This project proposes the design and construction of a fully 3D-printed, one-pound vertical-spinner combat robot built from budget-friendly materials and an intentionally unconventional drivetrain. The robot is expected to reach a theoretical top speed of roughly nine miles per hour. Its frame and chassis will be printed in high–shore-hardness TPU to maximize impact absorption, while the weapon system and any high-stress structural components will be fabricated from carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon for added rigidity and strength.
The drivetrain will feature a robust four-wheel-drive layout. The rear wheels will use direct-drive motors for reliable torque delivery, and the front wheels will be powered through 5 mm polyurethane round belts configured as miniature tank treads—a simple, lightweight solution that preserves traction without complex gear trains. The weapon will rely on a highly power-dense Repeat Robotics hub motor to achieve rapid spin-up while avoiding the mechanical compromises and maintenance demands of traditional belt-or pulley-driven spinners.
Altogether, the project explores how strategic material choices, creative drivetrain engineering, and modern 3D-printed fabrication techniques can produce a competitive featherweight design at minimal cost.