Featherweight

Featherweight category

The Featherweight category is one of the most popular and longest-established classes. Its limit is traditionally 13.6 kg (30 pounds). At this weight, robots can have truly devastating weapons while still being portable and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for builders who want to build “full-fledged” combat robots.

Characteristics:

• Weight limit: 13.6 kg (30 pounds).
• Dimensions: not strictly limited, but the robot must fit into the starting zone and be able to safely enter the arena.
• Materials:
  • Chassis: often aluminum, steel, titanium, polycarbonate; at this weight, the chassis are significantly more robust than in Raptorweight.
  • Weapons: hardened tool steel, Hardox, AR500, titanium – for high impact resistance.
  • Accessories: polyurethane wheels, custom molded tires, Kevlar for cable and battery protection.
• Electronics and motors: powerful DC motors with gearboxes or brushless setups; typically LiPo 6s batteries and higher. Motors and ESCs must be designed for significant current peaks.

Featherweight is a category where the fighting is “for real” – enormous kinetic energy from weapons, flying debris, and powerful impacts.

Rules for the Featherweight category

1.1. Maximum robot weight

Each robot must meet the limit of 13.6 kg (30 pounds) including all parts, batteries, and equipment. The robot must be complete and in combat configuration when weighed.

1.2. Movement Mechanisms

Generally, the same limit applies to all modes of movement – wheels, tracks, legs. Unlike the lightest categories, bonus weight for walking robots is not usually provided here.

• Some organizers may grant a small increase (e.g., +10–20%) for walking robots to encourage creativity.

1.3. Clusterbot (multi-part robot)

• Clusterbots are allowed if their total weight does not exceed 13.6 kg.
• If one part falls out during a match, the remaining parts can continue to fight.
• For a cluster to be considered active, at least one part must be able to move.

1.4. Safety restrictions

Due to high speeds and energy, safety features are absolutely essential:

• A safety link is mandatory – the robot must have a clearly marked power disconnect switch, accessible from the outside.
• Failsafe system: in the event of a signal failure, the robot stops immediately, including all active weapons.
• Sharp edges and active weapons must be securely blocked or covered outside the arena.
• Before the start of the fight, the functionality of fuses and switches is checked.

1.5. Design restrictions

• Firearms, chemical, explosive, liquid, or biological weapons are prohibited.
• Only mechanical and electrical systems are permitted – rotating weapons, hammers, lifters, wedges, buttons, etc.
• The organizer may set a limit on the kinetic energy of weapons (e.g., max. 1–2 kJ) so that the arena can withstand impacts.

The Featherweight category (13.6 kg) is often considered the gold standard of amateur robotics competitions: the machines are powerful enough to make their battles dramatic and attractive, yet they are still relatively inexpensive and compact compared to heavier weights (Heavyweight, 110 kg+).