Robotics Championship – Combat Robot 500 g

Official Regulations 2026 (RC Standard)

Version

• Edition: 2026 / Official

• Category: Combat Robot 500 g

• Status: High-Risk Technical Sport Category

• Governing documents: Robotics Championship Terms & Conditions (T&C) + Addendum 9.6

0. Scope and Legal Integration

0.1 Scope
These regulations apply exclusively to the competition category “Combat Robot 500 g” as defined in T&C Article 1.2.7 and Addendum 9.6.

0.2 Hierarchy of Rules
If a conflict exists between this document and the Robotics Championship T&C, the following hierarchy applies:

1. T&C + Addendum 9.6 (highest priority)

2. These Combat Robot 500 g Regulations

3. Category briefings / referee announcements made before the match (lowest priority, but binding for that match)

0.3 Authority
The Head Referee and Organizers hold final authority over safety decisions, match stoppage, disqualifications, and category cancellation, per T&C Article 5, T&C Article 8, and Addendum 9.6.5.

1. Category Classification and Eligibility

1.1 High-Risk Technical Sport
Combat Robot 500 g is classified as a high-risk technical sport category involving kinetic weapons, high-current electrical systems, and battery/fire risk. (See Addendum 9.6.1)

1.2 Age Restriction – 18+
Participation is strictly limited to persons aged 18 years or older. (T&C Article 1.2.7; Addendum 9.6.2)
Minors are not permitted in Combat Robot areas (arena, pits, staging, homologation zone), regardless of spectator status, unless explicitly authorized by Organizers for controlled media/official reasons.

1.3 Team Structure

• A team may consist of up to 5 members, per T&C 1.5 (unless restricted by event logistics).

• For each match, only:

• 1 Operator (primary controller)

• 1 Assistant (optional)
  may be allowed in the Combat Robot operational zone.

1.4 Legal Responsibility
By registering and competing, each team accepts full responsibility for robot safety and any incident caused by their robot, weapons, batteries, or equipment, per T&C Article 6, T&C Article 8, and Addendum 9.6.4.

2. Robot Class: Weight, Size, Mobility

2.1 Maximum Weight

Robot mass at the start of each match must be ≤ 500.0 g, including battery, weapon, fasteners, and any attached decorations.

2.2 Maximum Size (Static)

• Robot must fit within a 150 mm × 150 mm square footprint at the start of the match.

• Height is not restricted, but the robot must fit safely within the arena and pass safety inspection.

• Controlled expansion after the start is allowed only if the robot remains a single unit (see 2.5).

2.3 Mobility Requirement
Robots must have controlled, observable mobility.
A robot that cannot demonstrate controlled translational movement may be counted out (KO/TKO rules).

2.4 Prohibited Robot Types

• Flying (sustained powered flight) is prohibited.

• Cluster bots / multibots (separating into multiple independently active pieces) are prohibited unless explicitly announced as allowed for this edition (default: not allowed).

2.5 Single Unit Rule
Robots must remain a single centralized unit during the match.
Detached fragments are allowed as battle damage. Intentionally deploying separate active units is prohibited.

3. Control System and Autonomy

3.1 Teleoperation Only
Robots must be remotely controlled. Full autonomy is prohibited.

3.2 Allowed Frequencies

• Only 2.4 GHz radio control systems are permitted.

3.3 Failsafe Requirement (Mandatory)
All robots must have a failsafe such that on signal loss:

• drive power is cut and

• weapon power is cut or rendered safe
  within 1 second.

3.4 No Homemade Radio Systems
Homemade radios, non-certified transmitters, or non-standard control systems are prohibited unless explicitly approved in writing before the event.

4. Power System and Batteries

4.1 Allowed Battery Types
Permitted: LiPo, Li-ion, NiMH, and other sealed battery systems that do not spill liquids when damaged.

4.2 Battery Safety Requirements

• Batteries must be mechanically secured.

• Battery terminals must be protected against short-circuit.

• Battery must be protected from direct weapon contact where reasonably possible (guards, covers).

4.3 Main Power Isolation (Mandatory)
Each robot must have a manual main power disconnect accessible from outside or accessible immediately upon opening the robot (e.g., removable link, switch).
Robot must be capable of being made fully safe within 60 seconds.

