Robo War
Push your opponent out of the arena.
- Competition day15 November 2026
- Registration closes10 November 2026
- Team sizeExactly 2 members operating and managing the robot
- Entry feeFree
Why this challenge
As humanity prepares to explore increasingly challenging environments across the Solar System, strong, durable and reliable robotic systems will play a crucial role in future space missions. Planetary rovers must withstand harsh conditions, navigate uneven and rocky terrain, overcome physical obstacles and keep operating despite mechanical and operational challenges.
The objective
Robo War is a remote-controlled robot battle in which two robots compete inside a designated circular arena. The objective is to push the opposing robot out of the arena while remaining inside. The event uses a knockout format — the winner advances and the losing robot is eliminated.
What you need to do
Design and build a Beetleweight robot within the 2 kg limit using permitted materials, fit a non-metallic attacker, clear the mandatory technical inspection and failsafe demonstration, then outmanoeuvre your opponent across two-minute knockout matches.
Format
| Eligibility | Open to all — students, hobbyists and independent builders |
|---|---|
| Team size | Exactly 2 members operating and managing the robot |
| Competition format | Knockout tournament; two robots compete in each match |
| Control | Remote-controlled operation — only one team member may pilot |
| Mode | On-site knockout tournament |
| Arena | Circular arena, 240 cm outer diameter |
| Venue | Haldwani, Uttarakhand |
Technical specification
| Weight class | Beetleweight — maximum 2 kg including batteries |
|---|---|
| Permitted chassis | HDPE, acrylic, metal, or 3D-printed PLA / PETG components |
| Attacker material | Entirely non-metallic — metal in any part of the attacker is prohibited |
| Sumo / pusher | Traction, wedge or pushing geometry permitted |
| Spinner | Permitted only if non-sharp — blades and cutting edges prohibited |
| Flipper / lifter | Servo-driven or pneumatic mechanisms permitted |
| Control | Radio control, operated by one team member only |
| Electronics | Receivers, controllers, motor drivers, wiring and batteries securely mounted inside the chassis |
| Failsafe | Strongly recommended — drive and weapon systems should stop on radio link loss |
| Robots per team | One; a backup robot requires organiser approval |
Arena specification
| Arena shape | Circular |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter | 240 cm (2.4 m) |
| Inner fighting diameter | 240 cm, as per the proposed arena design |
| Boundary ring | 5 cm wide, marked in red |
| Arena height | To be confirmed in the final arena setup |
| Red start zone | 20 cm × 20 cm |
| Blue start zone | 20 cm × 20 cm |
| Arena surface | Matte, non-slip finish for better robot traction |
| Match duration | 2 minutes |
All dimensions and markings may be adjusted by the organisers according to the available space and event requirements.
Judging and tie-breakers
- Primary — expelling the opponent from the arena within 2 minutes
- Secondary — fewer penalty-incurring contacts with the marked periphery
- Final tie-breaker — judges' assessment of physical damage inflicted
- No marks are added or deducted; the lowest total penalty count wins
Penalties and disqualification
| Periphery contact | Counted as a penalty; the team with fewer contacts wins a tied match |
|---|---|
| Unsafe robot at inspection | Disqualified or restricted from participating |
| Touching a robot during an active match | Prohibited unless the referee has stopped the match and authorised access |
| Tampering with the arena or equipment | Warning, match forfeiture or disqualification |
| Failing to report when called | Match may be forfeited |
Rules and code of conduct
- All teams must complete registration before participating.
- Each team consists of exactly two members responsible for operating and managing the robot.
- Each team may enter only one robot; a backup robot is subject to organiser approval.
- Teams must report to the registration and technical inspection desk at the time specified by the organisers.
- Every robot must pass the mandatory technical inspection before being allowed to compete.
- Maximum robot weight is 2 kg including batteries; robots may be weighed at inspection.
- The attacker must be made entirely of non-metallic materials.
- Exposed sharp edges, cutting blades and components designed to cut or injure are strictly prohibited.
- Firearms, projectiles, explosives, pyrotechnics and any mechanism designed to launch objects are not permitted.
- Robots must not contain loose components, exposed hazardous wiring or unstable batteries.
- Robots must be operated by a radio-control system by only one team member.
- Each team must ensure its radio system does not interfere with other competitors.
- Officials may require a control and failsafe demonstration during technical inspection.
- Participants must not touch, retrieve, repair or adjust a robot during an active match unless the referee has authorised access.
- Teams must keep a safe distance from the arena and must not enter the active competition area without permission.
- Participants must not deliberately interfere with the opponent's control system, robot or team.
- Violation of safety rules or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in a warning, match forfeiture or disqualification.