StarTalk Radio Killer Bots! with BattleBots’ Ray Billings
Oct 29, 2021
Ray Billings, creator of the formidable combat robot Tombstone and founder of Hardcore Robotics, joins the conversation to share his insights into the world of combat robotics. He discusses the intricate engineering behind creating championship robots and the strategies that lead to victory in the arena. The conversation also touches on how robotics can engage kids in STEM, the evolution of battle robotics as a competitive sport, and even what the future holds for autonomous machines in combat. Tune in for a thrilling dive into engineering and innovation!
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Duty Cycle
- Combat robots only need to function for the duration of the match (three minutes).
- This allows engineers to push components to their limits, unlike designing for long-term use.
No Tapping Out
- In many combat robot competitions, tapping out is allowed.
- However, on BattleBots, tapping out is not permitted for entertainment purposes.
Kinetic Energy
- Ray Billings, known as the "king of kinetic energy," prioritizes energy transfer in his robot designs.
- He aims to optimize the spin speed and tooth engagement of his horizontal spinner to tear off opponents' parts.