4.4 Indicator Light (Recommended / Optional by event)
A visible indicator that main power is connected is recommended and may be required by event briefing.

5. Weapons and Prohibited Systems

5.1 Allowed Weapons (Examples)

• Spinning weapons (bars, discs, drums)

• Flippers / lifters

• Hammers / axes

• Wedges / plows

• Saws / cutters (subject to safety approval)

5.2 Prohibited Weapons and Tactics (Core)
The following are strictly prohibited:

A) Entanglement devices (forbidden – NHRL style)

nets, ropes, fishing line, tape, chains intended to entangle, cords, Velcro traps, adhesives used to trap opponents, or any device designed primarily to immobilize through entanglement.

B) Projectiles
Any weapon that fires or launches objects (bullets, darts, pellets, springs-as-projectile) is prohibited.

C) Liquids, powders, gasses, foams

• Any liquid weapon

• powders/sand/ball bearings

• expanding foams

• any substance that requires cleaning or risks inhalation/contamination.

D) Fire / heat / explosions
Flame weapons, pyrotechnics, explosives, and intentionally heated weapons are prohibited.

E) Electrical shock / tasers
Any electrical weapon intended to shock or disable electronics is prohibited.

F) RF jamming / interference
Any deliberate interference with opponent radio systems is prohibited.

5.3 Kinetic Energy Containment and Safety

• Spinning weapons must be built to minimize fragmentation risk (retention hardware, locking fasteners, material selection).

• The Head Referee may require weapon guards for staging/transport and may prohibit any weapon deemed unsafe.

6. Arena, Containment, and Safety Zones

6.1 Approved Polycarbonate Arena (Mandatory)
All combat matches must occur inside an approved safety arena designed to contain:

• weapon fragments

• high-speed impacts

• debris and dust

• fire risk to the extent possible
  (See Addendum 9.6.6 of T&C)

6.2 No Power Outside Arena (Strict)
No Combat Robot may be powered, armed, or weapon-tested outside the arena or an officially designated test box, unless explicitly authorized by referees.

6.3 Combat Robot Zones
The venue must designate:

• Pits / work area (no weapon spinning)

• Homologation / inspection zone

• Staging / waiting area near arena

• Arena operational area (PPE mandatory)

Organizers may restrict spectator access to these zones.

7. Protective Equipment (PPE)

7.1 Mandatory PPE in Combat Zones
All operators, assistants, referees, and staff inside Combat Robot zones must wear:

• Approved protective eyewear

• Protective gloves

Additional PPE may be required (hearing protection, face shield) depending on arena and weapon types.

7.2 Non-compliance
Failure to comply results in immediate disqualification from the current match and may result in event removal, per Addendum 9.6.7 and T&C conduct rules.

8. Event Flow: Check-in, Homologation, Staging

8.1 Initial Check-In (Administrative)
Teams receive a robot ID/number and confirm operator identity.

8.2 Technical Homologation (Mandatory)
Robots must pass homologation before competing, including:

• weight check (≤ 500 g)

• size check (≤ 150×150 mm)

• failsafe verification

• power isolation check

• weapon safety verification

• battery securement check

• general safety and construction review

8.3 Pre-Match Staging Rules

• Teams called for the next match must report to staging with robot unarmed and safe (weapon lock installed if applicable).

• Once staged, no design changes are allowed before the match. Only emergency repairs may be allowed at Head Referee discretion, provided they do not create a safety risk or change the robot configuration unfairly.

8.4 Second Inspection (Before Match)
At the discretion of referees, robots may be re-weighed and re-checked for safety before entering the arena.

9. Arming / Disarming Procedure (Mandatory)

9.1 Arming Sequence (Inside Arena Only)
Standard safe arming sequence:

1. Robot placed in arena with weapon pointed inward

2. Weapon guards removed (if any)

3. Transmitter ON

4. Robot main power connected

5. Weapon lock/pin removed (if used)

6. Arena closed

7. Referee verifies readiness

8. Match starts on referee signal

9.2 No Movement While Arena Open
No driving or weapon tests are permitted while the arena is open.

9.3 Disarming Sequence (After Match End)

1. Weapon disabled

2. Robot oriented inward

3. Arena opened

4. Main power disconnected

5. Transmitter OFF

6. Weapon lock/pin installed

7. Robot removed

10. Match Format

10.1 Match Duration

• Standard match duration: 2:00 minutes (may be adjusted by organizers before the event)

10.2 Start Signal
Referee starts match with an audio/visual signal. Robots may move only after the start signal.

10.3 Pinning / Holding Limits

• Pinning, holding, or lifting an opponent is allowed for up to 10 seconds.

