Robogames 2025
Overview
| Role: | I was responsible for the entire 3D design of the combat robot, from conceptual modeling to structural optimization. I also contributed to hardware part selection, ensuring the right balance of durability, speed, and agility for the competitive environment. |
| Outcome: | Our robot won 2 battles against rival teams, a strong performance that demonstrated our design's resilience and combat efficiency. This project combined practical engineering, real-time problem-solving, and teamwork under pressure. |
| Skills Applied: | SolidworksMechanical DesignPart SelectionTeam CollaborationCompetitive Robotics |
My Role and Responsibilities
As a key member of Team LYNX, I undertook multiple critical responsibilities:
- Lead Mechanical Designer:
I was solely responsible for the entire 3D design of our battle bot. Using SolidWorks, I developed and iteratively refined a CAD model that accounted for structural integrity, part placement, accessibility for repairs, and weight balance.
- Component Selection Support:
I collaborated in the hardware component selection, helping choose the optimal motors, ESCs, battery packs, wheels, chassis materials, and weapon mechanisms based on expected loads, available budget, and combat strategies.
- Team Collaboration & Build Assistance:
I worked closely with teammates on assembling the robot, troubleshooting mechanical fit issues, and making real-time design adjustments as needed.
- Competition Performance:
The bot we built won 2 consecutive battles, proving our design's effectiveness. The structure withstood direct hits, and the component integration worked seamlessly under pressure.
What I Did in the RoboGames Project
- Requirements Gathering
- Discussed competition rules, weight class, size limits, and weapon restrictions.
- Worked with teammates to define design priorities: speed, armor, and stability.
- 3D Modeling in SolidWorks
- Started with initial sketches and dimensional layouts.
- Modeled the full chassis including:
- Motor mounts
- Wheel cutouts
- Weapon housing
- Removable panels for maintenance access Used
- Part Selection
- Helped analyze and compare:
- Brushless vs. brushed motors
- ESCs for torque/speed control
- LiPo battery capacity and discharge ratings
- Ensured all selected parts would physically fit inside the model I designed.
- Helped analyze and compare:
- Fabrication and Assembly
- Shared design files for laser cutting and 3D printing.
- Assisted in the physical assembly of components.
- Verified alignment and mounting tolerances.
- Testing and Iteration
- Participated in dry runs and drive tests.
- Identified minor issues in clearance and access panels, then revised the 3D model accordingly.
- Reinforced weak points with bracing elements.
- Removed unnessasary elements that was not contributing to the durability of the bot to reduce weight.
- Competition and On-the-Spot Fixes
- Provided design support for last-minute adjustments after battle damage.
- Supported team strategy with quick mechanical checks between rounds.
Conclution
The RoboGames project was a complete engineering-to-execution journey, where I transformed ideas into a fully functional, battle-ready robot. From digital 3D modeling in SolidWorks to hands-on assembly and real-time combat testing, this experience honed my skills in mechanical engineering, precision design, component selection, and system integration. I played a central role in not only crafting the robot's structural design but also collaborating with the team on optimizing hardware choices and ensuring that the final build was both durable and competitive. This project pushed me beyond theoretical knowledge, into the world of practical problem-solving and rapid iteration, especially under the pressures of a timed competition. Winning two battles validated the effectiveness of our design and teamwork. More importantly, RoboGames allowed me to develop leadership, technical confidence, and adaptability—essential traits for any real-world engineering challenge. It was a defining experience that deepened my passion for robotics and reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and innovation in engineering.
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