Raptorweight

Raptorweight category

The Raptorweight category is traditionally defined by a weight limit of 6 kg (sometimes referred to as 6.8 kg in Europe, which corresponds to 15 pounds – depending on the organizer’s rules). This is a popular middleweight category, where robots have enough energy and size to make battles dynamic and attractive, but are still more compact and cheaper than heavier weight categories (Featherweight or Heavyweight).

Characteristics:

• Weight limit: 6.0–6.8 kg (depending on the competition).
• Dimensions: not strictly limited, the robot must start the match within the starting zone and fit into the arena.
• Materials:
  • Chassis and covers: polycarbonate, aluminum, steel, titanium, carbon fiber.
  • Weapons: hardened tool steel, Hardox, AR500, or titanium – in this weight class, weapons can develop considerable energy, so high durability is required.
  • Wheels: cast rubber, polyurethane, sometimes even custom-molded tires with foam cores.
  • Electronics and motors: powerful DC motors or brushless setups with robust controllers; batteries are usually LiPo with higher capacity (4–6s).

Raptorweight is often considered the “gateway to the world of heavier robots” – the battles are very attractive, but the costs of construction and operation are still manageable.

Rules for the Raptorweight category

1.1. Maximum robot weight

The robot must not exceed the limit of 6 kg (or 6.8 kg = 15 pounds, if permitted by the organizer). All equipment, including batteries and weapons, is included in the weight.

1.2. Movement mechanisms

Unlike the lightest categories (Ant, Beetle), there is no common weight limit increase for alternative movement (walker/shuffle). All robots – whether on wheels, tracks, or legs – must comply with the same limit.

• Only in exceptional cases may walking robots have bonus weight (e.g., +20%), but this depends on the rules of the tournament.

1.3. Clusterbot (multi-part robot)

Clusterbots are allowed.

• The sum of all parts must not exceed the limit of 6 (6.8) kg.
• The robot is still considered active if at least one part of the cluster can move independently.
• Discarded parts are not counted in the evaluation, but do not result in disqualification from the fight.

1.4. Safety restrictions

In this weight class, weapons already have considerable kinetic energy, so safety measures are stricter:

• A safety link is mandatory – the robot must have a clearly marked and easily accessible power disconnect switch.
• All active weapons may only be activated in the arena.
• In the event of a signal failure, the robot must automatically stop moving and cease weapon activity.
• Sharp edges and rotors must be covered outside of combat.

1.5. General design rules

• Weapons based on firearms, explosives, chemicals, liquids, or other dangerous principles are prohibited.
• Only mechanical and electrical systems are permitted: rotors, drums, chisels, lifters, wedges, buttons, etc.
• The robot’s design must be such that it does not endanger the arena or spectators (especially in the case of powerful rotating weapons, the organizer may limit the maximum energy).

The Raptorweight (6 kg) category is an excellent combination of affordability, power, and attractiveness. The robots are large and powerful enough to engage in intense battles with massive impacts and destruction, but they can still be transported in the trunk of a car and built on a smaller budget than heavier weights.