Safety Tips for Building 1lb and 3lb Combat Robots

Building small combat robots, such as 1lb (antweight) and 3lb (beetleweight) bots, is an exciting but challenging process. It’s possible to get hurt. Safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable build process:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting, soldering, or using tools to protect your eyes from debris and sparks.
• Gloves: Use gloves when handling sharp components, cutting materials, or working with adhesives to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Lung Protection: Use a fume extractor when soldering. Note: Many events, including NHRL, require a fume extractor when soldering.

Tool Safety

• Soldering: Soldering irons get hot. Always pay attention to where the hot iron is. Use a stand to keep the iron safely in place when not in use. Avoid touching hot metal parts and the iron. Avoid inhaling fumes while soldering.
  Hand Hygiene: Many solders contain lead. After soldering or handling electronics, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face or eating —especially important for kids in classroom or camp settings.
• Cutting and Drilling: Secure materials properly before cutting or drilling. Make sure your tools are sharp and of good quality to avoid accidents. Always watch the cutting path and keep fingers away.

Testing and Operation

• Powering Up: During testing, place your robot on a stand to prevent unexpected movement. Keep hands clear of moving parts, especially the weapon.
• Remote Activation: Ensure your remote control has a failsafe mechanism to stop the robot if the signal is lost, preventing unintended activation.  Make certain the transmitter is OFF when working on the robot and that you are in control of the proper transmitter.

Work Environment

• Organized Workspace: Keep your workspace clean and organized to avoid tripping over wires, tools, or materials. An organized space reduces the risk of accidents.
• Fire Safety: Have a fire extinguisher rated for electrical and battery fires nearby, and know how to use it.

Emergency Preparedness

• First Aid Kit: Keep a first aid kit accessible in your workspace for quick response to minor injuries.
• Emergency Plan: Know what to do in case of a fire, battery failure, or injury. Ensure others in your household or workshop are aware of these safety protocols.

Battery Safety

• Battery Safety:  Lithium polymer batteries pose both risk of fire and toxic gas.  See the battery section for proper lipo safety.

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Safety Guidelines for Combat Robot Events.

While safety procedures can vary from event to event, there are general standards that are common. Always familiarize yourself with a particular event’s rules. Whether you’re a competitor, organizer, or spectator, following safety procedures is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Pre-Event Safety Checks

• Robot Inspection: Before the event begins, all robots must undergo a safety inspection to ensure they comply with competition rules and safety standards. This includes checking for secure weapon locks, proper failsafe functionality, and no exposed sharp edges.
• Battery and Electrical Systems: Ensure that all batteries are securely fastened and insulated to prevent short circuits. Check that all wiring is properly dressed and protected from damage during combat.

Pit Area Safety

• Controlled Environment: The pit area, where teams work on their robots, should be organized and well-lit. Teams should keep their workspaces clean to avoid accidents.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All team members should wear PPE as appropriate, including safety glasses and gloves.  Hearing protection may be required in certain situations.
• No Active Weapons in the Pit: Weapons should remain disabled when robots are in the pit area. Testing of weapons should only occur in test boxes or an arena.
• Ensure control: Make certain you have the proper transmitter for the bot you are working on.  Labeling is useful.

Arena Safety

• Arena Walls: The arena should be made with durable, transparent barriers that can withstand impacts and debris from combat. Ensure that all access points are securely closed during matches.
• Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel, such as referees and technicians, should be allowed near the arena during matches. Spectators should be kept at a safe distance behind barriers.
• Failsafe Functionality: Before each match, confirm that all robots’ failsafe systems are operational. This is essential to prevent uncontrolled movements or weapon activation if signal loss occurs.

During the Match

• Referee Control: Referees have the final say in stopping a match if a robot poses a safety hazard, such as losing a weapon or becoming stuck. All teams must immediately comply with referee instructions.
• Weapon Locks: Locks should only be removed when the bot is safely placed in the arena and the transmitter is OFF.
• Debris Management: Be aware of flying debris during matches. The arena should be cleared of hazardous materials and debris between rounds to prevent hazards in subsequent matches.

Post-Match Safety

• Power Down: After a match, ensure that all robots are powered down and weapons are disabled before removing them from the arena.
• Damage Assessment: Inspect your robot for damage that may pose a safety risk, such as exposed wires, sharp edges, or leaking batteries. Repair any issues before the next match or returning to the pit area.

Spectator Safety

• Stay Behind Barriers: Spectators should remain behind the designated safety barriers at all times during matches to protect themselves from flying debris.
• Follow Event Instructions: Adhere to all instructions from event staff regarding safe viewing areas, evacuation procedures, and emergency protocols.