Tuskin’ Raider

An inspired piece of work

Stats

Weight: 12 lbs (Hobbyweight, sportsman)
Weapon: 360 degree rotating lifter
Lifter: Turnigy 2836, 300:1 ratio
Drive: Propdrive 2826 per side, 28:1 overall ratio, 4″ wheels
Power: 4s, 1000 mah lithium polymer battery (per module)
Materials: aluminum, steel

Tuskin’ Raider is a sportsman build inspired by a BattleBot (250 lbs) named Razorback. The latter was known for being modular but one module that was particularly cool was its lifter which pivoted around the center chassis. I aimed to replicate that function and unique geometry in this scale version.

The robot is built as two independent robots controlled from the same transmitter; each section has its own power, control electronics, and motors but are linked mechanically. While it could have been possible to share power, I wanted to avoid slip rings, fearing a shock hazard or loss of function from damage. Each section has custom gearboxes and chain drives to fit within the challenging geometry.

The sportsman ruleset was perfect for Tuskin’ Raider! Robots under these rules required articulated wedges or forks and an active weapon with limitations on continuously rotating (e.g. could not function as a traditional spinner). As a result it fought lots of other unique designs and shapes.