Botion Heavyweight

Tournament Recap & Future Improvements

1. Drive System Upgrade

Need to implement brushless drive motors for improved power and control during matches.

2. Structural Reinforcement

Switch to PLA+ material with thicker walls (3/4 inch) to improve durability and impact resistance.

3. Flip Recovery

Enhance self-righting capabilities to ensure better recovery from flips during combat.

4. Weapon System Enhancement

Develop a more powerful weapon system with better weight distribution for increased effectiveness.

Combat Strategy

1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Utilizing PLA 3D printing to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio in the 1lb weight class. Strategic infill patterns and wall thickness optimization allow for robust construction while maintaining weight requirements.

2. Immobilization Focus

Primary strategy revolves around immobilizing opponent robots rather than causing destructive damage. This approach is more consistent and reliable in tournament settings.

3. Wedge Design

Front-mounted wedge design with optimized PLA layer orientation for maximum strength. The wedge serves as both offensive and defensive elements, with carefully considered angles for optimal opponent control.

4. Centered Weapon System

Single, centrally-mounted weapon integrated into the wedge design. The weapon housing is reinforced with additional PLA thickness at stress points while maintaining weight efficiency.

5. Reversible Drive System

Designed to be driven from either orientation, ensuring the robot can continue fighting effectively even if flipped. The symmetrical design allows for consistent performance in any orientation.

Construction Details

Primary Material: PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Print Settings:
- Infill: Variable (15-100% depending on component stress requirements)
- Layer Height: 0.2mm for general parts, 0.12mm for detailed components
- Wall Thickness: Minimum 1.2mm, reinforced up to 2.4mm in high-stress areas
- Top/Bottom Layers: Minimum 4 layers for structural integrity
Key Reinforcement Areas:
- Weapon mount points
- Drive system housing
- Wedge impact zones
- Armor panels

Tournament Performance