The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group
BattleBots
 Major Keary

Destructive robot competitions seem to have a big following in America and have been described as "a good outlet for kids - a chance to use technology and a youthful enthusiasm for mindless violence without anybody getting hurt" [Jay Leno, host of an American TV program, quoted in BattleBots: The Official Guide]. I am not sure that mindless violence is a desirable "outlet for kids", but if you are interested in this arm of recreational robotics there is a new title from Osborne.

BattleBots: The Official Guide is a large format book presented in the style of a quality glossy magazine. Regardless of one's view of such destructive devices, this will grab the attention of most people, even those who have never been exposed to recreational robotics. It is the kind of thing that any corporate reception area should have to entertain waiting clients and distract visitors from the tax office.

Does it provide the reader with real information about how those devices work, and describe structural detail? Minimally. There is an introductory section of the book that explains how the competitions are organised and conducted, including safety issues. The main part is given to descriptions of well-known (to the BattleBot cognoscenti) machines. Each robot has a two-page spread, one side contains pictures, and the other side has a description of the robot's technical details. The illustrations are of the highest quality and look really good on the heavy glossy paper. A lot of design work has gone into the production of this title.

The third section of the book is entitled, How it is Done; the discussion is about design issues rather than 'how to construct a BattleBot'.

Unlike the robots used in soccer competitions, BattleBots are not programmed; they are remotely controlled by radio. Computers are extensively used in the design process, but the seem to be no on-board processors for automated control.

A beautifully produced book that is sure to fascinate even those without any technical background. The large format (220x275 mm) lends itself well to the attractive layout.
Mark Clarkson: BattleBots: The Official Guide
ISBN 0-07-222425-8
Published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 
228 pp., 
RRP $44.95 incl. GST


Known as Biohazard, this is one of the most successful BattleBots (22 wins in 
25 bouts); it relies on its ability to flip
 opponents over - thus disabling them - instead of destructive weapons. Its creators relied heavily on CAD in order 
to achieve as low a profile as possible, 
as well as component placement. It 
looks simple, but complex engineering problems had to be solved.


Known as Sunshine Lollibot this machine is powered by a 4 hp chainsaw motor 
and carries a 610 mm saw blade. It competes in the middleweight division.

 

 

 


This is a BattleBot known as Jaws of 
Death; its size can be gauged from
its creators, who are shown in the
photograph. The jaws exert about 15
tonnes at the tips; they open to
1220 mm and close to a gap of 150 mm.
The jaw system is operated hydraulically and, from the fully open position, can
close within 2 seconds. The machine is
powered by a 5 hp go-kart engine.

 

 

Reprinted from the July 2002 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

[About Melbourne PC User Group]