Hickory Bot Battles 2024

Event Description

The Catawba Science Center and US Conec are proud to announce the 7th annual Hickory Bot Battles combat robot competition will be returning the weekend of September 20-21, 2024. Featuring over 100 combat robot builders from across the country, robots weighing in at up to three pounds fight to the death in the 8’ x 8’ bullet-proof arena.  This will be a Bug event, for full combat up to 3 pounds fighting in an 8 x 8 arena and 15lb Bot Hockey.   900 MHz, 2.4GHz, or spectrum radios are required. Any other frequency must have prior approval. We will have 2 minute fights with modified double elimination (single final fight) brackets and SPARC rules apply.  Included will be our 4th annual Corporate Cup Friday afternoon.  

Event information:

Location: Catawba Science Center Hickory NC

Plastic Ant and Fairy Check-in and safety inspections: Friday 11am -12:30pm

Plastic Ant Combat Competition. 1lb Plastic Ants: PET, PETG, ABS, or PLA, PLA+, HIPS are the only materials that can be used for the chassis, and weapons. Foam wheels will be allowed, Otherwise if I can touch it, it has to be plastic. Its ok to epoxy or screw 3D printed components together, its ok if the heads of the screws are visible, as long as they're only used for minimal support - like attaching the top onto the sides of the robot, or gluing two 3D printed parts together at the seam if they'd be bigger than the 3D printer base. Motors, electronics, axles, fasteners and adhesives can be any material, but cannot be used in such a way to enhance the structural integrity, armor the robot, or enhance any weapon. No other types of plastics or materials allowed (No, Carbon-fiber, kevlar, and fiberglass are not polymers, nor are plastics supplemented with them like NylonX or Onyx) This event is to encourage the use of 3Dprinters and design software, as well as helping you to learn the basics of building your own open class Combat Robot. Robot may be disqualified at the Event Organizer’s discretion if it is deemed to violate the spirit of the class. Contact the event organizer ahead of time if you are not sure your robot meets the above definition. 

Fighting starts at 1:00pm to approx 6pm. Awards will follow finals on Friday.

Ant and Beetle Check-in and safety inspections: Saturday 7-8:30am Builders’ meeting: 8:30am

Competition: 9am-7pm

Fees: (includes 2 pit passes per robot) $20 for each additional pit pass as approved by event organizer.

·        Plastic Ants= $20

·        Fleaweight= $20

·        Antweight= $20

·        Beetleweight= $20

• 15lb Bot Hockey $5 per Bot  Register as a team (a team would be 3) or as individuals to make up teams.

With such a high drop out rate in previous events, release form and payment for this event are due August 10th 2024. At that time those who have not completed the proper paperwork and paid the fees may be dropped to the wait list.   You can access the Release Form to print by going to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RDpKjdFy0QW0fTAsvLKxJUIA0_k6aLT87TyxU8O_XJk/edit?usp=sharing.  Payment can be made via Paypal to my e-mail adddress, chuckbutler.01@gmail.com.

E-mail completed form to chuckbutler.01@gmail.com.

Some important rules:

·        No flame weapons.

·        No gas-powered robots.

·        If you are using LiPo’s, you must have LiPo bags. All Lipo batterys must be in a LiPo bag while charging.

·        Bring your own power strips.  A weapon lock is required for all weapons.

·        A switch and power light is required. A jumper is acceptable in place of a switch as long as it can be easily and quickly connected and disconnected.

·        Only one robot per driver per weight class please.

Rygid AV, a HBB sponsor supplying a professional audio visual experience including live streaming.

Palm Beach Bots, Thank You to Palm Beach Bots for sponsoring Hickory Bot Battles!  If you need parts or kits, Palm Beach Bots is a fantastic and reliable source for you!

ITGresa, an Atlanta-based authorized FingerTech distributer, is a HBB sponsor with combat robots parts, supplies, and kits available for sale.  We're excited to add ITGresa as a sponsor and add this new level of builder support as well as knowledge and support for spectators who want to get started and join the robot building community.  

Consider joining the NC/Triangle Area Discord - discussions and updates will be posted there in #local-events <a

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