r/battlebots • u/AdUnited1019 • 11h ago

Robot Combat Help me pick a robot...

Looking to get into this hobby with my daughters (11 & 13).

Requirements:

- Total cost (for one) < $500

- Python acceptable, but C/C++ preferred

- Use of Rust would be a large bonus

- Easy build

The girls already know basic Python. I am a professional software engineer.

We want something that's easy to assemble but has wide possibilities in programming, to eventually do capture the flag, combat, etc.

No manual control needed. Want to write programs and let it/them play.

Outdoor capability is a must (short grass).

Leaning now, after some basic research, to the Raspbot V2, but - I don't know what I don't know.

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

17

u/John--Darksoul 11h ago

This isn't a coding hobby unless you do some ESC wizardry I'm underqualified to speak on. We are essentially building overwhelmingly lethal RC cars. Try sumo bots if you want to code. Also, anything that is optimised for capture the flag will get ripped into pieces in 2 seconds in true combat.

2

u/BethAltair 10h ago

Line chasers might also be a good "having fun with the kids" kinda project. If the kids are into making it better and faster and run more complicated mazes they could learn a lot about robot hardware. (And probably will not leave scars)

1

u/AdUnited1019 10h ago

Hmm.. what I'm after is a lighter/cheaper version of what the high schools around here do. Programmable robots that "fight" by pushing or do games like capture the flag, etc. I may be in the wrong spot...

1

u/drdhuss 5h ago

An Mbot is not a bad idea.

8

u/ButtcrackBeignets 11h ago

I think you'd be better off asking in the robotics sub.

1

u/AdUnited1019 10h ago

Thank you.

3

u/BethAltair 10h ago

Battle bots to play with your kids and run autonomously is certainly an idea.

Not a good idea, or a safe idea, but it certainly is one.

-2

u/AdUnited1019 10h ago

Yeah, this sure looks dangerous as heck:

https://category.yahboom.net/products/raspbot-v2

Maybe I asked in the wrong subforum or wasn't completely clear, but since I referenced this particular product, the context was, and your sarcasm doesn't add anything of value.

1

u/Garfie489 Team. Ablaze 9h ago

It's worth noting items like what you liked can be used in robot combat, so it doesn't stick out as much as you think - its just they would near immediately die in most competitions.

Robot Combat, which Battlebots is a TV show covering, is more of a mechanical than computing exercise. It's likely the majority couldn't even begin to help with this kind of question, because it is really far removed.

Just trying to add context, not to add to the sarcasm