Bot Design Rules - 2023 - Revision history

Paxmorningstar at 19:50, 13 August 2025

2025-08-13T19:50:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:50, 13 August 2025
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	<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>		<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>

	[[Category:~~Productions~~]]		[[Category:Information]]

Paxmorningstar: Added Category

2025-08-13T19:26:45Z

Added Category

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 13 August 2025
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	<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>		<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>

			[[Category:Productions]]

Gilhova: /* Spare Robots & Batteries */

2023-09-10T18:35:19Z

Spare Robots & Batteries

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 10 September 2023
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	<span style="color:#990099">For any robot with modular weapon systems OR multiple armor configurations, all spare robots must be compatible with each modular system or armor configuration interchangeably.		<span style="color:#990099">For any robot with modular weapon systems OR multiple armor configurations, all spare robots must be compatible with each modular system or armor configuration interchangeably.

	NHRL highly encourages competitors to bring spare batteries! Builders are only guaranteed 20, 25 or 30 minutes in between matches dependent upon their weight class for repair and recharge, which may not be enough to fully recharge a battery. In order to assist with this, NHRL will gladly lend you a spare battery for your robot. Simply email safety@NHRL.io at least 3 weeks before the competition, and provide us with a link or information about your battery. NHRL has a strong preference for XT style connectors XT90/60/30s.</span>		NHRL highly encourages competitors to bring spare batteries! Builders are only guaranteed 20, 25 or 30 minutes in between matches dependent upon their weight class for repair and recharge, which may not be enough to fully recharge a battery.</span>

	== Design Restrictions ==		== Design Restrictions ==

Gilhova at 08:28, 28 July 2023

2023-07-28T08:28:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:28, 28 July 2023
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	For example, the heaviest segment of a 12 pound multibot may not exceed 13.2 lbs. However, if the robot also qualifies for the shuffler weight bonus, the maximum weight of the heaviest segment increases to 19.8 lbs (18lbs x 110%).		For example, the heaviest segment of a 12 pound multibot may not exceed 13.2 lbs. However, if the robot also qualifies for the shuffler weight bonus, the maximum weight of the heaviest segment increases to 19.8 lbs (18lbs x 110%).

	Competitors may choose to forgo their multibot bonus so long as their robot still meets the base weight for their weight class.		Competitors may choose to forgo their multibot bonus so long as their robot still meets the base weight for their weight class. <span style="color:#990099">If a competitor’s robot requires the multibot bonus to make weight, but arrives at the cage with a non-functional multibot, the match will be forfeited.</span>

	Any active cameras or recording equipment on the bot do not count towards the robot’s weight, but must be approved during safety inspection by an event organizer or head referee.		Any active cameras or recording equipment on the bot do not count towards the robot’s weight, but must be approved during safety inspection by an event organizer or head referee.
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	=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===		=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===

		⚫	<span style="color:#990099">'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors. Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.
	<span style="color:#990099">As of the May 2023 event, fireworks and rocket motors are '''not allowed''' at NHRL. Flamethowers may be allowed at the June 2023 event; we will know closer to the event.</span>

		⚫	3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.
⚫	Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.

		⚫	NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).
⚫	~~<span style="color:#990099">~~3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.~~</span>~~
			Matches may be stopped and your robot disqualified if cage equipment, cameras or safety gear, is being damaged by fire.

⚫	~~<span style="color:#990099">~~NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).~~</span>~~

	Matches may be stopped and your robot disqualified if cage equipment, cameras or safety gear, is being damaged by fire.		Matches may be stopped and your robot disqualified if cage equipment, cameras or safety gear, is being damaged by fire.

			<span style="color:#990099">'''Rocket motors (also referred to as rocket engines) and fireworks are not allowed as of May 2023.''' This may change in the future.

