StarTalk Radio Killer Bots! with BattleBots’ Ray Billings
Oct 29, 2021
Ray Billings, creator of the formidable combat robot Tombstone and founder of Hardcore Robotics, joins the conversation to share his insights into the world of combat robotics. He discusses the intricate engineering behind creating championship robots and the strategies that lead to victory in the arena. The conversation also touches on how robotics can engage kids in STEM, the evolution of battle robotics as a competitive sport, and even what the future holds for autonomous machines in combat. Tune in for a thrilling dive into engineering and innovation!
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Power Consumption
- Tombstone's weapon motor draws 1800 amps at nearly 60 volts during spin-up.
- This briefly generates 70-80 kilowatts of power, demanding high-performance batteries.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Spinners
- Ray Billings chose a horizontal spinner for Tombstone because it allows for better energy storage and maneuverability.
- Vertical spinners, while better at energy transfer, can hinder driving due to perpendicular forces.
Robot Rock-Paper-Scissors
- Combat robot design involves strategic considerations like rock-paper-scissors.
- One dominant design will always have a weakness against another, making opponent matchups crucial.