Cincyrobotics combat competition?

General
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Official clarification and background of the Cincinnati Robotic League or name TBD

Shaggy, a Manufactory member and Seth, Manufactory Education Coordinator, were participants on last summer’s Battlebots TV show on ABC. Being interested in combat robotics they wanted to help others get involved by starting a league for themselves and others.

To kick things off The Manufactory fronted the money, tools, storage, etc. for a portable, safe, battle arena which was on display at the Maker Faire. To help people get started we offer a class in building a combat robot that is centered around a kit that we buy from Fingertech. Shaggy and Seth hold several build sessions where the attendees use Manufactory equipment to build their bot under supervision. The basic bots are mostly similar but weapons vary widely. The competition held on January 28th was only open to people in the class and was used as a tool to build interest in the league. Our first class had a mixture of people, experienced makers, novices, parent/child.

CLASS PARTICIPATION IS OPTIONAL and people can build their robot however they like as long as it meets certain criteria. At present there are 2 classes, 1 or 3 pound bots. A decent bot can be built for $150-$300. Less if you are resourceful. My son built one using an old hard drive’s case and main motor and added a few old toy motors and homemade wheels for the drive. He had to buy some parts but he spent under $50.

The league is still in infancy. The goal is to make this a club of sorts that is separate from The Manufactory. We can provide a place for meetings and competitions, but we have no interest in running it. There is a lot of work to do to make it viable.

  1. Formally decide on a name.

  2. Form a structure, decide on officers.

  3. A method of financing: dues, entry fees, etc.

  4. Create bylaws, competition/safety rules and classes.

  5. Schedule competitions

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get involved. The Manufactory’s Slack channel is the league’s primary means of communication.

Thanks,

Lee Krieg

Manufactory President and evil corporate overlord

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“evil corporate overlord”

That is a title worth of business cards.
-D