Weapons - Revision history

RobotRobot: Link the new weapon-type pages

2026-10-17T17:15:32Z

Link the new weapon-type pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 17 October 2026
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	=Lifting weapons=		=Lifting weapons=
	These weapons lift the opponent and cause them to lose control of motion. Since the overall goal of a match is to incompacitate your opponent, lifting an opponent off of its wheels can be an effective way to win a match. Lifters can be especially effective when the arena has a pit or an 'out' area where a lifter can place its opponent.		These weapons lift the opponent and cause them to lose control of motion. Since the overall goal of a match is to incompacitate your opponent, lifting an opponent off of its wheels can be an effective way to win a match. Lifters can be especially effective when the arena has a pit or an 'out' area where a lifter can place its opponent.
			See '''[[Flippers and Lifters]]''' and '''[[Wedges and Control Robots]]''' for full design guides.

	==Wedges==		==Wedges==
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	*'''Hinged''' or ground-scraping wedges slide on the floor and may be more likely to get under an opponent, and they pivot to discourage jamming on uneven floors.		*'''Hinged''' or ground-scraping wedges slide on the floor and may be more likely to get under an opponent, and they pivot to discourage jamming on uneven floors.
	===Wedgelets===		===Wedgelets===
	Small wedges that are used to get under opponents are known as wedgelets. These can often save weight compared to a larger wedge, but can be difficult to make strong enough to survive an opponent's weapon. The '[https://www.botkits.com/collections/all-products/products/wolverine-kit-d2-version Wolverine Claws]' by [[BotKits.com]] are a very effective example. Recently, there has been a bit of an 'arms race' with wedglets becoming longer and longer in an effort to get under an opponent before they can get under you. ~~Currently there aren't any rules on wedglet~~ size ~~or length~~ but ~~some~~ events ~~are considering them~~. Wedgelets offer little in the way of armored defense except against low attacks, but they have the benefit of being individually replaced without the cost of renewing a full-sized wedge.		Small wedges that are used to get under opponents are known as wedgelets. These can often save weight compared to a larger wedge, but can be difficult to make strong enough to survive an opponent's weapon. The '[https://www.botkits.com/collections/all-products/products/wolverine-kit-d2-version Wolverine Claws]' by [[BotKits.com]] are a very effective example. Recently, there has been a bit of an 'arms race' with wedglets becoming longer and longer in an effort to get under an opponent before they can get under you. As of October 2026 the SPARC Robot Construction Specifications (v1.7) have no wedge or wedgelet size limit, but individual events may set their own; see '''[[Wedges and Control Robots]]'''. Wedgelets offer little in the way of armored defense except against low attacks, but they have the benefit of being individually replaced without the cost of renewing a full-sized wedge.

	===Wedge design notes===		===Wedge design notes===
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	For the physics behind spinner design (stored energy, tip speed, bite, gyroscopic effects), see '''[[Spinner Design]]'''.		For the physics behind spinner design (stored energy, tip speed, bite, gyroscopic effects), see '''[[Spinner Design]]'''.
	==Drum spinner==		==Drum spinner==
			See '''[[Drum Spinners]]''' for a full guide.

	A vertically spinning weapon usually mounted across the front of a robot. Normally hitting an opponent with any part of the drum will inflict damage. They take various forms:		A vertically spinning weapon usually mounted across the front of a robot. Normally hitting an opponent with any part of the drum will inflict damage. They take various forms:
	*Solid drum with machined teeth		*Solid drum with machined teeth
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	==Horizontal spinner==		==Horizontal spinner==
			See '''[[Horizontal Spinners]]''' for a full guide.

	A spinning weapon used to strike, cut, or tear apart the opposing bot. These may include:		A spinning weapon used to strike, cut, or tear apart the opposing bot. These may include:
	* Bars and discs for high energy impacts		* Bars and discs for high energy impacts
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	==Vertical spinner==		==Vertical spinner==
	A vertically spinning weapon either fixed where the opposing bot may hit it, or on a moving arm for overhead or clamping attacks.		A vertically spinning weapon either fixed where the opposing bot may hit it, or on a moving arm for overhead or clamping attacks.
	* Saw arms		See '''[[Vertical Spinners]]''' for a full guide. Spinners or saws on a moving arm are covered under Overhead spinning weapons below.
	* Gyro effects
	==Angled spinner==		==Angled spinner==

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	=Hammer weapons=		=Hammer weapons=
	'''Hammers inflict destructive shock waves, dents, and puncture damage on opponents.'''		'''Hammers inflict destructive shock waves, dents, and puncture damage on opponents.'''
			See '''[[Hammers and Axes]]''' for types, design and safety.

