Introduction

This team, comprised of undergraduate students studying Engineering and/or Computer Science, pushes the limits of creative and durable engineering through the design and construction of combat robots. The interdisciplinary challenge of creating robots from scratch encourages students to develop real-world design and mechanical engineering skills while utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies available on campus. Students have the opportunity to work on lightweight, 3D-printed robots in small teams for in-house competitions and a larger, CNC-machined robot for external competition. 

Supporting this fund directly expands the student experience by allowing us to create more innovative and complex robots and travel to competitions. Currently, the team is building a new arena to safely test its robots and applying to the BattleBots TV show, hosted on the Discovery Channel.

In Leatherbacks’ flagship “Showcase of Combat Robotics at Maryland” (SCR@M) competition, teams of 3 to 4 students are tasked with modeling and 3D-printing a robot chassis that, when integrated with motors, wheels, and weapon systems, will not be more than 1-lb. At the end of each semester, these designs face off against each other in a combat-based elimination tournament in which the most capable machine will be crowned the victor. Our goal is to make a more robust arena so that we may better test and compete our 1-lb bots and, in the future, our larger, more mechanically complex machines.

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.