	'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. <span style="color:#990099">Consumable fuel and gasses '''do''' count towards your overall robot weight.</span>		'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. <span style="color:#990099">Consumable fuel and gasses '''do''' count towards your overall robot weight.</span>

Gilhova at 18:14, 19 June 2023

2023-06-19T18:14:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 19 June 2023
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	<span style="color:#990099">All weapon systems must have a lock</span> that stops their actuation, extension, expansion, rotation, ignition, etc. Weapons that move or rotate must have a lock or be constrained such that movement is restricted in all directions. Weapons that shoot a projectile or gas must have physical means to prevent firing AND block the expulsion of a projectile. Additionally, all means of fuel storage must be designed to default to the closed position if damaged or removed from the robot.		<span style="color:#990099">All weapon systems must have a lock</span> that stops their actuation, extension, expansion, rotation, ignition, etc. Weapons that move or rotate must have a lock or be constrained such that movement is restricted in all directions. Weapons that shoot a projectile or gas must have physical means to prevent firing AND block the expulsion of a projectile. Additionally, all means of fuel storage must be designed to default to the closed position if damaged or removed from the robot.

			[[Weapon lock\|Read more about weapon locks here.]]

	=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===		=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===
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	'''Electrical and shock weapons such as tasers and cattle prods are not permitted.'''		'''Electrical and shock weapons such as tasers and cattle prods are not permitted.'''

	'''Weapons that primarily act by obstructing visibility are not permitted.''' However, weapons that produce smoke or fog as a by-product of their attack ~~(i.e. rocket motors)~~ are allowed.		'''Weapons that primarily act by obstructing visibility are not permitted.''' However, weapons that produce smoke or fog as a by-product of their attack are allowed.

	'''Any weapon that directly targets or that may result in harm to those outside the cage is not permitted.''' This includes, but is not limited to lasers, high luminosity or strobing lights, or excessively loud noises.		'''Any weapon that directly targets or that may result in harm to those outside the cage is not permitted.''' This includes, but is not limited to lasers, high luminosity or strobing lights, or excessively loud noises.

Gilhova at 03:24, 22 May 2023

2023-05-22T03:24:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:24, 22 May 2023
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	=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===		=== Addendum on specific weapon classifications ===

			<span style="color:#990099">As of the May 2023 event, fireworks and rocket motors are '''not allowed''' at NHRL. Flamethowers may be allowed at the June 2023 event; we will know closer to the event.</span>
⚫	~~'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors.~~ Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.

		⚫	Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.

	<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.</span>		<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.</span>
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	Matches may be stopped and your robot disqualified if cage equipment, cameras or safety gear, is being damaged by fire.		Matches may be stopped and your robot disqualified if cage equipment, cameras or safety gear, is being damaged by fire.

	'''Rocket motors (also referred to as rocket engines) are allowed.''' NHRL permits the use of any commercially available NAR-Certified rocket motor below size F class (EX: Estes, Aerotech, etc.). <span style="color:#990099">Any design that involves a rocket motor of F class or higher, or that is homemade may be allowed with special permission via the Design Approval Process.</span>

	Rocket motors must be constrained via a tube or clamp mechanism that retains a majority of the motor’s outside surface and back. Additionally, the peak thrust of your rocket should not be enough to lift your robot off the ground.

	Rocket motor igniters must not be installed until the robot is in the cage. Robots must be powered on prior to ignitor installation to prevent any unexpected signal that might trigger on startup. During igniter installation, the robot must be positioned such that the engine is facing into the cage.

	'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. <span style="color:#990099">Consumable fuel and gasses '''do''' count towards your overall robot weight.</span>		'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. <span style="color:#990099">Consumable fuel and gasses '''do''' count towards your overall robot weight.</span>

Gilhova at 17:18, 11 April 2023

2023-04-11T17:18:12Z

Gilhova at 19:04, 18 January 2023

2023-01-18T19:04:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 18 January 2023
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	<span style="color:#990099">All new rules for 2023 will show up in this color.</span>		<span style="color:#990099">All new rules for 2023 will show up in this color.</span>

			[https://wiki.nhrl.io/wiki/index.php/File:Bot_Design_Rules.pdf Download these bot design rules as a PDF].
	A PDF of these rules will be available soon.

	== Weight Classes==		== Weight Classes==

Gilhova at 16:21, 18 January 2023

2023-01-18T16:21:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 18 January 2023
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	'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors. Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.		'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors. Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.

