Weaponized Plastic Bots

04/22/2026 06:00 PM - 04/23/2026 09:00 PM CT

Admission

$200.00

Location

Austin, TX

Summary

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.

*This is a 2 day class, 6-9pm on 4/22 and 4/23*

Description

Course Description
Build a smart fighting robot from scratch.This workshop introduces participants to modern combat robotics through an accessible and highly hands-on format. Inspired by the Weaponized Plastic Competition, students will build small-scale combat robots using 3D-printed components, embedded electronics, and wireless control systems.Unlike traditional radio-controlled combat robots, the robots in this course are powered by a microcontroller (ESP32-C3), giving them a “brain” capable of handling wireless communication and customizable behavior.

Participants will assemble a robot using provided designs, solder and integrate a custom PCB, and explore optional customization through 3D design and firmware tweaks. No prior experience in coding, electronics, or CAD is required.
By the end of the workshop, each student will have a fully functional, wirelessly controlled combat robot and a foundation in robotics, electronics, and digital fabrication.

Learning Objectives

Understand the architecture of a modern robot, including mechanical, electrical, and control systems
Assemble and wire a robot powered by a microcontroller (ESP32-C3) and all the required motor drivers, batteries and PCBs
Perform basic soldering to complete a custom PCB
Understand the fundamentals of wireless control using WiFi and/or Bluetooth
Navigate and use tools such as Visual Studio Code, PlatformIO, and GitHub Copilot
Modify simple firmware parameters and understand how code interacts with hardware
Create or customize simple 3D designs using OnShape to build their own weapon
Safely operate and troubleshoot a combat robot

*This is a 2 day class, 6-9pm on 4/22 and 4/23*