Robot Combat Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

If you can think of any others to add, please send an e-mail to teamsaber@teamsaber.com.


A

amp

A measure of electric current. Most combat robots use anywhere from 5 to 200 amp systems.

autonomous robot

A robot that does not receive human input for control; a self-guiding robot.


B

BattleBots

An international Robot Combat competition held in various places in the United States. (www.battlebots.com)

BotBash

A Robot Combat event held near Phoenix, Arizona, that features lower weight class robots in Robot Combat, 2 on 2 capture the flag, and obsticle course events. (www.botbash.com)


C

Critter Crunch

A Robot Combat event held at several different Science Fiction Conventions, with finals at the Mile-Hi Con in Denver, Colorado. Features a 20 lb. and 2 lb. class.


D


E


F

forum

A web-based discussion group.

Futaba

A company that makes RC transmitters and receivers.


G


H

Hitec

A company that makes RC transmitters and receivers.

hydraulic

Driven by fluid (non-air) power, usually an oil.


I


J

JR

A company that makes RC transmitters and receivers.


K


L

linear actuator

A motor-driven device that translates rotary movement to linear movement, and is used on many lifting-arm systems.


M

motor controller

A device that allows an output from an RC receiver to drive a DC electric motor. The motor controller must be chosen to match the voltage and current needed by the motors.


N


O


P

pneumatic

Driven by air power.


Q


R

RC

1. Short for Remote Control.
2. A remote control transmitter and receiver set.

robo-sumo

A semi-Robot Combat event that features two small robots in a Sumo-like competition, where one robot must remove the other robot from the playing field (a small ring). Most robo-sumo contests feature 1 kg. (2.2 lb.) and 3 kg. (6.6 lb.) classes.

Robot Wars

1. The original Robot Combat event in the United States, situation unknown. (www.robotwars.com)
2. A British television show that features Robot Combat as well as other robotic competitions. (www.robotwars.co.uk)

RPM

A measurement of rotational speed (Revolutions Per Minute).

S

servo motor

1. A motor that includes a closed-loop control system that allows precision positioning of the control horn, or arm.
2. A DC motor for use in a servo system that is high-torque, low-RPM.

SORC

SORC is the Society of Robotic Combat, a newly founded non-profit group for Robot Combat builders by Robot Combat builders. (www.sorc.org)

sprocket

A gear-like device used for chain-driven systems.

stepper motor

A special DC electric motor that allows "stepped" movement, or partial rotation, often down to under 1 degree. Requires special control systems.


T

timing belt

A toothed belt that can be used to drive wheels and weaponry in conjunction with a compatable pulley.


U


V

Vantec

1. A company in California that makes motor controllers that are heavily used in Robot Combat. (www.vantec.com)
2. A motor controller made by Vantec.

volt

A measure of electric potential. Most combat robots use anywhere from 7.2 volt to 96 volt systems.


W


X


Y


Z