12lb Weight Class

UPDATE: We have a new ruleset for bot design, starting with our May 2022 event. All bot design rules below will apply until then.

12lb full combat robots hit much harder than 3lb bots. These robots, while still accessible by amateur and home builders, start to pack a serious punch. In this weight class you can expect to encounter lots of metal and steel. Very few plastic or 3d printed materials can handle the damage these bots can dish out.

Safety

• All robots must have a weapon lock that prevents any weapons from moving outside of the cage.
• All robots must have a way to turn off power without disassembling the robot.
• All robots must pass a radio fail safe test.

Physical Rules

Weight

• 12lbs in a fight ready condition. All robots will be weighed prior to their first match.
• Weight of cameras or video-recording equipment does not count towards the weight limit.
• There is a 6lb weight bonus for robots that do not use wheels or tracks for motion
  • For a multibot, only the heaviest bot is required not to have wheels to qualify for this weight bonus.
• There is a 3lb bonus for competitors made up for more than 1 robot.
  • The robot will be considered disabled when 51% or more of the total weight of the bot is no longer moving.
  • The heaviest robot in any multi-bot setup must have an active weapon
  • The maximum weight of any one bot is 110% the weight class limit (for 12lbs this is 13.2lbs.)
    • If that bot happened to not use wheels or tracks it it's maximum weight would be 19lbs (13+6lbs)
• The weight bonuses may be combined for a maximum weight bonus of 7lbs (19lb total weight) (assuming a wheel-less multibot)
  • yes I know this doesn't add up but there is real concern that 21lbs is just too much.

Size

• Robots must be able to fit in a 30"x30"x24" Box in a fight ready condition. The robots may expand or contract during the match

Electrical

• Robots must use electrical systems that operate at less than 72 volts.

Weapons

• Robots must include at least one active weapon
• Weapons which use fire or heat must be able to self light, and self extinguish. See Safety for more information on flame-based weapons.
• The following weapon types are prohibited:
  • Nets
  • Projectiles over 150mph
  • Liquids of any kind
  • Weapons which purposefully disrupt radio signals
  • Strobe Lights
  • Lasers

Team Size

• 4 People Max

Example Bots

You can learn a ton more by studying past and present competitors at NHRL. Below is the 12lb bot category with information on individual bots.

• All 12lb Bots