• Referee will call release. Failure to release may result in separation and penalties.

10.4 Separations
Referees may pause and separate robots if:

• both robots are stuck together

• pin limit is exceeded

• safety requires it 

After separation, match resumes immediately.

11. KO, TKO, and Count-Out Rules

11.1 Definition of Controlled Movement
Controlled movement means the robot can demonstrate intentional translational motion (not only weapon spinning, not only twitching).

11.2 KO (Count-Out)
If a robot cannot demonstrate controlled movement, referee begins a 10-second count-out.
If movement is not shown by count end → robot is KO’d and loses the match.

11.3 TKO (Safety / Catastrophic)
Referee may declare an immediate TKO if:

• battery is exposed and unsafe

• robot is on fire / smoking heavily

• weapon is dangerously unstable

• arena integrity is compromised

Safety decisions override match outcome and are final.

11.4 Simultaneous Incapacitation
If both robots appear incapacitated:

• Referee may reposition both to original orientation and request movement test.

• If only one moves → that robot wins.

• If neither moves → judges decide.

12. Judging System (NHRL / Robot Wars Philosophy)

If no KO/TKO occurs by match end, winner is decided by judges using:

12.1 Scoring Categories (Total = 10 points)

A) Damage – 5 points

• Visible functional damage: drive loss, weapon loss, structural failure

• Significant impairment outweighs cosmetic marks

B) Aggression – 3 points

• Frequency of attacks

• Initiating engagement rather than evasion

• Weapon use to pressure opponent

C) Control – 2 points

• Driving skill, positioning

• Using arena space effectively

• Avoiding hazards while maintaining offense

12.2 Judging Principles

• Damage is weighted highest to reward effective weapons and real combat.

• Pure pushing without engagement scores low aggression.

• Running away scores low aggression/control.
  
  

12.3 No “Player Attitude” Criteria

Judges must not consider behavior “attitude” as a scoring factor. Conduct issues are handled only under penalties and conduct rules.

13. Repairs and Modifications

13.1 Between Matches

• Repairs and battery changes are allowed between matches.

13.2 During a Match

• No repairs, no battery swaps during a match.

13.3 In Staging

• No design changes in staging. Only minimal safety fixes at Head Referee discretion.

14. Violations, Penalties, and Disqualification

14.1 Safety Violations (Immediate DQ likely)

• powering robot outside authorized area

• weapon spinning outside arena/test box

• failsafe not working

• refusal to follow referee safety instructions

• missing PPE in combat zones

14.2 Match Conduct Violations

• false start

• repeated pin-limit violations

• deliberate interference with referees

• intentional arena damage beyond normal combat

14.3 Prohibited Weapon Violation
Any use of prohibited weapons/tactics (including entanglement) results in:

• immediate match loss and likely event disqualification, depending on severity.

14.4 Cumulative Misconduct
Applies per T&C Chapter 7 (accumulation and disqualification thresholds).

15. Objections and Appeals

15.1 No Objections to Referee Safety Decisions
Safety decisions are final.

15.2 Objections During Match Only
A team may raise an objection to the Head Referee before the match ends (if safe).
Once match is completed and robots are removed, objections may be rejected.

16. Emergency Protocol (Fire / Runaway / Arena Breach)

16.1 Fire

• Referee stops match immediately.

• Operators disable weapons if possible.

• Organizers follow fire suppression protocol.

• Robots may be left to burn down if necessary for safety.

16.2 Runaway Robot

• Operators must turn off transmitter to trigger failsafe.

• If failsafe fails, robot must remain contained until safe.

16.3 Arena Damage
If arena integrity is compromised, match is stopped and category may be paused or canceled.

17. Acceptance

By entering a robot in Combat Robot 500 g, each participant confirms acceptance of:

• This regulation

• Robotics Championship Terms & Conditions

• Addendum 9.6

• All safety inspections and decisions of Organizers and Head Referee.

