Combat Robotics (Atlas)
Combat Robotics (Atlas)
Team Member @ University of Toronto Combat Robotics Team
ROLE
Sept 2025 - Now
TIMELINE
SolidWorks Robotics Assembly PCB Design Material Selection
SKILLS
COLLABORATORS
Indesh Vijayanand Jaden Zhang Jonah Kittmer Lucas Skotiniotis
SKILLS
SolidWorks Robotics Assembly PCB Design Material Selection
TIMELINE
Sept 2025 - Now
ROLE
Team Member @ University of Toronto Combat Robotics Team
COLLABORATORS
Indesh Vijayanand Jaden Zhang Jonah Kittmer Lucas Skotiniotis
OVERVIEW
Atlas is a 3lb (beetleweight) full-body spinner with a deadly steel-toothed weapon. At its maximum rotational speed of 180 rpm, it will engage its weapon with opposing battle bots and send them flying! In collaboration with the University of Toronto Robotics Association (UTRA) Combat team, I had the opportunity to design, build, and compete Atlas multiple times at the annual Botbrawl and National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) events. This project is a continuous work-in-progress :)
OVERVIEW
Atlas is a 3lb (beetleweight) full-body spinner with a deadly steel-toothed weapon. At its maximum rotational speed of 180 rpm, it will engage its weapon with opposing battle bots and send them flying! In collaboration with the University of Toronto Robotics Association (UTRA) Combat team, I had the opportunity to design, build, and compete Atlas multiple times at the annual Botbrawl and National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) events. This project is a continuous work-in-progress :)
Part 1 / Design and Manufacturing
OBJECTIVE
Our primary objective with Atlas this year was to downscale and reduce the robot’s mass by 30% compared to previous iterations (following a modification to BotBrawl’s competition rules). With a strict 3lb limit for the beetleweight class, the design had very tight tolerances and little room for error. The CAD (computer-aided design) model had to be thoroughly validated before beginning to machine any custom components.
OBJECTIVE
Our primary objective with Atlas this year was to downscale and reduce the robot’s mass by 30% compared to previous iterations (following a modification to BotBrawl’s competition rules). With a strict 3lb limit for the beetleweight class, the design had very tight tolerances and little room for error. The CAD (computer-aided design) model had to be thoroughly validated before beginning to machine any custom components.
Completed CAD Model of Atlas using SOLIDWORKS.
Completed CAD Model of Atlas using SOLIDWORKS.
Shell and weapon exploded diagram.
Shell and weapon exploded diagram.
Electronics exploded diagram.
Electronics exploded diagram.
Part 2 / Electronics Design
Electronics exploded diagram.
Electronics exploded diagram.
Electronics and motors.
Electronics and motors.
Atlas presented a major electrical integration challenge. The size reduction of the outer shell led to considerably less room for the internal electronics (motors, controllers, batteries).
Working through these packaging constraints strengthened my understanding of electrical system integration, and I am now developing a custom PCB to further reduce the system’s footprint.
Atlas presented a major electrical integration challenge. The size reduction of the outer shell led to considerably less room for the internal electronics (motors, controllers, batteries).
Working through these packaging constraints strengthened my understanding of electrical system integration, and I am now developing a custom PCB to further reduce the system’s footprint.
Part 3 / Competition
Atlas in action, at the National Havoc Robotics League (March 2026).
Atlas in action, at the National Havoc Robotics League (March 2026).
UTRA Combat Team showcasing our 2026 robot lineup.
UTRA Combat Team showcasing our 2026 robot lineup.