No site would be complete without a links page. We're always searching the web looking for sites that might help the bot builder. Here's some of the more interesting ones. They are broken down by catagory for convenience. The links will open in new windows.

Interesting Team Websites

Robotic Competion Sites

Robot Fighting League - The robot fighting league was formed to bring various local competitions together under one common set of rules. Think of them as the sort-of NASCAR of bot competion. The RFL now has 22 different events under its wing. Plans are under way to set up a point system for national ranking. With it's simpler and more relaxed rules, the RFL is gaining favor among many bot builders.

Battlebots - Currently, the largest and most aggressive robotic competion in the world. Battlebots had over 600 bots in their last competition which was held in San Francisco. Battlebots was being shown on Comedy Central in the US, but has since been cancelled which has left the future of Battlebots in question. Attempts to find a new TV hosting network are in progress. Plans are also underway for Battlebots to tour various cities staging live events sometime in summer 2003.

RobotWars - Another large robotic competion based in the UK. Robotwars is not quite as aggressive as Battlebots, but features bots with more imagination than those that appear in Battlebots. Having an "interesting" bot is a prerequisite before being allowed into RobotWars competition. RobotWars is working towards establishing international competion with a US championship and a British championship. The best from the US and Britian would then go head-to-head for the international championship. RobotWars can be seen on cable channel TNN and in limited areas in the US on PBS stations. You'll need to search your local listings to see if it's on in your area.

DARPA Grand Challenge - This is the holy grail of robot competition right now. The object is to build a robot that will race across the southwestern desert from LA to Las Vegas. The catch is that the bot must do it all by itself with no help from humans. This includes navigation, refueling, and obstacle avoidance. The bot with the fastest time wins. Oh yeah, did I mention that the winner gets a million bucks? This is an extremely difficult challenge and is scheduled to take place in March 2004.

RoboCup - This is a lot different than Battlebots or RobotWars. RoboCup is an international league of robotic soccer players. The robots are expected to run without the help of a human operator. If you have an interest in artificial intellegence, then it's worth a look.

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - This is a competion for schools in which the students are given a box of generic parts and told to build a robot to do a certain task. For example, they may have to collect balls scattered about in an arena and put them in a bin within a given time limit. Most of the designs are very creative and the competions are fun to watch. Winning teams can win scholarships. The last championship was held in Orlando, Florida with 20,000 fans in attendance. Check it out.

BotBash - This is an annual event held in Arizona. It resembles loosely resembles RobotWars, but with smaller bots. The largest bot can only weigh 58 lb.s or less (87 lb.s for a walker). The bots compete in an obstacle course, play capture the flag, and battle each other for points. There are also awards for the innovative, best engineered, and most dangerous bots.

Twin-Cities Mechwars - This competition is held in Minneapolis, Minnesota and merges elements from both RobotWars and BattleBots. They are just getting started so their competitions are not as big as some of the televised events (their last competition had 44 entries). But look for them to grow as the sport grows.

Robot Rumbles - This looks like it was a Canadian attempt at starting a Battlebots clone. However, it seems to have died from lack of interest. Their website is still up, but hasn't been updated in a while.

Parts and Supplies

Battery Mart These guys handle all kinds of batteries and chargers including the Hawkers. You can order their batteries online using a credit card.

Ellis Components - A source for the Bosch GPA750 motor. This motor is one of the most widely used motors in robotic competion, especially for bots weighing more than 150 lbs. These guys are in the UK which may make purchases a little difficult for US buyers.

Litton Poly-Scientific - Litton offers motors for virtually all size of bots. They are relatively inexpensive, but well made. They are purpose-built for servo applications in industrial robots. The only catch is that Litton is more interested in handling large industrial customers than helping the little bot builder. Chances are you'll need to use one of their distributors which will likely bump the cost up since your dealing with a middleman.

Hawker Energy - Considered the best battery for the serious bot builder. It offers heavy-duty terminals and very high discharge rates. It also tolerates fast-charging. It's pricey, but worth serious consideration if your budget allows it. Take a look at their Genesis and Hawker XT series for your bot.

Power Sonic - Less expensive than the Hawkers, but they won't deliver the same power output. These are best suited for use with smaller motors (up to 1/2hp). They'll also take a little longer to charge. Avoid the using the push-on terminals. Use the bolt-on terminals instead.

Batteryweb.com - A source for a variety of batteries including the Hawker Energy and PowerSonic brands.

Vantec - Vantec makes motor speed controllers for a variety of applications including some that are specially made for bots. They also sell the radio equipment you'll need as well. But be warned, they are not cheap. Neverless, they remain a favorite choice for many bot builders.

4QD - Another popular choice for many bot builders. 4QD makes some excellent speed controllers and their web page even offers tips on using their controllers in a competition robot. They have distributors in both the US and the UK. If you want to know how a speed controller works, then read through their tutorials. Very informative.

Some Interesting Team Websites

Cool Robots - A very large website from the people who brought you Minion, Toe-Crusher and Overkill. The site has tutorials, lots of pictures, and a database where you can lookup info about your favorite bot. They are also offering some of the major part assemblies you'll need for building your bot.

Team Delta - These guys have built quite a few robots and entered them in competition in both the US and the UK. Their website has a lot of pictures and offers a source for some hard to find parts.

Killerhurtz - A very nice website with some useful bot building utilities and information.