Step into the world of combat robotics and build your own battle-ready bot from the ground up. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll design, assemble, and prepare a small combat robot inspired by the Weaponized Plastic Fighting League (WPFL).
Your robot will feature a 3D-printed chassis, drivetrain, and weapon system, powered by a microcontroller (ESP32-C3) that enables control via WiFi or Bluetooth. You’ll assemble all components, including light soldering on a custom PCB, and bring your robot to life.
This class, and the companion SIG, emphasize practical engineering, iterative design, and learning by doing.
Dedicated SIG sessions will focus on weapon design and fabrication, customization options, and troubleshooting, giving students the opportunity to experiment, refine strategy, and prepare for friendly competition.
This workshop emphasizes practical, hands-on learning across mechanics, electronics, and embedded systems, and serves as an entry point into Asmbly’s Weaponized Plastic League, culminating in a live, bracket-style Battle Day tournament in an arena fabricated by Asmbly community members.
Learning Objectives
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Understand the architecture of a modern robot, including mechanical, electrical, and control systems
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Assemble and wire a robot powered by a microcontroller (ESP32-C3) and all the required motor drivers, batteries and PCBs
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Perform basic soldering to complete a custom PCB
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Understand the fundamentals of wireless control using WiFi and/or Bluetooth
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Navigate and use tools such as Visual Studio Code, PlatformIO, and GitHub Copilot
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Modify simple firmware parameters and understand how code interacts with hardware
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Create or customize simple 3D designs using OnShape to build their own weapon
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Safely operate and troubleshoot a combat robot
Sign up for our first session HERE
*Edit: This is a two day class. From 6 - 9pm on 4/22 and 4/23
We will be announcing official information about Asmbly’s Weaponized Plastic event soon! This class is one entry point, but this will be a public event where anyone will be free to join the competition, as long as their bot meets the regulations.
This class/event has a companion SIG, open to anyone who is interested! The SIG will be hosted on these dates (more dates may be added to fit demand):
SIG 1 (May 7th): Control Systems (RC vs uC) and basic electronics options
SIG 2 (June 4th): Customization Options and Active Weapon Design and Fabrication
SIG 3 (July 2nd): Troubleshooting and Competition Preparation
More information about Weaponized Plastic:
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Next workshop: May 23rd