Combat robotics weight categories help ensure fair competition and manage safety during events. Here are the common weight categories found in many competitions, particularly in events like “BattleBots” and “Robot Wars.”
Check with your local competitions to see which categories they allow. Many local organizations are limited to antweight and beetleweight competitions.
Combat Robotics Weight Categories
- Fairyweights (up to 150 g)
- Antweights (up to 1 lb)
- Beetleweights (up to 3 lbs)
- Hobbyweights (up to 12 lbs)
- Featherweights (up to 30 lbs)
- Lightweights (up to 60 lbs)
- Middleweights (up to 120 lbs)
- Heavyweights (up to 250 lbs)
Plastic Antweight Divisions
The Plastic Antweight division is a popular entry-level class because of the low damage rate and ease of 3D printing. The robots are also affordable compared to other weight classes. This division has specific plastic categories for the chassis and weapons of robots:
- Materials: The only plastics that can be used are PET, PETG, ABS, or PLA.
- Electronics, motors, and fasteners: These can be made from any material, but they can’t be used to enhance the robot’s structural integrity, armor, or weapons.
Some other materials that can be used in robot combat include:
- Foam plastic or rubber: Can be used in the interior of a bot or inside tires
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW): A tough, abrasion resistant material that has become more popular in robot combat.
Check your local competitions for additional rules in this division.
Other Considerations
Some combat robotics weight categories may also feature additional or subcategories based on specific weight limits or robot designs, but these are the primary categories used in most major competitions. Each category typically has its own set of rules regarding robot design, combat strategies, and safety measures.
Again, check with your local competitions to see which categories they allow.
Download SPARC Rules (Standardized Procedures for the Advancement of Robot Combat)