OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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With the success of the individual Plastic Antweight program, Oregon State Combat Robotics launched a larger, group-oriented build.
In combat robotics, the 12-pound weight class is called Hobbyweight. Unlike Plastic Antweights, robots in this class are unrestricted in materials and capable of delivering showers of sparks on impact. Another advantage of the Hobbyweight class is the commercial availability of pneumatic components for flipper-type robots.
The frame team is responsible for the overall design of the robot including integrating the other subsystems into the final design.
The Armor and Materials team is responsible for protecting and preventing damage to the robot.
How the armor is configured on a robot may be the difference between victory and catastrophic defeat. Modular armor allows for the same robot to use multiple armor setups depending on the opponent. In conjunction with armor, the materials that comprise each component are chosen for their specific properties.
The Drive System team is developing the propulsion for the robot and has decided to design the most modern drivetrain in combat robotics. OSCR's hobbyweight uses a four-wheel tank-drive system powered by two brushless motors.
The Weapon System team is excited about the prospect of commercially available pneumatic components. Some of the most famous robots in combat robotic history are pneumatic (meaning powered by pressurized gas) flippers and OSCR has decided to follow in their footsteps. Inspired by the designs of the flippers in early Robot Wars, OSCR is straying from the popular geometry that generates height in typical American flippers for the distance launchers of Britain.
Oregon State Combat Robotics covers these design elements, and more, during our weekly general meetings and workshops.