	<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel.~~</span>~~ Consumable fuel and gasses ~~'''~~do ~~not'''~~ count towards your overall robot weight.		<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.</span>

	<span style="color:#990099">NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).</span>		<span style="color:#990099">NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).</span>
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	Rocket motor igniters must not be installed until the robot is in the cage. Robots must be powered on prior to ignitor installation to prevent any unexpected signal that might trigger on startup. During igniter installation, the robot must be positioned such that the engine is facing into the cage.		Rocket motor igniters must not be installed until the robot is in the cage. Robots must be powered on prior to ignitor installation to prevent any unexpected signal that might trigger on startup. During igniter installation, the robot must be positioned such that the engine is facing into the cage.

	'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. Consumable fuel and gasses '''do ~~not~~''' count towards your overall robot weight.		'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. <span style="color:#990099">Consumable fuel and gasses '''do''' count towards your overall robot weight.</span>

	'''Projectile weapons, both tethered and untethered are allowed.''' A fired projectile’s maximum speed may not exceed 150 miles per hour. Additionally, a tethered projectile must not be designed in a way that is likely to become entangled with the opposing robot.		'''Projectile weapons, both tethered and untethered are allowed.''' A fired projectile’s maximum speed may not exceed 150 miles per hour. Additionally, a tethered projectile must not be designed in a way that is likely to become entangled with the opposing robot.

Gilhova: /* Addendum on specific weapon classifications */

2023-01-12T23:52:42Z

Addendum on specific weapon classifications

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:52, 12 January 2023
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	'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors. Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.		'''Flame and heat-based weapons are allowed.''' This includes but is not necessarily limited to flamethrowers and low or medium-power rocket motors. Robots with flame and heat based weapons must be able to self light and self extinguish. In the case of signal/communication loss with the transmitter, flame and heat based weapons must self-extinguish in 30 seconds.

	<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel.</span> Consumable fuel and gasses do '''not''' count towards your overall robot weight.		<span style="color:#990099">3lb robots are allowed up to 8 ounces of fuel. 12lb and 30lb robots are allowed 16 ounces of fuel.</span> Consumable fuel and gasses '''do not''' count towards your overall robot weight.

	<span style="color:#990099">NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).</span>		<span style="color:#990099">NHRL allows the use of propane, butane and other fuel sources that are gaseous at STP (standard temperature and pressure). Fuels cannot be self-oxidizing and flame systems must not include additional oxidizing systems (e.g. oxy acetylene torches and similar).</span>
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	Rocket motor igniters must not be installed until the robot is in the cage. Robots must be powered on prior to ignitor installation to prevent any unexpected signal that might trigger on startup. During igniter installation, the robot must be positioned such that the engine is facing into the cage.		Rocket motor igniters must not be installed until the robot is in the cage. Robots must be powered on prior to ignitor installation to prevent any unexpected signal that might trigger on startup. During igniter installation, the robot must be positioned such that the engine is facing into the cage.

	'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. Consumable fuel and gasses do count towards your overall robot weight.		'''Drive systems and weapons powered by internal-combustion engines are allowed.''' Combustion engines may be manually or electrically started during load in, provided they do not cause the weapon to move. Consumable fuel and gasses '''do not''' count towards your overall robot weight.

	'''Projectile weapons, both tethered and untethered are allowed.''' A fired projectile’s maximum speed may not exceed 150 miles per hour. Additionally, a tethered projectile must not be designed in a way that is likely to become entangled with the opposing robot.		'''Projectile weapons, both tethered and untethered are allowed.''' A fired projectile’s maximum speed may not exceed 150 miles per hour. Additionally, a tethered projectile must not be designed in a way that is likely to become entangled with the opposing robot.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:18, 11 April 2023
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	Nominal battery voltage may not exceed 60 volts for 3lb bots, or 75 volts for 12lb and 30lb bots. <span style="color:#990099">It is understood that a fully charged battery pack will have an initial voltage above its nominal Voltage.		Nominal battery voltage may not exceed 60 volts for 3lb bots, or 75 volts for 12lb and 30lb bots. <span style="color:#990099">It is understood that a fully charged battery pack will have an initial voltage above its nominal Voltage.

