Introduction
The assignment for this first week was to begin outlining a possible final project for the class. I chose to design a beetleweight combat robot (under 3 lbs) using Onshape and Fusion 360.
Brainstorming
My first step was to research the main types of combat robots. After spending several hours watching recorded matches, I identified four common categories:
- Vertical spinners – compact robots with a vertical rotating blade or drum.
- Horizontal spinners – rely on a wide rotating bar or disk to deliver impact.
- Full-body spinners – the entire chassis rotates, turning the whole robot into a weapon.
- Other experimental designs – including unconventional shapes, flamethrowers, lifters, or hybrid systems.
After weighing pros and cons, I decided to pursue a horizontal spinner. It offers a balance of destructive power and simpler mechanics compared to full-body spinners, while also being more straightforward to pilot effectively than a vertical spinner.
Designing
Since my CAD experience is limited, I experimented with two software platforms: Onshape and Fusion 360. Over roughly 10 hours of trial and error, I familiarized myself with their interfaces and succeeded in producing my first test components, shown below.
Next Steps
This first week gave me a sense of the project’s complexity, but also convinced me it is achievable within the semester. To stay on track, I will:
- Define all key parts and systems required for the robot.
- Plan a testing timeline for subsystems and prototypes.
- Evaluate different material options for durability and weight.
- Explore possible manufacturing methods for each component.
- Continue improving my Fusion 360 skills to integrate the full design.