Western Allied Robotics. These robots are primarily 3d printed but can be fabricated out of approved plastics. The robot class became popular and the rules were adopted by Sparc.tools.

Termiteweight

There are kits to construct combat robots from laser-cut wood pieces. They have all the parts needed to construct the robot and the transmitter, but no spares in case of damage. This type of bot is humorously known as "termite weight," and while they could in theory be entered into organized competition in the 1lb class, they have many serious disadvantages compared to normal 1lb opponents, such as plastic motor gears, lower battery capacity, and slower battery charging. Termite kits are fun, but are unlikely to succeed against more robust bots.

Historic Weight Classes

This article covers much of the history of weight classes in robot combat.