Keres is essentially done

Eventually I'll add a proper power switch, but for now, Keres is done:

Keres is (nearly) ready to go

Just need to get the bar recut (it drifted during waterjetting) and the bot will be done. Weight is 135g without the bar, aiming for 12.25g for the bar, which leaves 2.75g for a yet to be released power switch that I'm planning to add down the line.

Test drive video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq_jnrT-Juc

Mid November Progress

Motorama is only a few months away, the rooms are booked, the paperwork is signed and the check is ready to be mailed out. Last year, Near Chaos Robotics entered 5 robots across 4 classes, and this year, we'll at least match that total. With Moros, Kobalos and Motor City Massacre retired, that means there will be at least 3 robots going to Motorama for the first time.

Nyx: Ready to compete and currently being used for motor controller testing.

Apollyon: I haven't really done anything to it since last Moto and it's still in good shape.

Algos: Getting some new spare wheels made, but otherwise ready to go.

Klazo: Ready, as usual.

So, that's the fleet of currently built bots. What else is there?

Keres: 150g combat bot with a 5" titanium bar. All the parts are ordered and the chassis will be getting cut soon. It's also being used as a test platform for some new lightweight gearmotors.

Reptar: My teammates 1lb bot is getting rebuilt for improved durability. Last time, it was very improvised and made of whatever was laying around. It finished 1st and 2nd in its first two tournaments. Now, it'll be made of titanium.

 Here's a render of Keres:

Detailed Instructable on Algos

I put together an Instructable on my 1lb bot Algos. It covers the initial build, some redesign, shaft hardening and titanium anodizing. The Instructable also includes .slddrw and .dxf's of all of the waterjet cut components used. Check it out and vote for it in the Digital Fabrication Contest if you like it. http://www.instructables.com/id/One-Pound-Fighting-Robot-Algos/

Near Chaos Robotics at the Atlanta Mini Maker Faire

 Near Chaos Robotics was a part of the first Atlanta Robot Combat event at the Atlanta Mini Maker Faire yesterday. We brought three antweight robots and ended up with Klazo tied for 3rd, Reptar in 2nd and Algos in 1st.

The event ran a unique format, each robot participated in 4 2 vs. 2 qualification matches and at the end, the 4 top ranked robots faced off in a single elimination bracket for the championship.

Video from the Atlanta Mini Maker Faire has been uploaded to my YouTube channel and sorted into several convenient playlists.


Full Event

Beetleweights

Antweights

Victory shot

We brought 5 bots across 3 classes and took home 3 first place plaques. Not a bad weekend.

Dragon*Con 2012 Wrap-up

We took a total of 5 robots to Dragon*Con 2012. The antweights  were Algos, Klazo and Reptar. Apollyon was the 2011 12lb champion and returned to defend the title and Nyx was in its first Dragon*Con and second competitive event.

Algos placed 3rd losing to Segs from Found Objects Robotics in the semi-final after performing perfectly in the first few matches. Algos finished with a 2-1 record.

Klazo fought Tigger, another Found Objects robot 3 times before falling out of the arena pushout while inverted and finished with a 0-1 record.

Reptar swept the bracket and won the 1lb class in it and the drivers first robot combat event. Reptar is currently undefeated with a 3-0 record.

Apollyon successfully defended the 12lb title and is the 2012 Dragon*Con Robot Battles 12lb champion with a 4-0 record.

Nyx nearly finished Dragon*Con 0-1 after facing Uberclocker Unicorn in the opening 30lb match, however after the first  round the 30lb weight class was switched to double elimination, which meant Nyx would be able to continue to fight. Nyx won 6 straight matches capturing the 30lb championship and finishing with a 6-1 record.

I have already uploaded all of my video from the event and sorted them into relatively convenient playlists which can be found at the following links:

1 and 3lb:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL381AC5277547FC6B&feature=view_all

12 and 30lb:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD9E62E0B9714FE3E&feature=view_all

Near Chaos Robotics:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCE1BDB41F8F284AE&feature=view_all