Combat robotics, frequently referred to as Battlebots, is a hobby where builders make durable machines meant to completely dismember or control their opponents. Competitors vary from all walks of life, including engineers, teachers, chefs, plumbers, students, and far more. By building robots, many learn how to use CAD and manufacturing technology like additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and laser cutting.

In combat robotics, the 12-pound “hobbyweight” weight class is the first chance many builders get to create larger robots. However, this also makes the weight class expensive and inaccessible. Many competitors take advantage of access to waterjets and CNC machines for reduced or no cost. For those without these resources, outsourcing custom parts or buying a kit is often too expensive. For example, a newly released 12-pound kit which only pushes opponents around the arena costs $1200.