From studying robotics and mechatronics to robot battles

Back in May, I spotted an advert for a local event called “Rock’n’Robots”. The concept was simple - robot battles in an arena, with a live band playing alongside them. As someone already fascinated by robotics, I had to see it for myself.

I was immediately hooked. Watching these strange, homemade machines smash into each other while a crowd cheered was unlike anything I’d experienced before. For the first time, I saw how robotics could be exciting and accessible to everyone.

The unique world of robot battles

So, what are robot battles? Contestants build remote-controlled robots and fight to immobilise their opponents. Like boxing, there are different weight classes, ranging from tiny credit card-sized nano robots to heavyweight fridge-sized machines. I compete in antweight, where robots must fit within a 150 mm square and weigh no more than 150 grams.

There are sportsman and weaponed competitions. In weaponed events, robots can use mechanisms such as high-speed spinning bars or discs to damage their opponents. At 150 grams, these little robots pack a serious punch!

After my first event, I joined a group of local roboteers and started building my own robot. Since then, I’ve built around five very different machines, using feedback from each competition to improve the next.

How did studying robotics and mechatronics help?

The skills from my university course have been invaluable, particularly CAD, CAM, programming and soldering. Being able to design, manufacture and quickly iterate on my robots has allowed me to put those skills into practice in a genuinely exciting environment.

What I love most is that robot combat combines engineering, creativity, problem-solving and a healthy amount of chaos. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys making things and having fun - you might arrive as a spectator and leave wanting to build a robot yourself.

Find out more about BEng Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering at Middlesex.