How to Build a Mini Combat Robot: Unleash Your Inner Engineer

Intro: Enter the Arena

Ever dreamed of smashing bots in an epic duel? 🤖💥 Building a mini combat robot isn’t just for TV shows—it’s an insanely fun and addictive electronics project. Whether you're entering competitions or just flexing at your college tech fest, this guide will get you started!

---

What You'll Need

A mini combat bot is built for speed, strength, and savage spins. Here's the gear:

• Chassis: Durable acrylic, aluminum, or polycarbonate
• Motors (2–4): High torque DC or geared motors
• Wheels: Grippy rubber ones preferred for traction
• Battery: 12V Li-ion or LiPo (watch weight limits)
• Motor Driver: L298N or dual H-bridge module
• Controller: Arduino Nano or ESP32 (go wireless!)
• Remote System: Bluetooth, RF, or PS2 controller
• Weapon Module (optional): Spinner, wedge, flipper, etc.
• Kill Switch: Safety first!

---

Build Process

1. Frame First, Dummy

• Cut and assemble the chassis
• Mount motors securely using clamps or brackets

2. Add the Brain

• Fix Arduino and motor driver
• Connect motors to driver → driver to Arduino

3. Power It Up

• Connect battery to a switch, then to driver board
• Add voltage regulator if needed for logic level devices

4. Go Wireless

• Connect Bluetooth module (HC-05/06) or NRF24L01
• Write Arduino code to map joystick/controller inputs to motor signals

5. Weapon Integration (If You Dare)

• Servo-based wedge?
• DC-motor-driven spinner?
• Keep it under 1.5kg if it’s for student competitions

---

Sample Arduino Snippet

if (joystickY > 500) {
  digitalWrite(leftMotorFwd, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(rightMotorFwd, HIGH);
}