This robotics league is hosted by the Makers Society, the engineering departmental-based society and makerspace of Royal Holloway, University of London.
The league will be held according to the international regulations, standards and rules of a beetleweight combat.
1.1 - Weight Classification: Maximum 1.5kgs. No allowance is given for any margin of error. It is recommended robots are designed in such a way that excess weight can be removed easily, since scale calibration may vary. Weight includes all consumables and any part of the robot that remains inside of the arena such as gas bottles, removable link(s), and safety tethers. Locking bars, transmitters, and tools required to activate the robot that are removed from the arena are not included.
1.2 - Bonus Weight: Gyro walkers (using gyroscopic forces to move) and shuffler robots (shuffling mechanisms such as rotational cam operated legs.) receive a 1/3 weight bonus (2kg). Walkers (each leg with 2 degrees of freedom) receive a 100% weight bonus (3kg).
1.3 - Interchangeable Panels and Weapons: If used, the weight is measured with the heaviest set-up in place. All configurations need to known prior to the competition starting and spot checks may be performed at any time. No more than 50% of the weight limit may change between the robot’s configurations.
1.4 - Clusterbots: Clusterbots are more than one robot fighting as the same entry, sharing the total weight allowance in a considerable split. A multi-bot entry requires 67% elimination by weight. Judges/Refs must know weights of each segment pre-fight. Cluster bots with both a shuffling and wheeled robots: (0.75 x Shuffle Bot Mass) + (Wheeled Bot Mass) = 1.5kg
1.5 - Minibots: Minibots are extra robots accompanying the main entry that take up a small proportion of the total weight allowance. If a Minibot is under 150g in weight, and does not have a continuously spinning weapon then it does not require a link, locking bar, power light or fuse.
2.1 - Size: Your entry must easily fit in the event organizer’s safety box. BBB’s is 46x43x38cm. This is so that in an emergency, such as a Li-Po fire, it can be quickly and safely evacuated.
2.2 - Entanglement: The event organisers reserve the right to request the removal of material from a robot that may contribute to entanglement.
3.1 - Sharp Edge Protection: All Robots not in an arena or official testing area must have secure protective covers over any sharp edges. Sharp edge protection must be designed in such a way that they cannot be dislodged unintentionally.
3.2 - Dedicated Locking Bars: Any moving weapon requires a locking bar that completely stops motion. The locking bar must be marked as such with a tag or tape, and not used for any other purpose than locking your robot. Steel split pins are a great option and can easily be marked or have a keyring added. A clamp is not permitted. The locking bar must not be loose. The locking location on the robot must be easily visible for the arena marshal.
3.3 - Cradles: All robots not in an arena or official testing area must be on a dedicated cradle which keeps all wheels off the ground when bench testing your drive.
3.4 - Power Light: Robots must have at least one surface mounted non-filament power light that is illuminated when the main link is fitted. This should be run straight from the battery power line, not off another component (eg – BEC, receiver). The power light may be any colour but must be non-flashing and in contrast with the surroundings. Power lights must be clearly visible under typical arena conditions.
3.5 - Radio Requirements: All systems that are deemed to be ‘dangerous’ (normally the drive and weapons) must have a ‘failsafe’ device. This MUST bring the systems to a pre-set ‘off’ or ‘zero’ position if the transmitter signal experiences interference or is lost. These devices must failsafe when the receiver battery is low or if power is completely lost.
4.1 - Power Access: Your power cut-off must be positioned in a visible part of the robot’s bodywork when your robot is in it’s typical fighting orientation, fitted away from any operating weaponry, drive or sharp edges. Power cut-off position must be clearly visually marked, for example with an arrow, sticker or clear text. These must be in a distinct colour from the panel. Your power cut-off must be a removable link or approved switch listed below:
4.2 - Removable Links: Removable links are a permitted power cut-off. The link must be insertable and removable without the use of tools. The link may be fitted under a cover, but the cover must also be able to be opened without the use of tools.
4.3 - Approved Switches: FingerTech Metric Switch, Lynx Anti-Spark Switch and BBB Beetle Switch. They are all operated using a 2.5mm hex key which our arena marshal will also have to turn off robots. The switch access hole must not be covered at any point. Switch access points markings must include arrows for on and off.
5.1 - Safety: must be adequately protected within the body and securely fixed to minimise the chance of being punctured or coming loose during combat. In addition, packing such as high density foam is recommended to reduce the shock of impacts. No part of the battery should be exposed when the robot is fully assembled.
5.2 - Li-Pos: Roboteers using Li-Po batteries must provide a Li-Po sack. Lithium batteries must not be left unattended at any time during the charging process. Li-Po batteries showing any evidence of damage or swelling must immediately be placed a Li-Po sack and removed to a safe, well-ventilated area such as outdoors and the event organiser should be notified.
5.3 Fusing: A fuse rated below the maximum burst discharge of the battery MUST be fitted. The maximum burst discharge current is calculated by multiplying the C rating by the capacity. e.g. 25C 2200mAh = 55A
6.1 - Spinning weapons: 250mph theoretical tip speed limit on all spinning weapons. You must be able on request to demonstrate your weapon can failsafe and stop within 30 seconds from maximum speed in the test box or arena.
6.2 - Restrictions: No Invisible Damage (electricity, radio jamming, electromagnetic fields), no entanglement, no shatter-able rotating blades, no untethered projectiles, no fire, no smoke or bright lights, no hazardous materials. No glue, sticky or fluid based weapons.
6.3 - Unusual Weapons: If you are planning to bring a more unusual weapon type, including but not limited to pneumatics, contact-based heat weapons, or spring loaded weapons, please contact the event organiser prior to signup to ensure safety.
All rules are originated from Bristol Bot Builders and are adjusted by the Royal Holloway Makers Society accordingly.