Build · Design

Design something that survives contact.

Your first design decision is not the weapon — it’s how fast you can fix the robot between matches. Everything on this page bends toward that.

Pick an archetype

🛡 Wedge / rammer

No weapon motor, no weapon ESC, nothing to break. Wins on driving. The strongly recommended first build — and a podium threat in experienced hands.

Best first bot

🥁 Drum spinner

Compact spinning mass, self-righting shapes are common, hits hard without the reach (and fragility) of a big blade.

Solid second bot

⚙️ Vertical spinner

The highlight-reel archetype — throws opponents upward. More energy in the weapon means more energy back through your own chassis when it bites.

Earn your way here

Horizontal spinners, lifters, flippers (no pneumatics — spring or motor only), and control bots are all legal too. Check the prohibited list before committing to anything exotic.

CAD tools (free for students)

Onshape — browser-based, free education accounts, nothing to install, works on a Chromebook. Our default recommendation.
Fusion 360 — free personal/education license, richer toolset, needs a real computer.
Tinkercad — genuinely fine for a first wedge. Do not let anyone gatekeep you out of starting here.

Design-for-repair principles

Modules, not monoliths. If a wheel mount breaks, you should replace a wheel mount — not reprint the chassis.
Heat-set inserts beat screwing into bare plastic; the fifth disassembly is when you find out why.
The battery is cargo: fully enclosed, no strike exposure, no screws protruding into its bay — that’s a rules requirement and a fire policy.
Print orientation is armor: layer lines perpendicular to expected hits, or the first big impact delaminates the part.
Leave weight budget. Design to ~430 g; the last 20 g disappears into wiring, fasteners, and paint faster than you think.

The design library

The curated library of reference designs — proven, printable, rules-legal CAD you may adapt freely — lives in the community section, alongside the bots our own builders have fielded. Bring the file to a lab day and a staff member will walk the changes with you.