Revamping MIT's Battle Robots
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), students have revitalized the Combat Robotics Club, originally founded in 2001, reigniting enthusiasm for robot combat. Since its reactivation in 2023, the club has welcomed 54 new members dedicated to upgrading the ARES and KRATOS battle robots as well as designing new machines for competitive robot fighting events. This student-run organization competes in the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) tournaments and hosts internal matches on campus.
One of the club’s flagship projects is the combat robot ARES, which weighs 13.6 kilograms. ARES features a vertically spinning weapon and a frame constructed from aluminum, titanium, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. It is powered by a compact brushless motor with a backup system, connected via a poly-V belt drive. Mobility is achieved through an all-wheel-drive setup employing four brushless motors, providing enhanced maneuverability during battles.
Competitive Performance and Club Growth
During the 2025 NHRL World Championships, ARES suffered two defeats from rivals equipped with similar weaponry. This motivated the team to reinforce its defenses and refine the robot’s design. Following these improvements, ARES secured second place in an April 2023 competition and third place in another tournament held in October of the same year.
The club's resurgence in 2023 also brought a surge in participation and new projects. Throughout the fall semester, 54 students joined, working in teams of three to develop lightweight robots weighing around 450 grams. Members gain hands-on experience in all stages of development—from blueprinting and computer numerical control (CNC) machining to welding and structural analysis. The club regularly participates in bi-monthly NHRL tournaments and organizes smaller battles within the university.
The active engagement of MIT’s Combat Robotics Club reflects a growing passion for engineering and robotics, offering valuable practical learning opportunities.
Competing in the NHRL not only fosters teamwork but also hones engineering skills vital for members’ future careers in technology fields. The continuous enhancements to robots like ARES demonstrate the team’s commitment to innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in robot combat.