	Any robot system that produces voltages above the robot’s battery voltage limit must be approved by NHRL and may require additional inspection. Email ~~hello~~@~~NHRL~~.io to discuss your design!		Any robot system that produces voltages above the robot’s battery voltage limit must be approved by NHRL and may require additional inspection. Email safety@nhrl.io to discuss your design!

	Battery charging must be done safely! Batteries may be charged within your robot, except for robots with flame or heat-based weapons. Unsafe charging procedures may result in a penalty via the demerit system.		Battery charging must be done safely! Batteries may be charged within your robot, except for robots with flame or heat-based weapons. Unsafe charging procedures may result in a penalty via the demerit system.
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	Any design that falls outside the parameters outlined in the NHRL Competition Handbook, OR that includes airbags, pneumatic or hydraulic systems MUST be approved by NHRL Staff.		Any design that falls outside the parameters outlined in the NHRL Competition Handbook, OR that includes airbags, pneumatic or hydraulic systems MUST be approved by NHRL Staff.

	To receive approval or discuss your robot design, please email ~~hello~~@nhrl.io at least 3 weeks prior to the competition. We cannot guarantee that any proposal sent later will be approved in time for the competition.		To receive approval or discuss your robot design, please email safety@nhrl.io at least 3 weeks prior to the competition. We cannot guarantee that any proposal sent later will be approved in time for the competition.

	Your email should include sufficient information to communicate/demonstrate your design intent. This can be in the form of hand sketch, pictures, video, CAD models, or written word, etc. During the approval process, builders may be asked to provide additional details as necessary.		Your email should include sufficient information to communicate/demonstrate your design intent. This can be in the form of hand sketch, pictures, video, CAD models, or written word, etc. During the approval process, builders may be asked to provide additional details as necessary.
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	<span style="color:#990099">For any robot with modular weapon systems OR multiple armor configurations, all spare robots must be compatible with each modular system or armor configuration interchangeably.		<span style="color:#990099">For any robot with modular weapon systems OR multiple armor configurations, all spare robots must be compatible with each modular system or armor configuration interchangeably.

	NHRL highly encourages competitors to bring spare batteries! Builders are only guaranteed 20, 25 or 30 minutes in between matches dependent upon their weight class for repair and recharge, which may not be enough to fully recharge a battery. In order to assist with this, NHRL will gladly lend you a spare battery for your robot. Simply email ~~hello~~@NHRL.io at least 3 weeks before the competition, and provide us with a link or information about your battery. NHRL has a strong preference for XT style connectors XT90/60/30s.</span>		NHRL highly encourages competitors to bring spare batteries! Builders are only guaranteed 20, 25 or 30 minutes in between matches dependent upon their weight class for repair and recharge, which may not be enough to fully recharge a battery. In order to assist with this, NHRL will gladly lend you a spare battery for your robot. Simply email safety@NHRL.io at least 3 weeks before the competition, and provide us with a link or information about your battery. NHRL has a strong preference for XT style connectors XT90/60/30s.</span>

	== Design Restrictions ==		== Design Restrictions ==
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	== The Spirit of the Competition ==		== The Spirit of the Competition ==

	Have a unique, groundbreaking, wacky or super-secret design that isn’t covered by the rules? At NHRL, we love creative and fun designs that push the boundaries of what can be done in combat robotics. If you are unsure if your robot design qualifies, please contact us at ~~hello~~@nhrl.io. NHRL Staff would be more than happy to chat with you! We would rather see new and interesting bots fight than disqualify them!		Have a unique, groundbreaking, wacky or super-secret design that isn’t covered by the rules? At NHRL, we love creative and fun designs that push the boundaries of what can be done in combat robotics. If you are unsure if your robot design qualifies, please contact us at safety@nhrl.io. NHRL Staff would be more than happy to chat with you! We would rather see new and interesting bots fight than disqualify them!

	<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>		<span style="color:#990099">Event Organizers, Safety Inspectors, or Head Referees may disqualify any robot that has been designed in such a way that skirts or violates the spirit of the competition, whether intentionally or unintentionally. See Spirit of the Rules above.</span>