A 30lb combat robot built for UIUC's Robobrawl X. My first experience in competitive combat robotics, from design through competition.
Overview
Cowbot was my introduction to competitive combat robotics at UIUC's Robobrawl X. Working as part of a multi-person build team, I contributed directly to the mechanical design and fabrication of a 30lb combat robot from initial concept through competition day. The experience gave me hands-on practice working within strict weight and geometry constraints while collaborating under a real competition deadline — and it laid the foundation for everything I brought to Boulderbot the following year.
Contributions
Drivetrain Design
Contributed to the mechanical design of the drivetrain, focusing on wheel placement, motor mounting geometry, and the structural framing needed to support the drive system under combat loading.
Weapon System Fabrication
Assisted in the fabrication and assembly of weapon system components, translating CAD geometry into physical hardware under time pressure as the competition date approached.
Systems Integration
Worked with teammates to integrate mechanical subsystems — drivetrain, chassis, and weapon — within the strict 30lb weight limit and competition dimension rules, requiring constant coordination and trade-off decisions.
Competition Experience
Competed in UIUC Robobrawl X, applying engineering judgment under high-stakes, time-pressured conditions. Observing how the robot performed in competition directly shaped the design direction I took with Boulderbot the next year.
Technical Details
Wheel placement and motor mounting were designed to provide a stable, controllable drive platform. Geometry was iterated in CAD to balance traction, turning radius, and structural rigidity.
The weapon system was fabricated and assembled by the team as a collaborative effort, with components machined and assembled to match the CAD design under tight timeline constraints.
Competing in the 30lb class required constant weight tracking throughout design and fabrication. Material choices and component geometry were adjusted iteratively to hit the target mass.
Performance observations and failure modes from Robobrawl X were documented and used as direct design inputs for Boulderbot — making Cowbot the foundation of the next season's improvement cycle.
Skills & Tools