Design Your Bot

From concept to CAD model

Learn to design effective combat robots using CAD software, proven archetypes, and strategic thinking. Whether you're starting from scratch or modifying existing designs, we'll guide you through the process.

Design Process

1

Define Strategy

What do you want your bot to do? Attack, defend, or control?

2

Choose Archetype

Pick a proven bot type that matches your strategy and skills.

3

CAD Modeling

Design and iterate your robot in 3D before building anything.

4

Validate Design

Check weight, printability, and assembly before printing parts.

Combat Robot Archetypes

Difficulty: Beginner • Intermediate • Advanced • Expert

Vertical Spinner example

Vertical Spinner

BEGINNER

Simple vertical spinner using a disc or a straight bar to flip and damage opponents.

  • Proven, straightforward design
  • Easy to drive and control
  • Good upward bite and toss
Drum Spinner example

Drum Spinner (Vertical)

INTERMEDIATE

A rotating drum with teeth that chews into opponents and launches them upward. Common in 3lbs and heavier.

  • More damage per hit
  • Compact and efficient
  • Great sustained pressure
Beater example

Beater (Vertical)

ADVANCED

A lightweight vertical bar spinning at very high speed for massive single-point hits.

  • Very energy-dense
  • Precise balancing needed
  • Challenging mounting
Undercutter example

Undercutter

INTERMEDIATE

Low-mounted horizontal spinner aimed at wheels and undersides.

  • Targets "Ground Game" and wheels
  • Very low profile
  • Difficult to reach
Horizontal Spinner example

Horizontal Spinner

ADVANCED

A horizontal spinner for hard hitting, chaotic attacks.

  • Easy to learn, hard to master
  • Devastating Energy
  • KO Potential
Meme Bot example

Meme Bot / Fun Bot

EXPERT

A fun bot that wins the crowd

  • Explore unique and impractical designs
  • Follow an intricate theme
  • Have Fun!
Overhead Spinner example

Overhead Spinner

ADVANCED

A horizontal weapon mounted above the chassis to strike top armor in a downward arc.

  • Targets top panels
  • Less floor interaction
  • Pairs well "Ground Game"
Wedge example

Wedge / Pusher

BEGINNER

Simple armored bot that wins by getting under opponents and shoving them.

  • Reliable and tough
  • Excellent ground control
  • Easy to drive and repair
Lifter example

Lifter

INTERMEDIATE

Forks or arms raise opponents to control position and neutralize weapon angles.

  • Exposes weak spots
  • Strategic control
  • Anti-Spinner forks
Grappler example

Grappler / Clamper

ADVANCED

Grabs and holds opponents to shut down weapons and control the pace.

  • Controls match flow
  • Denies weapon use
  • Strong for judges' calls
Hammer example

Hammer / Overhead Weapon

EXPERT

Axes, hammers, or saws that strike from above to damage armor directly.

  • Targeted precision hits
  • Attacks weak top plates
  • Combination of control and damage
Full-Body Spinner example

Full-Body Spinner

EXPERT

The entire outer shell spins, turning the whole robot into a weapon.

  • 360° attack coverage
  • Hard to approach safely
  • High intimidation factor

CAD Resources & Downloads

Start with proven designs and component libraries, then modify and customize to create your unique robot.

Coming Soon

Starter Designs

Complete CAD models of proven bots you can print and build immediately.

Component Library

3D models of motors, wheels, fasteners, and electronics for accurate assemblies.

CAD Tutorials

Step-by-step video guides for Fusion 360 and Onshape specific to robot design.

Templates

Pre-configured CAD templates with proper constraints and material assignments.

Essential Design Principles

Weight Distribution

Keep the center of mass low and central for stability. Heavy components like batteries and motors should be mounted as low as possible in the chassis.

Design for 3D Printing

Avoid overhangs greater than 45°, use appropriate wall thickness (2-3 perimeters), and consider print orientation for maximum strength.

Serviceability First

Design for quick repairs between matches. Use removable panels, accessible fasteners, and modular components that can be swapped easily.

Safety Integration

Include weapon safety features from the start. Design weapon locks, safe power switches, and secure battery mounting as core requirements.

Material Efficiency

Optimize for the 1lb weight limit by using hollow sections, removing unnecessary material, and choosing the right plastic thickness for each component.

Drive System Layout

Plan your drive system early. Consider gear ratios, motor mounting, wheel placement, and how drive components integrate with your weapon system.

Ready to Start Designing?

Download starter files and begin creating your robot in CAD. From concept to competition-ready design.

Download CAD Files Next: 3D Printing →