Robot Wars Competition Rules & Guidelines

Vista Del Lago Code/Robotics Club

Welcome to Robot Wars, our in-house robot battle competition! Here’s everything your team needs to know to get building, battling, and having a blast. This guide explains what your robot can and can't do, how matches work, and how teams will be judged.

Valley View High School Will join for the final competition.

 🧠 Who Can Join?

·         You must be a member of the Code/Robotics Club to compete.

·         Teams will be made up of 3 to 4 students.

·         All club members must adhere to school attendance policy.

🛠️ Robot Build Rules

·         Custom robots only! You cannot use fully pre-built robots.

·         Robots must have parts or assemblies 3D printed at school.

·         You can use:

o   Prefab parts (like grippers or gearboxes),

o   Radio controlled (Provided)

o   Radio receiver must feed data to the microcontroller

o   Any Arduino or Raspberry Pi boards.

·         You can’t use:

o   Pre-built robots like smart car kits or pre fabricated tank bases.

🔩 Allowed Materials

·         3D-printed parts (from our school printers or printed at MVC)

·         Laser-cut materials

·         Aluminum, carbon fiber tubing, acrylic, plastic, and wood

⚡ Electronics Limits

·         Maximum of 4 motors and servos (combined) per robot

·         Must include a radio controller and receiver

·         Robot must be powered by a battery or a DC power supply

·         Sensors are allowed, including:

o   Distance sensors (Ping or LIDAR)

o   Cameras (1 max)

o   Gyros

o   IR sensors

o   Edge detection sensors (especially helpful near pits!)

💰 Budget

·         Your robot must cost no more than $100 total

o   This includes electronic components and parts

·         Does NOT include:

o   Arduino or Raspberry Pi (Provided)

o   Available battery pack provided

o   Radio control unit

o   3D-printed parts from our school

📏 Size & Weight Limits

·         Robots must weigh 500 grams or less, including the battery (Subject to change)

·         Robots must fit within a **30cm × 30cm × 30cm** box (before starting the match).

🛑 Safety & Weapon Rules

·         NO sharp weapons (spears or spikes)

·         NO projectiles (nothing can be launched--all weapons to remain attached to the main robot).

·         NO pyrotechnic weapons — absolutely no fire, or chemical-based systems.

·         Creative weapons are encouraged, such as:

o   Pushers, flippers, wedges, and lifting arms are allowed

o   Electronic attack systems like high-voltage ESD dischargers or Marx generators

§  These must be safe, insulated, and pass pre-match inspection

·         All offensive systems must:

o   Operate safely within the arena

o   Must be safe to humans when handling.

o   Be approved by judges before competition

·         Robots may not be touched by anyone during matches

·         Robots must not intentionally damage the arena or pause danger to humans

🏟️ Arena Specs

·         The arena is a regular hexagon with a 2-meter radius (Subject to change)

·         Some parts of the arena may include pits

·         The floor will be flat (e.g., vinyl or painted wood)

·         The entire arena will be surrounded by a plexiglass barrier for safety

o   Touching the robot during any match for any reason will disqualify the robot.

🎮 Match Types

·         Two brackets:

1.      Remote-Controlled (RC) Battles**

2.      Autonomous Battles** (robots operate on their own-If we have enough teams)

·         You may compete in both if your robot qualifies for each

⚔️ Match Rules

·         The goal is to disable or push the opponent out of the arena or into a pit

·         If a robot is immobile for more than 10 seconds it is considered disabled

·         Matches are limited to 3 minute rounds

·         If both robots are still active at the end, judges decide the winner based on:

o   Control of the arena

o   Aggressiveness

o   Design points

🧑‍⚖️ Judging & Scoring

Judges will score teams on:

·         Creativity– how original is your design?

·         Functionality– does your robot perform as intended?

·         Design/Engineering– how well-built is your robot?

·         Sportsmanship– do you show respect, teamwork, and positive spirit?

🏆 Tournament Format

·         We will use a double elimination bracket meaning you can lose once and still win the whole thing.

·         Prizes  and certificates Will be awarded for:

o   Best Design

o   Most Creative Bot

o   Best Battle Performance

o   Best Autonomous Robot

📅 Competition Dates

Wednesday, November 5th 2025.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026.