	==Impact/blunt==		==Impact/blunt==
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	=Control weapons=		=Control weapons=
	'''Seize control of opponents and puncture or throw them for damage.'''		'''Seize control of opponents and puncture or throw them for damage.'''
			See '''[[Wedges and Control Robots]]'''.
	==Clamp==		==Clamp==
	*Dustpan		*Dustpan

RobotRobot: Link Spinner Design

2026-10-17T06:11:13Z

Link Spinner Design

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:11, 17 October 2026
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	=Spinning weapons=		=Spinning weapons=
	'''Spinning weapons can inflict damage on opponents with a hard, fast impact from a rotating element.'''		'''Spinning weapons can inflict damage on opponents with a hard, fast impact from a rotating element.'''
			For the physics behind spinner design (stored energy, tip speed, bite, gyroscopic effects), see '''[[Spinner Design]]'''.
	==Drum spinner==		==Drum spinner==
	A vertically spinning weapon usually mounted across the front of a robot. Normally hitting an opponent with any part of the drum will inflict damage. They take various forms:		A vertically spinning weapon usually mounted across the front of a robot. Normally hitting an opponent with any part of the drum will inflict damage. They take various forms:

Chklnk: /* Spinning weapons */ Little more detail

2022-06-08T10:13:28Z

Spinning weapons: Little more detail

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:13, 8 June 2022
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	==Horizontal spinner==		==Horizontal spinner==
	*Blades		A spinning weapon used to strike, cut, or tear apart the opposing bot. These may include:
	*~~Discs~~		* Bars and discs for high energy impacts
	*Bars		* Blades and cutting wheels to cause penetration and internal damage
	*High-mounted horizontals are great for damaging top-mounted weapons and may be positioned to reach over wedges to strike the body of opponents.		* Tires to wear, dent, or fling opponents (may be permitted in limited-damage "sportsman" competitions)
	*Low-mounted horizontals (undercutters) can destroy wheels, tires, guards and frames on many bots. However, they could be deflected by hardened wedges.
	*~~Gyroscopic effects~~		The position of a spinner affects how it is used, and its use differs depending on how the rival bot is built.
			* High-mounted horizontals are great for damaging top-mounted weapons and may be positioned to reach over wedges to strike the body of opponents.
			* Low-mounted horizontals (undercutters) can destroy wheels, tires, guards and frames on many bots. However, they could be deflected by hardened wedges.
			* Many bots are designed to be operated upside-down, so the driver will need to practice driving with the spinner on the top or the bottom.

	Advantages:		Advantages:
	* Easier than a vert to target opponent with a big spinning horizontal element		* Easier than a vert to target opponent with a big spinning horizontal element
	* ~~Turning~~ / yaw of the robot is ~~not~~ a problem		* Gyroscopic effects could be less troublesome compared to vertical spinners; turning / yaw of the robot is less of a problem

	Disadvantages		Disadvantages
	* After a big hit, the reaction force can throw the aggressor robot across an arena into hazards or even destroy it		* After a big hit, the reaction force can throw the aggressor robot across an arena into hazards or even destroy it
	* If ~~the~~ robot ~~becomes~~ tipped (e.g. on an opponent's wedge) it ~~can gyro in a very uncontrollable manner~~		* If a robot with a horizontal spinner is tipped (e.g. on an opponent's wedge) the gyro effects may cause it to tumble away uncontrollably

	==Vertical spinner==		==Vertical spinner==
	*Saw arms		A vertically spinning weapon either fixed where the opposing bot may hit it, or on a moving arm for overhead or clamping attacks.
	*Gyro effects		* Saw arms
			* Gyro effects
	==Angled spinner==		==Angled spinner==

