RC sumo robot .. need help

[modeon]

my team and i are building a 50 lb rc sumo robot for a school project. we are new to this and have never had any experience with building robots.

does anyone have any advice in design or construction?

[Conscripted]

Hello. My advice is to keep it as simple as possible. Try to plan out your entire design before you build/buy anything. If there is a contest read the rules ahead of time. Make sure you understand them so that your not disqualified on a technicality that you missed in the rules.

Most important piece of advice is HAVE FUN
Conscripted

[VegaObscura]

Does the competition require your bot to be autonomous?

[modeon]

thank you for the advice!

no, its supposed to be remote controlled

[koolraj09]

Hi modeon,
First of all look at the arena size in which you'll play the matches. Depending upon that you need to figure out what speed does your bot requires. For Example if your arena is too small then keep the speed low/moderate(as per your choice) and vice versa..this well help maneuverability and cuts down the chances of you getting knocked off the arena. Further than this you must keep it simple,get your drive-train right and have enough torque to push the other bots out...possibly a wedge(ramp) at the front side of your robot would do. Avoid loose mounting of motors and other parts.
Well that would be it.
Best Luck and have a great time!!

[Conscripted]

Never underestimate the value of PRACTICE. Spend a lot of time driving your bot when it's finished. This will minimize the "human factor". I have seen superior bots lose because of human error.

Conscripted

[modeon]

The area is a 15' 2" square. My robot needs to be remote-controlled and has to weigh less than or equal to 50 pounds.

[modeon]

do you guys recommend servo, DC, or stepper motors?

[waltr]

do you guys recommend servo, DC, or stepper motors?

For a 50 pound bot Geared DC motors is really the only way to go along with a good motor controller board.

[tyler555]

I am doing the same competition, what speed controllers do you suggest for two geared brushed NPC-41250 motors running at 24v also what batteries should I use?

[waltr]

For a 50lb remote controlled (RC) Sumo bot look into what is used for the combat bots. You are building the same thing but with different rules of engagement.

[tyler555]

?... No I am doing the robo sumo, no weapons.

[tyler555]

haha forget my stupid comment. I was not aware of what you meant. . I did look into that they are using two of the IFI VEX Pro Victor 883 with cooling fans and fan protectors.