Summer Workshop Curricula 2025 | Make It Fun Racing

Summer Workshop Agenda & Curriculum 2025

Ant Weight Battle Robot Build & Compete

5-Day Workshop | Ages 12+ (Intermediate Model Building Skills) | Morning Session (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Participants will assemble an ant-weight (1lb) combat robot (flipper or spinner) from a kit, learn about its systems, and compete in a friendly tournament.

Overall Goal

To introduce participants to the exciting world of combat robotics by building their own ant-weight robot, understanding the design and strategic considerations for different weapon types, and experiencing the thrill of competition in a safe environment.

Skills Used/Developed

Robust mechanical assembly (handling durable parts, secure fastening)
Understanding of combat robot electronics (drive motors, weapon motors, robust ESCs, LiPo batteries)
Basic wiring; soldering (optional, depending on kit complexity & supervision)
Strategic thinking for robot combat and design choices
Adherence to strict safety protocols for combat robotics
Problem-solving under pressure (repairs between matches)
Intermediate model building skills are beneficial

Tools Used

Screwdriver set (various sizes, Phillips & hex, often metric for robot kits)
Pliers (needle-nose, wire cutters/strippers)
Hex driver set / Allen keys
Soldering iron & solder (instructor supervised, if kit requires)
Robot kit parts (chassis, motors, weapon components, armor, wheels)
RC Transmitter & Receiver (often 2.4GHz spread spectrum)
LiPo battery & compatible charger (with safety bag)
Safety glasses (mandatory)
Work gloves (recommended for handling sharp parts)

Daily Agenda & Time Breakdown (2.5 hours/day)

Day 1: Introduction to Battle Robots & Kit Overview

Goal: Understand combat robot classes (focus on Ant weight), critical safety rules, and begin chassis and drive system assembly.

9:30 - 9:50 (20 min): Welcome, introductions, EXTREME safety briefing (LiPo batteries, spinning weapons, arena safety), overview of ant-weight robot types (flippers, spinners, lifters, etc.).
9:50 - 10:30 (40 min): Kit unboxing (participants choose/are assigned flipper or spinner type if options exist). Identifying all components. Begin assembly of the main chassis structure.
10:30 - 10:45 (15 min): Break.
10:45 - 11:45 (60 min): Continued chassis assembly. Mounting drive motors and wheels/hubs. Ensuring drivetrain spins freely.
11:45 - 12:00 (15 min): Q&A, cleanup, preview of Day 2 (weapon systems).

Day 2: Weapon System Assembly

Goal: Assemble and securely mount the chosen weapon system (flipper mechanism or spinner assembly) to the chassis.

9:30 - 9:40 (10 min): Review Day 1. Discuss specific mechanics and safety considerations of the assigned weapon type.
9:40 - 10:30 (50 min): Guided assembly of the flipper arm, linkage, and servo/actuator OR assembly of the spinner motor, weapon bar/drum, and associated bearings/pulleys.
10:30 - 10:45 (15 min): Break.
10:45 - 11:45 (60 min): Mounting the assembled weapon system to the robot chassis. Ensuring it is robustly attached and aligned correctly. Checking for range of motion (flipper) or clearance (spinner).
11:45 - 12:00 (15 min): Cleanup, preview of Day 3 (electronics).

Day 3: Electronics & Wiring

Goal: Install drive ESCs, weapon ESC/controller, and radio receiver. Complete all wiring for the robot.

9:30 - 9:40 (10 min): Review weapon assembly. Overview of electronics layout and power distribution.
9:40 - 10:30 (50 min): Mounting all electronic components (drive ESCs, weapon ESC, receiver, power switch). Introduction to basic soldering if the kit requires direct wire connections (otherwise, using pre-made connectors).
10:30 - 10:45 (15 min): Break.
10:45 - 11:45 (60 min): Completing all wiring connections between motors, ESCs, receiver, and battery. Binding transmitter. Initial power-on tests (DRIVE MOTORS ONLY, WEAPON SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED/DISABLED).
11:45 - 12:00 (15 min): Cleanup, preview of Day 4 (armor & testing).

Day 4: Armor, Final Checks & Weapon Testing

Goal: Attach armor panels, perform comprehensive system checks, and conduct safe, controlled weapon tests in a secure environment.

9:30 - 9:40 (10 min): Review electronics wiring. Discussion on armor materials and attachment strategies.
9:40 - 10:30 (50 min): Fitting and securely attaching armor panels to the robot. Final checks on all screws, connections, and wire routing (to prevent pinching/damage).
10:30 - 10:45 (15 min): Break.
10:45 - 11:45 (60 min): Safe, controlled weapon system testing in a designated, fully enclosed test box or arena (instructor-led). Driving practice without weapon activation, then with weapon activation (under strict supervision).
11:45 - 12:00 (15 min): Cleanup, battery charging, final preparations for Competition Day.

Day 5: Competition Day!

Goal: Compete in a friendly ant-weight robot tournament, applying strategic thinking and driving skills.

9:30 - 9:45 (15 min): Tournament rules and format explanation, final safety checks on all robots, official weigh-in.
9:45 - 10:30 (45 min): Opportunity for practice matches or sparring in the arena. Last-minute troubleshooting or repairs.
10:30 - 10:45 (15 min): Break.
10:45 - 11:45 (60 min): Tournament matches (e.g., round-robin or bracket style). Emphasis on safety, sportsmanship, and learning from each match.
11:45 - 12:00 (15 min): Fun awards (e.g., "Most Destructive," "Best Driver," "Most Creative Design"), workshop wrap-up, and feedback.