User: /* Wedgelets */

2022-05-07T16:01:22Z

Wedgelets

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 7 May 2022
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	*'''Hinged''' or ground-scraping wedges slide on the floor and may be more likely to get under an opponent, and they pivot to discourage jamming on uneven floors.		*'''Hinged''' or ground-scraping wedges slide on the floor and may be more likely to get under an opponent, and they pivot to discourage jamming on uneven floors.
	===Wedgelets===		===Wedgelets===
	Small wedges that are used to get under opponents are known as wedgelets. These can often save weight compared to a larger wedge, but can be difficult to make strong enough to survive an opponent's weapon. The '[https://www.botkits.com/collections/all-products/products/wolverine-kit-d2-version Wolverine Claws]' by [[BotKits.com]] are a very effective example. Wedgelets offer little in the way of armored defense except against low attacks, but they have the benefit of being individually replaced without the cost of renewing a full-sized wedge.		Small wedges that are used to get under opponents are known as wedgelets. These can often save weight compared to a larger wedge, but can be difficult to make strong enough to survive an opponent's weapon. The '[https://www.botkits.com/collections/all-products/products/wolverine-kit-d2-version Wolverine Claws]' by [[BotKits.com]] are a very effective example. Recently, there has been a bit of an 'arms race' with wedglets becoming longer and longer in an effort to get under an opponent before they can get under you. Currently there aren't any rules on wedglet size or length but some events are considering them. Wedgelets offer little in the way of armored defense except against low attacks, but they have the benefit of being individually replaced without the cost of renewing a full-sized wedge.

	===Wedge design notes===		===Wedge design notes===
	# Generally the bot with the lower wedge is at an advantage, but imperfections in arena floors and walls can make it very difficult to drive if your wedge scrapes the arena floor.		# Generally the bot with the lower wedge is at an advantage, but imperfections in arena floors and walls can make it very difficult to drive if your wedge scrapes the arena floor.

User: /* Lifting weapons */

2022-05-03T05:52:10Z

Lifting weapons

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:52, 3 May 2022
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	=Lifting weapons=		=Lifting weapons=
	~~'''~~These weapons lift the opponent and cause them to lose control of motion.'''		These weapons lift the opponent and cause them to lose control of motion. Since the overall goal of a match is to incompacitate your opponent, lifting an opponent off of its wheels can be an effective way to win a match. Lifters can be especially effective when the arena has a pit or an 'out' area where a lifter can place its opponent.

	==Wedges==		==Wedges==
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	# Lifters should not use plastic-gear servos, as the gears tend to break during heavy use.		# Lifters should not use plastic-gear servos, as the gears tend to break during heavy use.
	# Remember that your opponent's bot weighs the same as your own in most cases. Proper balance (center of gravity) is required for your bot to be the one that stays on the ground!		# Remember that your opponent's bot weighs the same as your own in most cases. Proper balance (center of gravity) is required for your bot to be the one that stays on the ground!


	=Spinning weapons=		=Spinning weapons=

Chklnk: /* Spinning weapons */ Drum spinner section

2022-01-19T06:12:49Z

Spinning weapons: Drum spinner section

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 19 January 2022
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	=Spinning weapons=		=Spinning weapons=
	'''Spinning weapons can inflict damage on opponents with a hard, fast impact from a rotating element.'''		'''Spinning weapons can inflict damage on opponents with a hard, fast impact from a rotating element.'''
	==~~Beater~~ bar==		==Drum spinner==
	*Drum		A vertically spinning weapon usually mounted across the front of a robot. Normally hitting an opponent with any part of the drum will inflict damage. They take various forms:
			*Solid drum with machined teeth
			*Solid drum with added teeth, bolt heads, etc.
			*Shaft with spinning discs
			*Machined bar stock, often hollow to save weight, sometimes with added teeth or bolts

			These are sometimes named "beater bars" after the spinning cylinder inside the front of an upright vacuum cleaner, but instead of beating and brushing carpets, they strike opposing bots.