Optional Appendices

Appendix A: PPE specification (what eyewear qualifies, what gloves qualify)
Appendix B: Homologation checklist (printable)
Appendix C: Arming/disarming poster (1-page)
Appendix D: Damage/Aggression/Control scoring examples (judge training sheet)

 

APPENDIX A – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

This appendix applies to all persons entering any Combat Robot Area, including:

• Operators

• Assistants

• Referees

• Inspectors

• Organizers

• Technical staff

A1. Mandatory Equipment

The following protective equipment is mandatory:

A2. Not Accepted as PPE

The following do not qualify as protective equipment:

• Sunglasses

• Fashion glasses

• Latex medical gloves

• Thin textile gloves

• Cycling gloves

• Fingerless gloves

A3. Enforcement

Any person entering a Combat Robot Area without proper PPE will be:

• Immediately removed from the area

• Their team may be disqualified if this occurs during a match

• Repeated violations may result in event removal

This rule is enforced under Addendum 9.6.7 and T&C 9.4 (Code of Conduct & Exclusion Policy).

APPENDIX B – Technical Homologation Checklist

Each Combat Robot must pass technical homologation before it is allowed to compete.

B1. Administrative

• Robot number visibly attached

• Operator identity verified

• Team registered for Combat Robot 500 g

B2. Physical Inspection

• Total weight ≤ 500 g

• Footprint ≤ 150 mm × 150 mm

• Robot is a single unit

• No prohibited materials or weapons

• No entanglement devices

B3. Power & Control

• Battery type approved

• Battery securely mounted

• No exposed battery terminals

• Main power disconnect present

• Robot can be fully disabled within 60 seconds

• Radio system is 2.4 GHz

• Failsafe verified (robot stops when transmitter off)

B4. Weapon Safety

• Weapon securely mounted

• Weapon cannot spin when failsafe is active

• Weapon lock or pin present (if applicable)

• No projectile capability

• No entanglement systems

B5. Final Approval

• Head Referee / Inspector signs approval

• Robot cleared to enter staging area

Robots that fail homologation may not compete until all safety and compliance issues are resolved.

APPENDIX C – Arming & Disarming Procedure (Arena Safety Poster)

This procedure must be displayed near the arena.

ARMING SEQUENCE (Inside Arena Only)

1. Robot placed in arena (weapon facing inward)

2. Weapon guards removed (if applicable)

3. Transmitter ON

4. Robot main power connected

5. Weapon lock / pin removed

6. Arena closed

7. Referee confirms readiness

8. Start signal → Match begins
   
   

No movement is allowed while the arena is open.

DISARMING SEQUENCE (After Match End)

1. Weapon power disabled

2. Robot driven to face inward

3. Arena opened

4. Robot main power disconnected

5. Transmitter OFF

6. Weapon lock / pin installed

7. Robot removed from arena

Any deviation from this procedure is a safety violation.

APPENDIX D – Judging Guide (Damage – Aggression – Control)

Used when no KO or TKO occurs.

D1. Damage (0–5 points)

Judges look for:

• Loss of drive (wheel, motor, gearbox failure)

• Loss of weapon functionality

• Bent, broken, or detached armor

• Exposed battery or electronics

Cosmetic scratches do not count as meaningful damage.

D2. Aggression (0–3 points)

Judges look for:

• Who initiated contact

• Who kept attacking

• Who used their weapon actively

• Who forced engagement

Backing away, running, or stalling scores poorly.

D3. Control (0–2 points)

Judges look for:

• Driving skill

• Positioning

• Use of arena space

• Avoiding hazards while attacking

Spinning in circles, crashing into walls, or losing orientation reduces control score.

D4. Example

If Robot A rips off Robot B’s wheel but Robot B keeps pushing:

Robot A likely wins because damage is weighted highest.

APPENDIX E – Safety Authority Reminder

Under Addendum 9.6.5 and T&C Articles 5, 6, and 8:

The Head Referee and Organizers may at any time:

• Reject a robot

• Require design changes

• Stop a match

• Cancel a category

• Disqualify a team

if safety is at risk.

These decisions are final and override all competition rules.