Combat robots by
weight category

To ensure fair matches, robots are divided by weight. Each robot competes only against others of the same weight class. Therefore, before building a combat robot, it is very important to decide on the weight category in which it will compete.

Builders must also be aware that weight categories are not the same in every country and that some robot classes are very popular, while others are more rare. Before you build a robot, ensure that there are tournaments in your area for your chosen weight category.

Our Czech Combat Robot League (CCRL) currently recognizes 4 different weight categories:

• Antweight – 150 g (+ PLANT category – Antweight made only of plastic)

• Beetleweight – 1.5 kg

• Raptorweight – 6 kg (referred to as Hobbyweight in the USA)

• Featherweight – 13.6 kg

All robots must have a maximum weight at the start of the match as specified for their given weight category. However, there are exceptions where robots in any given category may be granted an additional weight bonus if they have a non-standard method of movement. Specifically:

• Traditional movement (wheels, tracks) – no bonus

• Non-traditional movement (e.g., cam mechanism) – 50% weight bonus

• True walking using jointed legs – 100% weight bonus

Weight classes may also include various restrictions. For example, the antweight category has a dimension limit, requiring the robot to fit into a box with a base of 15 x 15 cm; height, however, is unlimited. For Beetleweight categories and above, there is a limit on the maximum kinetic energy stored in the weapon (usually 1 kJ) for safety reasons, to prevent damage to the arena. A complete overview of bonuses and restrictions for each weight class can be found in the “Rules” section.

Weight Categories

• Antweight – the smallest and most accessible category, a great starting point for your first combat robot.
• Beetleweight – a popular category with room for more powerful weapons and more elaborate builds.
• Raptorweight – a step up between light and heavy robots, with significantly more power.
• Featherweight – the heaviest recognized category, with the highest destructive potential.

Choosing a weight category is closely tied to your robot’s other parameters. Take a look at the movement types and weapon types for combat robots, or return to the overview of all combat robot types.