			===Uses===
			*Disorientation and disruption of the opponent
			*Inflicts serious damage with an effective hit
			*May fling opponents into walls or hazards; fall damage
			===Advantages===
			* Super easy to use - aim and kill
			===Disadvantages===
			* [http://runamok.tech/insanity/gyroscopiceffect.html Gyroscopic effect] means that one side of the robot will tend to lift into the air, especially in turns.
			* Frequently damaged in fights due to high impacts
			===Construction tips===
			*The side facing opponents should strike upwards.
			*Drum spinners may be directly driven using a motor at one end (or even fitted inside the drum), but many are belt-driven instead.
			*Brushless motors are often used for maximum acceleration and effect.
			*Drum spinners require strong, heavily reinforced mounting points at both ends. In most cases a metal frame is required.
			*Both ends should have easily replaceable bearings. Bearings on the motor shaft or body often need to be reinforced as well.
			*The drum must be perfectly balanced to avoid severe vibration and loss of control.

	==Horizontal spinner==		==Horizontal spinner==
	*Blades		*Blades
	*Discs		*Discs
	*Bars		*Bars
	*High vs. ~~low~~		*High-mounted horizontals are great for damaging top-mounted weapons and may be positioned to reach over wedges to strike the body of opponents.
			*Low-mounted horizontals (undercutters) can destroy wheels, tires, guards and frames on many bots. However, they could be deflected by hardened wedges.
	*Gyroscopic effects		*Gyroscopic effects

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	* Overhead vertical spinner - kinetic energy overhead weapon - e.g. Battlebots heavyweight Sawblaze		* Overhead vertical spinner - kinetic energy overhead weapon - e.g. Battlebots heavyweight Sawblaze
	* Overhead drill		* Overhead drill


	=Full body weapons=		=Full body weapons=

MarkR: /* Horizontal spinner */

2021-12-24T11:05:34Z

Horizontal spinner

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:05, 24 December 2021
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	*High vs. low		*High vs. low
	*Gyroscopic effects		*Gyroscopic effects

			Advantages:
			* Easier than a vert to target opponent with a big spinning horizontal element
			* Turning / yaw of the robot is not a problem

			Disadvantages
			* After a big hit, the reaction force can throw the aggressor robot across an arena into hazards or even destroy it
			* If the robot becomes tipped (e.g. on an opponent's wedge) it can gyro in a very uncontrollable manner

	==Vertical spinner==		==Vertical spinner==
	*Saw arms		*Saw arms

MarkR at 11:02, 24 December 2021

2021-12-24T11:02:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:02, 24 December 2021
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	*Gyro effects		*Gyro effects
	==Angled spinner==		==Angled spinner==

			==Overhead spinning weapons==

			Actively articulated weapons which incorporate a spinning element; technically more complex but can be effective and fun.

			* Overhead saw / hammer saw - does damage by abrading the top of the opponent where armour may be weak or exposed components
			* Overhead vertical spinner - kinetic energy overhead weapon - e.g. Battlebots heavyweight Sawblaze
			* Overhead drill

Chklnk: Minor edits plus picking at this and that

2021-12-13T09:18:52Z

Minor edits plus picking at this and that

Show changes

User: /* Thwackbot */ - Details

2021-11-30T04:59:34Z

Thwackbot: - Details

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:59, 30 November 2021
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	The entire bot spins rapidly, but using computer-assisted controls, it can still be steered. See '''[[Melty Brain]]'''.		The entire bot spins rapidly, but using computer-assisted controls, it can still be steered. See '''[[Melty Brain]]'''.
	==Thwackbot==		==Thwackbot==
	Any of the above bots, but incorporating a hammer, or an arm with spikes, extending from the side of the bot. It is driven into position and then commanded to spin in place to create a circular zone in which other bots may be damaged.		Any of the above bots, but incorporating a hammer, or an arm with spikes, extending from the side of the bot. It is driven into position and then commanded to spin in place to create a circular zone in which other bots may be damaged. Since Thwackbots just spin in place, they typically require an opponent to drive into them. It is possible for thwackbots to drive towards an opponent perform a skid-and-spin manuver to hit them but these attacks typically have less power. Thwack bots don't qualify for events that require active weapons but if they include [[Melty_Brain\|Meltybrain]] drive they will often qualify.

	==Full body flail==		==Full body flail==
	A variant of the thwackbot that incorporates one or more flails (like a mace, or a chain) which can be whipped around to cause damage. These are more difficult to operate, since the weight distribution of the weapon is not fixed.		A variant of the thwackbot that incorporates one or more flails (like a mace, or a chain) which can be whipped around to cause damage. These are more difficult to operate, since the weight distribution of the weapon is not fixed.