Combat Robotics League
Combat Robotics League
⚠️ WEAPON LOCKS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES OUTSIDE THE ARENA / TEST BOX ⚠️[cite: 3] ⚠️ MANDATORY SAFETY CHECK & WEIGH-IN BEFORE ENTERING THE ARENA ⚠️[cite: 3]
🏆 First Tournament — Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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It's official — GRM's first Combat Robotics Tournament is happening as part of Grand Rapids Tech Week. This is the finish line for our founding season. Whether you're fighting, helping, or just watching, come be part of it.
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🤺 Competing? RSVP here
Fill out the tournament RSVP form so we can pre-plan the bracket and schedule: 📝 Tournament RSVP Form
This RSVP is in addition to league registration (see League Overview & Registration below) — registration gets you into the league, this RSVP tells us you're fighting on Sept 16.
There are two match blocks — pick whichever works for you:
| Block | Time |
|---|---|
| Block 1 | 5:15 – 6:15 PM |
| Block 2 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM |
Your block sets when your first match happens. It's single elimination, so if you keep winning you'll fight later rounds and the finals too — the block picks your start time, not your only fight.
🙋 Volunteers needed
A tournament this size runs on a few extra hands — none of these roles require technical skill, and volunteers can be competitors' friends/family, members, or anyone who wants in. Mark your interest on the Tournament RSVP Form:
- Judges — watch the fight and help call the close ones (a couple needed).
- "On-deck" manager — karaoke-style tracking of who's up next and who's on deck.
- Check-in — sign people in as they arrive.
- Floater(s) — one or two people to fill gaps and lend a hand wherever needed.
👀 Just want to watch?
Spectators are very welcome — bring friends! Please RSVP at the Tech Week event page so we get a rough headcount: 🎟️ Spectator RSVP (Tech Week page)
⚠️ Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
🔨 Last build day: Saturday, August 29
Final group build day is Saturday, August 29, 2:00 – 5:00 PM at GRM. Show up anytime in that window — plan on a few hours, and there will be people around to help. If your robot isn't done yet, this is the day to get it there.
League Overview & Registration
Welcome to the Grand River Makerspace Combat Robotics League! This league features the 1 lb Plastic Antweight class, designed to be accessible, affordable, and encourage rapid prototyping and experimentation using 3D printing[cite: 3].
| 🤖 Join the Combat Robotics League |
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Official Rules & Documentation
| Document | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| GRM Construction & Building Rules | Official Grand River Makerspace Plastic Antweight build specifications & material allowances. | 📄 View Building Rules PDF |
| Zeke's Judging Criteria | Match scoring breakdown, damage assessment (Drive vs. Weapon), and tiebreakers. | 📄 View Judging Criteria PDF |
| SPARC Match Rules v1.5 | Standard combat procedures, arena load-in/load-out, emergency protocols, and countdowns. | 📄 View SPARC Match Rules PDF |
| 9/16 Attendee Guide | What-to-expect guide for the September 16 tournament — competitors, volunteers, and spectators. | 📄 View 9/16 Attendee Guide PDF |
Weight Limits & Locomotion Bonuses
Weigh-ins occur at the beginning of the competition and at any time deemed necessary by officials. Standard rolling bots must not exceed 1 lb (454g)[cite: 3].
| Locomotion Type | Bonus Multiplier | Maximum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling (Wheels, tracks, rolling chassis)[cite: 3] | 1.0x[cite: 3] | 1.00 lb (454 g)[cite: 3] |
| Shuffler (Rotational cam-operated legs)[cite: 3] | 1.25x[cite: 3] | 1.25 lb (567 g)[cite: 3] |
| Non-Traditional (Bristle/torque drive, gyro walker, ground effect)[cite: 3] | 1.5x[cite: 3] | 1.50 lb (680 g)[cite: 3] |
| Walker (Linear-actuated legs, non-continuous rolling elements)[cite: 3] | 2.0x[cite: 3] | 2.00 lb (907 g)[cite: 3] |
Materials & Build Specifications
The spirit of the Plastic Antweight class is rapid iteration via desktop 3D printing[cite: 3].
