XCD x UIUC iRobotics Team: Build a Combat Robotic
Introduction
For the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)’s iRobotics team, engineering isn’t just a classroom subject—it’s a full-contact sport. As part of the ‘27 Combots Team, Laurie and her teammates set out to design and build a combat robot tough enough to survive the arena at UIUC’s Robobrawl competition. But they needed more than just ideas—they needed high-quality, custom-machined parts to make it happen.
The team’s design called for precision CNC components:
- Motor mounts to hold the drive system securely
- A weapon pulley to transfer power efficiently
- A heavy-duty weapon capable of taking (and giving) a beating
“We didn’t have the capability to machine these parts ourselves,” Laurie explains. “The strength and durability requirements were beyond what we could achieve with our student workshop equipment.”
The team needed CNC-machined aluminum and steel components with exacting tolerances. These weren’t just functional parts—they were the difference between victory and a pile of scrap metal in the arena.
The Search: Learning from Experience
Rather than starting from scratch, Laurie did what smart engineers do: she asked around. The combat robotics community is tight-knit, and word travels fast about suppliers who understand the unique demands of their sport.
“We learned about XCD through previous teams’ experiences,” Laurie recalls. “Other combat robotics participants had good things to say about the company, so we decided to reach out.”
The reputation was built on three key factors that mattered most to student teams:
- Manufacturing quality that could withstand arena combat
- Competitive pricing and sponsorship opportunities crucial for student budgets
- Familiarity with the unique needs of robotics teams
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