Hyphen

Hyphen was the first combat robot I ever built. This bot is competing in the 3-lb Beetleweight weight class and weighs in at exactly 3 lb. The weapon is a steel drum with an effective diameter of 45mm (~1.8in) and has a negative 8 degree rake (not good). The drum is 7 inches in length giving it one of the widest weapons in its weight class. Unfortunately, this massive weapon results in a horrible center of mass causing the bot to throw it's rear end over the weapon and into it's opponent on impacts. In addition to this, the bot suffered from a fatal design flaw that ended both of its first matches almost instantly. The inner frame was made of 3D printed PA6-CF (Carbon Fiber Nylon) and had both the top and bottom plates anchored into it. This serious oversight resulted in the entire inner frame shearing clean in half and spilling its insides out onto the arena floor.

I got inspired to make such a large diameter weapon after seeing it implemented to great effect in the Battlebot Manta. Hyphen is named for its resemblance to the keyboard character of the same name. A vastly improved version of this bot is currently in the works, with an expected debut in late 2025.