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RapidDirect x UIUC iRobotics Team: Build a Combat Robotic

Reading Time: 3 mins
/
June 4, 2025

Project Brief

Industry	Robotic
Materials	Aluminum, Steel
Post-processing	As Machined, Heat Treatment
Technology	CNC Machining
Final Result	CNC machined motor mount, weapon, weapon pulley

Introduction

For the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)’s iRobotics team, engineering isn’t just a classroom subject—it’s a full-contact sport. As part of the ‘27 Combots Team, Laurie and her teammates set out to design and build a combat robot tough enough to survive the arena at UIUC’s Robobrawl competition. But they needed more than just ideas—they needed high-quality, custom-machined parts to make it happen.

The Challenge: Critical Parts, No In-House Capability

The team’s design called for precision CNC components:

Motor mounts to hold the drive system securely
A weapon pulley to transfer power efficiently
A heavy-duty weapon capable of taking (and giving) a beating

“We didn’t have the capability to machine these parts ourselves,” Laurie explains. “The strength and durability requirements were beyond what we could achieve with our student workshop equipment.”

The team needed CNC-machined aluminum and steel components with exacting tolerances. These weren’t just functional parts—they were the difference between victory and a pile of scrap metal in the arena.

The Search: Learning from Experience

Rather than starting from scratch, Laurie did what smart engineers do: she asked around. The combat robotics community is tight-knit, and word travels fast about suppliers who understand the unique demands of their sport.

“We learned about RapidDirect through previous teams’ experiences,” Laurie recalls. “Other combat robotics participants had good things to say about the company, so we decided to reach out.”

The reputation was built on three key factors that mattered most to student teams:

Manufacturing quality that could withstand arena combat
Competitive pricing and sponsorship opportunities crucial for student budgets
Familiarity with the unique needs of robotics teams

The Solution: Partnership Beyond Manufacturing

RapidDirect understood that working with student teams required a different approach than standard commercial manufacturing. We offered a comprehensive solution that addressed both technical requirements and budget constraints.

Technical Approach:

CNC machining for precision and strength
Aluminum and steel materials selected for optimal strength-to-weight ratios
As-machined and heat treatment finish for enhanced durability
Custom specifications aligned with combat robotics demands

Partnership Approach:

RapidDirect saw the educational impact and innovative spirit behind student robotics and was eager to support. After aligning on sponsorship details, we structured a partnership that made the project both financially feasible and technically achievable for the team. With everything in place, production kicked off without delay.

Laurie Jin

The corporate director of UIUC's iRobotics Team

When I first reached out to RapidDirect, we had already heard good things about the company from fellow combat robotics participants. My point of contact, Jenny, was extremely helpful and responsive to all my questions and concerns. She provided quotes promptly so that I could evaluate all of our options with my team. The sponsorship was very easy to set up as well. After discussing the requirements and parts of the sponsorship with Keyla, we were able to reach agreement.

The Results: Battle-Tested Success

The robot made its debut at Robobrawl in early April. In a high-impact, high-stakes competition, the weapon performed with minimal edge damage, proving the toughness of RapidDirect’s parts. The components held up well under stress and played a key role in the robot’s performance.

“The parts were absolutely essential,” Laurie emphasized.
“Without them, the robot wouldn’t have worked.”

Looking ahead, the team is planning to bring the same robot to NHRL competitions—either this June or next February—continuing to push the design and components in even more demanding environments.

The Partnership Continues

Beyond a single event, Laurie and the iRobotics team see long-term potential in the partnership with RapidDirect. The combination of manufacturing quality, reliable support, and sponsorship opportunities has created a foundation they’re excited to build on.

This case demonstrates how precision manufacturing can accelerate student innovation. By partnering with teams like UIUC’s combat robotics group, RapidDirect doesn’t just deliver parts—we help deliver dreams.

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