Innovation doesn’t always begin in a professional lab with expensive equipment. Sometimes, it starts with whatever materials you can find around you and a team willing to experiment, improvise, and work late into the night.
That was exactly our experience when Team Hades participated in the SL Robo Games.
What began as an idea soon turned into a battle bot built from scrap metal, borrowed tools, and pure determination.
Turning Scrap Into a Robot
The build started with something unexpected , an old cabinet.
We completely dismantled it and removed the glass panels. What remained was a sturdy aluminum frame, which we realized could serve as the base for our robot.
Instead of buying a custom chassis, we reshaped that aluminum frame and turned it into the structure of our battle bot.
To power the robot, we installed high-torque motors that could handle the stress of battle. Many other components were gathered from different places ,some were parts we already had, and others were borrowed from our neighbors.
It was not a professional robotics lab setup, but it was a real maker-style engineering build.
Electronics and Control System
Most of the electronics work was led by Sandeepa, who handled the wiring, power distribution, and integration of the electronic systems.
The robot was built around an Arduino microcontroller, combined with several other electronic components and modules.
For controlling the robot, we used something slightly unconventional , a drone remote controller.
This gave us more precise control and responsiveness compared to standard RC controllers, which helped with maneuverability during the battles.
The Team Behind the Bot
The robot was the result of true collaboration within Team Hades.
- Sadil served as the operator, controlling the robot during the battles.
- Sandeepa led the electronics work and system integration.
- Hiruna and I focused on prototyping, structural assembly, and adapting the parts into a working robot.
At different points in the build process, we were not just robotics enthusiasts.
We became:
- Electricians wiring circuits
- House builders borrowing and using construction tools
- Mechanics fixing motors and frames
- Programmers writing Arduino code
Every role shifted depending on what the project needed.
The Competition Battles
Once the robot entered the arena at the SL Robo Games, the real challenge began.
Our bot successfully competed in four different rounds during the event.
However, during one of the matches, we encountered a major issue , one of the side motors suddenly stopped working.
We attempted to repair it immediately, trying everything we could to revive the motor, but the fix didn’t hold.
Instead of withdrawing, we decided to continue competing with only one functional wheel.
Surprisingly, we managed to win two matches with a single working wheel, carefully maneuvering the robot and relying heavily on Sadil’s control skills.
It was chaotic, stressful, and incredibly exciting.
Battle Damage
Not every encounter in the arena went smoothly.
One of the opposing robots had a weapon mounted at the front that resembled a rotating coconut scraper.
During one of the battles, that weapon managed to rip into part of our robot, damaging sections of the structure.
Despite the damage, our bot kept fighting and stayed operational through the rounds.
Late Nights and Improvised Engineering
Much of the robot was built during late-night work sessions.
Those nights involved:
- Testing motors and drive systems
- Fixing wiring and electrical problems
- Rebuilding structural parts
- Reprogramming the Arduino
- Adjusting components again and again
It was messy, exhausting, and sometimes frustrating — but it was also incredibly rewarding.
🧠Lessons Learned From the Competition
Participating in the SL Robo Games taught us lessons that went far beyond robotics.
Resourcefulness matters more than resources.
Even without expensive parts or advanced fabrication tools, we were able to build a working battle bot using scrap materials and creativity.
Adaptability is crucial.
When our motor failed, we could have stopped competing. Instead, we adapted and continued , eventually winning matches with only one wheel.
Teamwork drives innovation.
The robot existed because everyone contributed their skills, ideas, and effort.
Real engineering is messy.
Late nights, trial and error, broken parts, and quick fixes are all part of the process when building something real.
🤖 Battle Arena Highlights
Some of the most memorable moments from the competition include:
- Successfully entering four battle rounds
- Winning two matches despite having only one working wheel
- Watching our robot survive heavy attacks from other bots
- Seeing months of improvisation and teamwork come alive in the arena
Every match brought excitement, stress, and adrenaline , exactly what makes robotics competitions so thrilling.
More Than Just a Robot
Looking back, our journey at the SL Robo Games was not just about building a battle bot.
It was about building something from almost nothing, solving problems under pressure, and learning through real hands-on experience.
What started as an old cabinet frame eventually became a fighting robot in the arena , powered by teamwork, creativity, and determination.
And for Team Hades, that experience will always remain unforgettable. 🚀