| Category | Permitted / Recommended | Prohibited / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printed Parts (Frames, armor, weapons) |
Allowed: PLA, PLA+, PET, PETG, ABS, ASA (Must be FDM/FFF printed)[cite: 3]. 💡 Recommended: Overture Super PLA |
Prohibited: Carbon Fiber blends (CF-PLA, etc.), Glass-filled filaments, TPU/Flex for armor/weapons, metal, UHMW, polycarbonate, or resin 3D printing[cite: 3]. |
| Post-Processing | Painting or marking solely for aesthetics is allowed[cite: 3]. | Annealing, boiling, chemical/acetone vapor smoothing, or treatments that artificially increase impact resistance are prohibited[cite: 3]. |
| Traction Elements | COTS rubber wheels/tires, custom cast rubber, foam wheels, rubber coatings[cite: 3]. Bristles for bristle-drives may use TPU[cite: 3]. | Traction magnets or downforce magnets are strictly prohibited[cite: 3]. |
| COTS Hardware (Commercial Off The Shelf) |
Motors, ESCs, receivers, batteries, bearings, shafts, fasteners, and adhesives[cite: 3]. | COTS parts may not be used as armor, counterweights, or weapon impactors/teeth[cite: 3]. |
| Weapon Types | Active spinners, lifters, flippers, grabbers, tethered projectiles (max 8 ft)[cite: 3]. | No heat/fire, untethered projectiles, entangling devices (nets/strings), liquid/foam, or RF/electrical jamming[cite: 3]. |
Safety & Power Requirements
All robots must pass safety inspection prior to fighting[cite: 3].
🔒 Weapon Locks & Safe Handling
- Mandatory Weapon Locks: Any robot with a kinetic/spinning weapon must have a dedicated, brightly colored physical locking device installed whenever the robot is assembled outside of the arena or testing box[cite: 3].
- Standard spring clamps (e.g., Harbor Freight 1-3/4" Spring Clamps) work well.
- Exemptions: Non-kinetic weapons (passive wedges and lifters) do not require a weapon lock[cite: 3].
⚡ Radio Failsafe & Power Disconnect
- Radio Failsafe: All active weapon bots must automatically shut off power to drive and spin-down weapons immediately when the transmitter is turned off or signal is lost[cite: 3].
- Manual Power Disconnect: Robots must have an easily accessible mechanical switch or removable power link capable of fully deactivating the bot in under 15 seconds[cite: 3].
- Power Indicator: Robots must feature a clearly visible LED power light indicating when main battery power is active[cite: 3].
- Battery Safety: Non-spillable batteries only (LiPo, LiFe, NiMH)[cite: 3]. Terminals must be insulated against direct shorts[cite: 3].
Match Format & Rules Summary
- Match Length: 3 minutes (or until KO / Tap-Out)[cite: 1].
- Knock-Outs (KO): A robot unable to demonstrate controlled translational movement for 10 seconds is declared knocked out[cite: 1].
- Pins & Holds: Stationary pins are limited to 5 seconds; active pins (moving/sawing) are limited to 10 seconds, after which the attacker must fully release[cite: 1].
- Un-Sticks: One modified un-stick per bot is allowed if bots are tangled or stuck without opponent fault (determined by the referee)[cite: 1].
- Tap-Out: A driver may verbally tap out at any point to concede the match and protect their robot from further damage[cite: 1].
Judging Criteria
If a match goes the full 3 minutes without a knockout or tap-out, the winner is decided by the judges using an 8-point damage scale[cite: 1, 2]:
| System | Fully Functional | Partially Functional (Half Points) | Fully Disabled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive System (4 Pts Max) (Left Drive = 2 pts, Right Drive = 2 pts)[cite: 2] |
0 pts awarded to opponent[cite: 2] | 1 pt awarded to opponent per side[cite: 2] | 2 pts awarded to opponent per side (4 pts for total loss)[cite: 2] |
| Weapon System (4 Pts Max) (Single weapon = 4 pts; Dual systems = 2 pts each)[cite: 2] |
0 pts awarded to opponent[cite: 2] | 1–2 pts awarded to opponent[cite: 2] | 2–4 pts awarded to opponent[cite: 2] |
Tiebreaker Rules
In the event of a points tie:
- The robot that lost drive functionality first loses the tiebreaker[cite: 2].
- If drive loss timing is identical or unclear, the judges will award the win based on aggression and arena control[cite: 2].
- If still completely tied, the winner is determined by a single game of Rock, Paper, Scissors[cite: 2].
